The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-11-30
BRIDAL PARTIES !
ARE PROTECTED.
New Order Is Issued by Rail
road Companies.
RICE THROWING MUST. CEASE
But There II No Limit to the Number
OF PIscards That May He BePosted
On the Brides Bag

when they leave Canton on their honey
moon. If they suffer from rice throwing
IT will be before they arrive at the
various railroad stations In the city.
The railroad companies that have lines
through Canton have issued orders that
cereal throwing at the depots must
cease They will have no more of It,
This order was sent out from the head
quarters of the Pennsylvania railroad
first, and 1t was issued by the other
lines subsequently, 1t is said.
Now many persons will think this
step was taken to protect the brides
and bridegrooms from an aggravatinS
annoyance. But heartless corporations
usually have their own interests in
view when they issue orders of this
nature. The throwing of rice. old shoes
and other like matter has proven
great annoyance to the railroad station
masters. In the past when a party
would start on trip the station agents
were forced to clean house, the floors
and platforms having been Uttered with
grain and rubbish.
OF course, the railroad company can
not regulate the amount of rice and
white ribbon which will be fastened to
baggage, to hats, to umbrellas, and to
everything else possessed by bride,
but they can and have ruled out the
throwing of rice on the depot platform.
It is no longer permissible for bridal
party to gather at the station for q
hilarious seeing off" of the bride.
There can be no decorating of car sec
tions no tying of old shoes to seats.
no hiding of rice between the cushions,
no bibing of porters to advertise the
fact that the wedding has just taken
place. .,.-. 'HNf
The rule which has already gone into
effect, makes rigid restrictions upon the
bridal party; in fact, If this rule were
everywhere enforced 1t would be no fun
to be bridal party. in which case the
tables would no doubt be reversed.
However, there are brides--a very few
each year--who are willing to have
rice thrown after them. They are the
young people who are magnanimous
enough to believe they should give their
friends the best possible time at their
weddings and that If old shoes and rice
are part and parcel Of this time they
. Will willingly endure them. hoping for
an opportunity to reciprocate. They are
maids and best men at the weddings of
their best friends and who know just
How much of lark 1t is to fix things.
They are very brave and thoughtful
young people and they have not a
friend but who hopes they may have
their turn at the Consequences"
As for the other brides and grooms-
and they are in the majority-who do
not fancy the rice and fuss. they Will
find a kind protector in the railroads.
There is no doubt that they will flock
to the station to make their exit from
the city with what grace they may,
and IL their friends escort them to the
train 1t will be with the discouraging
knowledge that they must keep such
dignity As the station rules demand.
Early in the week the station masters
in Canton were notified of the new rule
and at once gave orders to their ushers
to enforce It.
Bridal parties arrive at the station
in groups Of twenty or thirty young
people, who are out for fun and beat
upon doing the one thing which the
authorities have ruled against. In
spite of the porters efforts to the con-
trary the car will be showered with
rice and pull out of the station with its
passengers fretful and it's bride In
blushing despair.
The excitement which the attempted
forcing of this rule has caused In and
about the stations during the last week
has furnished fun for everyone except
those directly concerned. There have
been a number of disgusted but trium-
phant bridal parties and as many dis
gruntled attendants. The porters and
passengers of the other roads have In
every case taken the part of the bridal
party. while the passengers and porters
of the Pennsylvania trains havs done
their best to protect the bride. In nc
case has the bride escaped pelting
Moreover. the young people when told
of the order haze taken the greatest
satisfaction IN adding touch oil deco.
ration to the train it:elf AMI severa
Pullman cars have started OIL thei,
journey VIII white ribbons .consIiel.
ousfy displayed along their sides.
1t has feally seemed as IL all the
brides have chosen the Pennsylvania
road as means of leaving town. The
.empoyes about the station are getting
80 expert in the discovery of brida
parties that they are unable to ge
into the cars with their forbidden mis-
sile. They nevertheless create consid
cradle disturbance in the depot and arr
often able, by briblng the porter, to ge
inside the car. where they soon make
an end to the observance of rules ant
regulations. Having rice enough to feet
small regiment. they do not hesitate
to share 1t with everyone who is willing
to Join sides with them in the contest
In this way they gather their forces
and when they finally make an on
slaught upon the porter and the pas
sengers of the car 1t Is overpowering.
The scramble Is always animated b,
the best of good nature and the laugh
ter of the participants excites the in
terest Of everyone within the station
People gather around the railing whicl
separates the station proper from th'
tracks and shout words Of encourage
ment and advice to those taking par
in the fun, Before the train finall,