The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-08-10
FINAL ACT OF
THE MAY CASE
Marriage Ceremony Was Performed Yes
terday Afternoon
AT TER DAY OF EXPECTATION
At The Appointed Hour in the Morning
They Failed to Show Up
LICENSE WAS ISSUED AT ONE
And Closing Chapter Was Written at
4:3O-Newman Game to the We'd
ding But May Forbade His
Presence.
LICENSE WAS ISSUED AT ONE

final act of the dramatic May case, which
has attracted the attention of the Bir-
mingham public for the past several days,
and the sensational story of quasi-domes-
tic relations which was exposed in all its
revolving nakedness has passed into his
tory.
The closing scene which took place yes
terday afternoon at st. Paurs parsonage
/ was impressive in the extreme, and
fitting finale disclosed the two principal
characters kneeling before priest of the
holy church, who sanctified and approved
the marriage contract which had been IL
licitly entered into fifteen years before.
AS stated in the Age-Herald of yester-
day, after Judge Wilkerson had rendered
his decision in the contest between May
and his common-law wife, Georgia Gam
BILE, for the custody of their two children,
reconciliation was effected. 1t was de-
cided that marriage should be celebrated
according to the rites of the Catholic
church, but on account of the lateness of
. the hour the matter was postponed until
morning. the hour of the ceremony being
fixed at 10 o'clock.
The parties returned to the Southern ho-
tel and Attorney Howard, who accompa-
MED Mr.. May from New Orleans, left for
home on the night train.
No Marriage at Appointed Fl our.
When the appointed hour arrived yester-
day morning there was nothing to indicate
that the marriage would be performed
exceptan expectant crowd which had as
sembled at st. Pauls church to witness
the ceremony. Father O'Reilly, the parish
tata ba had haa tn
regarding the marriage. but knew nothing
of the arrangements. 1t was later an
nounced that the ceremony would occur at
l o'clock, and shortly after II o'clock Mr..
May accompanied by Attorney Lane appli-
ed at the probate Office for a marriage IL
cense, which was issued to George D. May
and Miss Georgia G. Gamble
There was another delay, however, and
the reporters who were assigned to the
story were fearful that the whole matter
had been declared off and a pretty story
spoiled.
The reporters FASTENED to the Southern
hotel where the parties were stopping and
found Mr. May and Miss Gamble in con-
sultation with Attorney Fries. Mr.. May
stated that he could not say at what hour
the ceremony would take place, as he was
very busy arranging such matters as re-
quired his attention before leaving the
city
Newman Was on Same Floor.
Charles Newman. who figured so promi-
nently in the case as the paramour of the
woman, occupied room on the same floor
of the hotel, and was in the act of shaving
when the reporters called. When asked
concerning the case he said, Gentlemen,
have nothing to say about the matter.
have washed my hands of it,
Later another effort was made to learn
the time when the ceremony would take
place, but nothing definite could be ascer-
tanned.
Was Pulled or at 4.
There was another wait, but shortly after
o'clock May and the woman. were seen
to enter the parsonage and an Age-Herald
reporter, who was on the lookout FASTENED
to the scene.
The only person present besides the priest
and reporter was Attorney Fries, and Faith
err O'Reilly Immediately retired to don his
gown and cassock, preparatory to the cere-
mony.
About this time Newman entered the par
Messing the ceremony. May gave him to
understand that his presence was not want
ed. and he soon took his departure.
Exactly at 4:3O o'clock Father O'Reilly
called the parties into the little parlor and
the ceremony was begun. The stern man
and the sad-faced woman stood before the
holy priest who read the ritual service and
vowed to heaven that they would take each
other as husband and wife and would re-
main faithful and true through life. The
wedding ring was placed upon the brides
finger, and the two knelt before the priest.
who gave them his choicest blessing. Mr.
May clasped his wife In his arms and scaled
the holy compact with a kiss and the cere
mony was ended.
Congratulations were extended by the-fev
witnesses. and Mr.. and Mrs. May returned
to the hotel
The remainder of the afternoon was spent
in winding up affairs of business nature
and at 1:40 o'clock this morning the recon-
ciled family, consisting of father, mother
and two children, left for New Orleans over
the Alabama Great Southern railroad, the
train being almost four hours late. Before
taking his departure, Mr.. May stated that
he had nothing but the kindest feelings for
the people of Birmingham, and especially
the press. which he said had handled the
case in a manner entirely satisfactory to
him. considering it's serious features.
Thus endeth the final chapter
Notice.