Norwich bulletin., 1910-06-11
ERODE L. DUKE COULDN'T
 GET MARRIED IN WASHINGTON.
Pastor Refused to Officiate at Cere- nony of Divorced Tobacco Maenate.

Washington, June 10.-Brodie l.. Duke, one of the tobacco magnates of the country, came quietly to Washing ton today to negotiate his fourth mar riage, but after carefully laid plans for the ceremony he ran afoul of a Pres byterian clergyman's aversion to di- Vorce
 Mir. Duke had planned to be married at o'clock this afternoon to Miss Wylanta Rochelle of Durham, N. C., where arc situated his tobacco inter ests and his magnificent estate. The Rev. Donald A. Mcleod, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. had agreed to perform the ceremony.
 The understanding was reached be- tween the prospective bridegroom and the Presbyterian pastor about 9 o'clock in the morning, soon after the tobacco manufacturer and his bride -to-be had arrived in the city.
 The law of the District of Columbia requires that the name of the minis ter or marrying justice must appear on the license application and the license before it is issued. Cognizant of this provision Mir. Duke. accompanied by a friend. called on Rev. MT. Macleod before he applied for his license.
 Having arranged to be married in Rev. Mir. MacLeod's study at o'clock MT Duke procured the license. He gave his residence and that of Miss Rochelle as Durham, N. C.. his age at 62 years and hers at 2S The name of Rev. MT. Macleod was given as the marrying clergyman. So far the plans were running smoothly.
 Later in the day some seeker after news discovered that Brodie l.. Duke, the tobacco man. three times married. twice divorced. and on several occa- sions involved in marital difficulties. the chief of which was with the late Alice Webb Duke. was to be married. This fact was subsequently, announced to the public through the newspapers, and reporters and photographers gath cred at the First Presbyterian church. Rev MT. Macleod arrived at the church. He entered his study, and a few minutes later came out and re- quested the camera brigade to leave the church. Summoning the reporters. he informed them that there was to be no wedding.
 The marriage license bureaus rec ords show that you are to marry Bro- die l.. Duke" was suggested.
 Well, I am not going to marry him here or anywhere" replied the minis ter. somewhat vigorously.
 Have you refused to marry him on the ground that he has figured in the divorce courts 2"
 Well. that is not for me to say" was the reply. "You are good guess CT however"
 Subsequently Rev. MT. Macleod said he did not know MT Duke, and that when he came to him in the morning and engaged him to perform a mar- riage ceremony. he agreed to do so. not having known the applicants marital When he afterward learned the facts, he communicated with Mir. Duke and informed him that he could not officiate.
 The time for the ceremony was then drawing nigh. and in order for MT. Duke to be married in the District of Columbia it was necessary for him to procure another minister or justice and to file his name on the records a the courthouse. This he had not done when the license office closed at o'clock and no trace of the bridal par ty could be found. Miss Rochelle Discovered Late at
 Night.
 Miss Rochelle was discovered late tonight at the home of Mrs Mary L. Hersley a private tutor. under whom she had been studying. MT. Duke | called there shortly after nine o'clock mad brief conversation with her and Disappeared again.
 Miss Rochelle was highly indignant | over the uotoriety attending the at 1 empted marriage and announced her l intention of returning immediately 10 | Ter home in Durham.
 T was going to marry MT. Duke toe | iay." sNe said but I don't know now | whether I will or Hut."