The evening times., 1898-10-18
HAS over FIFTY WIVES
Startling Marital Record of
Convict James Clarke.
WEDDED WHENeHE PLEASED
Only One Arm, But Fascinated Wild
Ows and Maidens with the Charms
of an Aliuring Tongue and Fables
Concerning Wealth I'm CattIe-NOw
Repents i'm the Penitentiary.

Ecltimore, Oct. 1S-There is an elderly
gray-haired man in the Maryland peni-
tentiary who, in his way, has made re-
markable record. His story is recalled by
the publication of the doings of Charles
Woodruff, of Chicago, who was married
fifty times and finally arrested for biga-
my few days ago.
The man whom the State of Maryland Is
taking care of is James Clarke, about
siXty-five years old, one-armed and 1t is
claimed, man SO singularly fascinating
to women that he had married fifty-five of
them before he was arrested, nearly four
years ago, by Detective Al Gault.
Detective Gault tells the story of
Clarke's adventures in Baltimore, and ex-
presses his belief that Clarke was one of
the smoothest takers that ever "wagged
tongue" He says that there are indict-
ments out in almost every State in the
Union against Clarke, and that he Is
known to have married fifty-fiye women.
He says his charm was his wonderful
tongue, with which he was able to pour
forth in soft language such stories that
hardly woman could be found TO resist
him.
1t seems Clarke's regular game was TO
pick out some young widow, with "a little
money, represent to her that he was quite
a wealthy cattle owner from California
and marry her. Then by little per-
suasion he would induce the bride to turn
over her savings to he placed in the same
bank with all his wealth After this was
cf, alxy #IAff nd
came back.
The singular part of this is that while
he has been married tifty-hve times, none
of his wives have ever prosecuted him
and he is serving his term now for steal
ing trunks and not for bigamy
Clarke, after being in Baltimore for
some time. became acquainted with
Mrs. Sadie l.. Culleny, who lived on Rob-
ert Street and was said TO have s., go.
Clarke told her about his cattle ranch in
California and compared her 10 his dear
departed wife, eminentIy 10 Mrs. Cu-
lenys advantage. Finally. Mrs Culeny
decided To marry him and go at once TO
California with Clarke. No one was told
except a very confidential friend of Mrs.
Culleny's. Mr. Clarke discovered a min
lister from one of the counties TO whom he
promised $ if he would perform the cere-
mony. n s7t
On the eNentIul CuiIeny H.
vited all her friends TO the house with
out telling them what was the occasion.
She had risged up a curtain in the par
lor, dividing off half the room. The
young minister arrived late on a ear, hav-
ing missed the carriage sent for him. He
found the guests assembled and whispers
going round of what was about 10 occur.
The minister was taken apart by the
confidential friend and told that she suS-
pected something was wrong. and did not
like Mr.. Clarke's actions. He had, she
said, promised TO give his wife a check
for $780, 600 at the marriage supper. but
was acting queerly. The minister looked
stern and said he would talk to Mr..
Clarke. He and the bridegroom went in
TO room together and before the minis
ter could start Clarke was telling all
about his California cattle and finally
told the minister he would make his fee
$50
The jump from IS TO $50 ratified the
clergyman and he came out and told the
confidential friend that the bridegroom
was perfectly straight and fine gentle
man. Finally everything was arranged,
and at the -tinkle of a bell the curtains
were parted and the guests looked upon
Mrs. Culleny and Clarke in wedding at
tire There was much surprise. but the
young minister started in and married
them in a business-like manner The ru-
NOR about the great wealth of the bride
groom and his promise of giving the
bride 100000 check at the marriage ta-
bic kept the interest stirring among the
friends.
when the supper was announced and
the couple with the others sat down
every one was waiting and watching for
the event of the check. Old Clarke knew
they were sizing him up, and was par
ticularly deliberate about making any
move. Gradually every one stopped eat
ing to watch and wait on Clarke. He,
without seeming to notice anything,
reached his hand in his pocket and. TAX
ing out neatly folded slip of paper,
passed it covertly to the minister The
movement was seen by all, and the min
lister quickly slipped the paper in his
pocket, with happy fee, ing. As soon as
the supper was over the minister hurried
out to see the size of his check. and read
with horror: owing to the intense ex-
citement under which l am laboring on
this the eve of my marriage l have not
been able to get to bank today.
The poor preacher, seizing his hat, fled
from the house, into the carriage and
away. After he left others began to get
suspicious. and there finally was a fight
and poor old Clarke was thrown out
"If he had not made that 100000 check
promise it is probable he would have
gotten Mrs. Culleny's money in the same
way in which he had that of many other
widows His having only one arm did
not seem to affect him at all with the
women. and from Sacramento to Balti-
more he has met and married them when
he pleased
TO CURE COLD IN ONE DAY