The San Francisco call., 1897-02-03

generally he is in a hurry when he applies
for a marriage license but before he gets
through with his interview with Cupid"
Danforth all the ardor of haste has evaporated
and he realizes that even the preliminaries OF
marriage are solemn observances, not to be
lightly or inconsiderately treated by the can
didats for marital happiness.
Sometimes Mr.. Danforth is compelled to re-
fuse to issue license because of the tender
age OF the would-be bride. In such case all
his generous and chivalric nature is aroused,
and he couches his denial of the coveted docu-
ment in language so courteous that even the
disappointed applicants are 10th 10 complain.
In such cases. however he has need of all his
strength of character, for bright eyes, epchant-
ing smiles and pouting lips plead nightly for
the young suitors. But he is adamant never
theless, and nothing less than the sworn con-
sent OF the little lady's parents will gain her
the document that will set the marriage bells
a-ringing.
Divorced people have 10 answer all the
questions provided for by the statute. If they
say they were divorced in San Francisco Mr..
Danforth will go with them TO the court rec
ord and look up the facts Tor them. If all is
satisfactory and the decree has been granted
they get the paper. If not, they must wait
until all legal defects are mended, or go to
some other county where the officers of the
law are less rigid in the performance of duty
of the highest Importance to the people OF the
commonwealth.
Sometimes the divorced applicants are an
CRY and sometimes they are, grateful. One of
the latter came from Portland TO marry the
lady OF his matured affe ctions.
Ever married before?" asked sCupid" Dan
forth, as by the code required.
"Yes,'' was the reply.
"Wife dead?
mo-
"Diyorced?"
"Yes"
"When?"
ain San Francisco. The summons was served
on me in Portland. and let the case go by de-
fault heard from my wife that the divorce
was granted"
"Well, let's look up the recopa."
friend of the applicant who was present
here interposed. and insisted that it was only
taking time, and hinted that only crank
would doubt the word of the gentleman from
Oregon, who happened to be firm looking and
wealthy.
"If you are all right on the record it won't
do you any harm to look" insisted Mr.. Dan
forth.
So to the record they went, and found it to
read, Service of summons acknowledged, ="
and IL stopped right there.
''Well I'll be blowedr' said the Webfoot
swain. THAT first wife of mine wanted to get
me into trouble. If had married my present
choice Xantippe would have had me arrested
for perjury and bigamy. Give me your hand,
Mr.. Danforth; / owe you debt OF gratitude
that Pll never forget"
So the rich man from the Willamette VAL
ley remained here long enough to gain resi-
dence, proved that his first wife was un-
worthy of bearing mis- name, got divorce
married his new-found love and went home
happy.
1t frequently happens that Mr. Danforth in
the discharge of his duty Is compelled to re-
fuse licenses for the marriage of japanese men
to white women. He has been tn hreatened with
suits, but maintains that he is right under the
decisions of the United States courts, which
classify Japs Mongolians.