The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-01-17
MARRIED IN THE DARK,

The man who. during heated argu-
ment with his better half wrathfuIly de-
clares thatshe was married in the dark
| does not, as a rule, mean entirely what
he says. and were YOU to inform him that
there are several authentic cases of eou-
pies having been welded for better or
worse iii darkness he would probably not
believe you.
! The fact remains, however that during
the last month or two no fewer than
three couples have for different reasons
been married IN darkened places, the most
curious instance, perhaps, being that OF
Mr.. and Mrs Carroll NJ. Burck, of Brook
lyn. The marriage was performed at the
house of the brides mother in a room
which was not only darkeEed by the shut
ters being closed, but also heavily barred
and guarded. Even the light OF can
die was not permitted and the short ser
vice was conducted by the officiating
CLERGYMAN in absolute darkness.
The couple took their places al ten min
utes to in the evening, and when every
thing was in readiness and the half dozen
guests had presented themselves. the
lights We're turned out and the service
DSSStl. ne CitfSH knew MS part DIV
heart. and performed the ceremony with
out a hitch, while the responses were
made in an audible voice by the "con-
tracing parties" This curious wedding
was the outcome of threats on the part of
a wealthy broker. who had declared his
intention of shooting Miss Gertrude VIII
lis the bride. if she ever married any
man othe! than himself. After the cere-
mony the newly welded couple were ac-
companied to the train by two armed men
who also travelled with them for some dis
lance Both bride and the bridegroom had !
been threatened through the post and
personally by the infatuated broker, who /
vowed he would kill them If any attempt /
were made TO perform the ceremony
About six months ago a member Of a I
musical comedy company performing in I
st. Louis became engaged 10 be married. /
and the insuppressible press agent, who I
was anxious TO obtain some free log
rolling for his show suggested TO the
girl that she should be married in the
theater after the play, and with the
lights turned down.
The young woman. who was entirely de-
void of common sense, objected. but as
the inducement she agreec. providing. o,
course. that her fiance had no objection
As soon as everything was arranged the
press agent went to work with the result
that the theatre was packed nightly b.
crowd of people who were all anxious to
see the girl who was going to he married
in the dark On the appointed evening
(which the mana cement had taken care
TO advertise freely the audience at the
dropping OF the curtain. were asked u
Keep their seats.
When the actors and actresses had
taken tkeir places on the stage the clergy
man made his appearance. and az sign
from the delighted press agent che lights
were lowered and ne service began The
ceremony barely took ten minutes % per
form. but the audience wen; away salts
fed with having been present ar ore 81
the streagest weddings ever celebrated
Accident was the primary cause OF Miss
Jane DonRe and Mr. Perry Nyhelian being
married In the dark The wedding took !
place II the church Of ST John. Jackson I
vile. when. Just s. the clergyman was J
inteTrozating the bride az 10 he- willing
ness TO take Mr. WhsIsan as her welded
husband. the gas sent out and the cor r
gregation vas left IN inkv Darkness Sev-
crai attempts we're made 20 iigkt i again.
Bat as il was svfSentiy turnes or a. the {
meter the result was hardly successful. {
The bride. vno was sDesrstisiops. do z
,lared thar It WAS warning 70 her. and !
considerable difficulty VAS experienced r. .
obtaining her permission for the confirm {
alton Of the service ~ the aid ~ couple !
noHy. when the wedding party were .
gathered around TIE weIi-iit SUPPER IA
BE. . COED many soke< ~efe cracked p. &
ne exFsers> OF sisn bridegroom svao. how ,
.ver took RS ehzff.;.s NTH Eood ~raoe- !.
aicaso TsihGEe- y
The PASSING or RED CLOUD.
Esd DIeud Is DING n tsqes 4 q eor- Q