Mexico weekly ledger., 1886-02-11
AN ARKANSAS WEDDING.
An Attempt to Introduce New Mar.
riage COde that Was Not q
Shining Success.
From the Arkansas Traveller.

other night. Ben Lother and Ida
Crimes ran away from the neighbor-
hood where they had been reared,
and applied to young Wilkinson, who
recently accepted call to preach.
The arrival of the runaway couple
soon became known, and quite 8
number of young people gathered at
the school house where the ceremony
was to be performed. The preacher,
upon arriving, called Bill Fellers 20
one side and said:
"Bill, l couldn't refuse to accom-
modste that young couple; but, to
tell the truth, l don't know how to
perform marriage ceremony. l
was never married, and / never saw
anybody married, and I don't under
stand the performance"
81 never saw anybody married,
either" Bill replied, "and 1 don't
believe there's anybody here that
understands it,"
"It won't do to disappoint them,
for L understand the girls father is
in pursuit. Let's see; you were COM
missisned as Justice of the Peace
the other day, wern't you?"
"Yes, but the papers didn't shed
any hight on marriage ceremonies.
II don't know what to do about
it," the young preacher continued.
''They've begun to grow restless,
you see."
"Well, parson, don't understand
1t any more than you, but ! am will
ing, if you will help me kill hogs next
week, to take the job off your
hands"
"All right"
Bill turned to the company, and
said:
Ladies' and gentleman, we've
met here to engage IN a very serious
business. This young couple (point-
ing) think they ought to be married,
and it amt for me to say they ought
not. Young fellow, have you got
your license?"
"Yes, SIR"
GAIL right. Hop out here, now"
The young couple advanced.
u DIN hands," said Bill. Il would
like to say that the new ceremony
just approved by the Governor has
gone into effect. Those who have
never seen this ceremony performed
will doubtless be amused at its nov
city, but I'll say right here that all
snickering will be treated as con-
tempt of court. Young man, what
is your business?
81 am farmer
"Ah, hah! How many rails can
you split in day."
"Four hundred in good timber"
will you swear it?'"
"Yes, sir"
'.Hold up your right hand"
He held up his right hand and was
sworn. Bill continued:
care you a good hand to cover
corn?'
"Yes, SIR"
"Please say, Yes, your Honor -
Eyes, your Honor
"That's right. How much can you
cover in day?''
ssThree acres. If the lands in good
condition.
"Will you swear it!''
"Yes, SIR"
Eyes, your Honor"
"Excuse me. Yes, your Honor. "
"Hold up your right hand.'
! And he was sworn again.
"What was the weight of the larg.
est bass you even caught?'
II don't remember exactly. About
five pounds, reckon"
"Will you swear it?'
"No, your Honor
"All right. Are you willing to
marry this gIri?"
"Yes, your Honor. If I want
wouldn't have brought her here
THAT'S what I thought" Bill med
itatively replied.
You love her, 1 reckon
I "Yes, your Honor
''How much ?"
80, l don't know. Ever so much
"What did she say when you asked
her?''
"She said Yes.
"Giad to hear it. Now, young
lady, will you please advance and
ki-s the Judge?"
| The girl hesitated moment, but
she stepped up and kissed Bill.
sDo you love this man!'
"Yes, SIR
) "Yes, your Honor
The girl corrected her mistake.
"How much do you love him?"
. Lots"
''GIad to hear it. Please step for.
ward and kiss the Judge
Again she kissed him.
, Remember that you are under
oath. Did you ever love any one
elsea''
eyes, your Honor"
''Why didn't yor marry hims'
"He didn't ask me.''
..PIease advance and kiss th.
Judge"
Look here, Squire" said tn,
, would-be bridegroom, II believe wee