The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1904-08-27
CUPID CONVERTS ALTAR INTO
BENCH FOR WOMAN TO
PROVE INNOCENCE.
Unusual Proceedings Among the Dunk.
Widespread Interest.


converted into a courtroom the origi-
nal Dunkard church of the west for the
trial of lovers quarrel-a girl against
her betrothed, who Tilted her as the re-
suit of allowing himself to believe
stories conceived through spiteful ma
chinations by a married woman, who
has a reputation as a village gossip,
and who manifests jealousy of all
young girls VINO marry WELL" The
unanimous verdict of not only the
church trustees of this peculiar Quaker
like sect, but of also the entire congre-
cation, which is one of the largest in
the country, favored the would be
bride, who was spurned on the eve of
her marriage.
1T is not to win back the love and
respect Of the man who was SO weak
as to believe such outrageous reports
concerning one he prOfessed so strong
ly to love, for he is not worth it," said
the young woman, her clear blue eyes
looking frankly into those of her
judges. But I intend to clear myself
of this stain, althoug.. am sure very
few persons who know me would give
it a moments credence."
overcrowded. hundreds being unable
to gain admittance. The atmosphere
was hot and swelterng, but the young
sweetheart bore up bravely through
the long hours of cross questioning.
Few communities are as quiet and
peaceful as this one, and the Dunkards
are known for their ability to take
care of their own AFFAIRS and conse-
quently their curiosity as to neighbour
hood events is slight. But this was an
unusual proceeding. Dunkards have
their own civil church avs, which
govern them pretty much, irrespective
of the laws of the state. If a neighbor
has a complaint against a neighbor, the
grievance is first aired in the court of
the church. If a settlement is not
reached then the courts of the state are
appealed to. But this was SO unusual
so out of all precedent in the history
of Dunkardism, that every member of
the colony for miles around stopped his
oxen or mules and came to hear the
evidence. Feeling was strong, with
the odds decidedly in favor of the
plaintiff from the beginning.
Miss Zylpha Snider is a beautiful
and charming young woman OF 90
Long she had been the most popular
and highly respected belle of the COM
munity in which she had resided with
her parents near Mississinnewa church
in this county, and on the bands of
sinewa river stands the old Snider
home.
month of June, she met at a church
strawberry festival a Widower, Lewis
Hines, about five years her senior.
With the gallantry of the rural beau
he handed her into mis- buggy, and to-
gether they drove through the over
shaded country road dotted by moon
beams.
After that eventful evening he called
at the Snder homestead, and finally
when romantic June came again and
the sweet flowers bloomed and the sill
very moon shone, there came a propo-
sal of marriage. The offer was ac-
cepted, and the anticipated wedding
day was set. The girl procured her
trosseau and brightness seemed to
overcast all the future.
Finally, on the eve of the wedding,
Snider home a letter reached the bride
| elect from Mr.. Hines. He stated that
Moore, wife of prominent farmer
| that Miss Snider had deceived him as
to her health, that she had been over
| taken by fatal malady and that her
| days were numbered.
The source of the report and it's ma
| ture aroused the young woman. SO
badly Inundated, and as she was in
| the best of health and had scarcely
been i'll day in her life, she called in
| the family physician and he signed a
statement to that effect. Then the
| wronged young woman went to the
| church board and asked for an oppor-
! tunity to exonerate herself from hav-
| ing been guilty of deceit, and to humble