New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-25


upon the story His book provoked a correspond
ence. and when he found that much interest
had been aroused. he determined to make effort
10 restore the old usage This effort speedily
crowned with success. 3nd the institution now
shows every sign of vitality. the more as other
attractions. IN the shape Of cob and pony races
conjurers and muslc-ha variety entertainers. park
swings. steam gallopers" shooting saloons. A
trapeze-railway. ladies' cloakroom. refreshments
"ihe Brass Band Of the South Metropolitan School,
witham." and a grand display Of fireworks " form
part OF the programme
The proceedings began at ? O'clock I'm the mead
ows on the Causeway at Great Dunmow. some two
miles from the old priory Of Little Dunmow. where
the hitch OF bacon had its traditional origin First
Of which were that ponies OF fourteen hands should
carry nine stone and seven pounds be allowed FOR
AT 3l5 we all hurried into a large marquee for
the event of the day. The jury Of six bachelors
traycd a becoming dlnicncc which. however.
seemed to wear on as the proceedngs took their
dignlhcd Judge, and, being by profession an
marquee was arranged TO hold some thirteen hun
dred people, but a good many more had made
their way H. ana II was literally packed TO over,
the three couples claiming the bitches not only in
during the examnaton-in- chief. Whether the
questions were always IN good taste Is matter
entertaining the audience.
The principal couple comprised Sergeant Ma jor
T.
The gallant Woman Is an imposing looking veter
an. who seems particularly proud of his voluminous
white beard he Is exactly double the age OF his
wife, for he has reached thrcescore years and four
The veteran answered the questions which were put
to him in precise. military manner which used
TO be familiar among old soldiers than II Is
now. when the short-service system leaves. after
all comparatively few traces on it's victims. The
Sergeant-Major served with the 10Th Highlanders
and he great deal Of active service: he went
through the Crimean War. and had the distinction
to be severely wounded in the Mutiny His mill
tary achievements have brought him the many
medals that decorate his uniform. He married
in January, 1884. His wife Is pleasant little wom-
an. and she caused good deal of amusement by
her ready and apt replies when under cross-ex-
After the proceedings which had resulted in a
verdict In favor OF all the couples they were chaIred
In procession through the damp meadows in
stones for the traditional confession and SEN
tence. These run as follows:
THE CONFESSION.
You shall swear by custom OF confession
That you ne'er made nuptial transgression;
Nor. since you were married man and wife,
BY household brawls or contentious strife,
Or otherwise. at bed or at board.
Offended each other In deed word
or In twelvemonth and "A day
Repented not in thought any way
or. since the parish clerk said amen.
Wished yourselves unmarried again;
But continued true and In desire
As when you joined hands In holy qulre
THE SENTENCE.
Since to these conditions. without any fear,
OF your accord you do freely swear
\ whole fitch of bacon you shall receive
And bear II away with love and good leave
For this Is the custom at Dunmow well known:
Though the pleasure be ours. the bacon's your own
Racing was resumed at o'clock. and my last
Catherine wheels took my departure in the
gathering twilight.