The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-04-15
.ELOPING COUPLES
MAY Still MARRY
Tennessee Legislature Refuses
to Pass Bill TO Prevent
Such Weddings.
BRISTOL is eRETnA GREEN
Parson Burroughs Wins Another
Victory i'll Face Of Minis
tcrial Opposition.
BRISTOL is GRETNA GREEN

News from Nashville of the failure in
the Tennessee Legislature of the hill
designed to prevent runaway mar
caused general regret here, and espe-
ciaily in the Southwest. In spite of
the efforts of the church people OF
Bristol and of the territory lying near
That city, and in the face of a general
demand for such Ii measure. II has
been killed in the House after passing
the Senate The patron of the bill
was former Governor John I. Cox. of
Bristol. It's objects was to prevent
marriages In Tennessee of persons
from another State where they would
not he permitted TO we'd
As result. Parson Burroughs the
picturesque old man who has united
more than 5000 couples. the vast ma
tority of whom sought his aid to es-
cape parental tlisapproval. VIII continue
his performance of the ceremony OF
ma trlmony which he has made his
business. .
For many years lie has mot ali In
coming trains from the East, armed
with half score umbrellas and a
pleasant smile. Young couples with
sheenish looks arc Immediately &C.
costcd. with the suggestion that If
they are looking for marriage knot
he can supply them at lowest market
prices.
plnce Is Convenient.
In few moments the pair and the
parson may be seen vending their wav
across the State line to his residence.
few hundred yards away. 1t was
built for the special purpose Of ac-.
commnda,ing young men and women
who desire to marry. but who are pre-
vented hy operation OF the Law OF
Virginia In this State the parties
must De twenty-one years old or have
parents consent; in Tennessee only
sixteen.
For years Parson Burroughs has
geen frowned upon by tho ministers OF
the city. ley have disapproved OF
the practice of indiscriminate marriage
whereby children who are convinced
they know more than their parents arc
Joined together for life. The parson
has never been leased by these at
tacks- He accuses the pastors of pro-
fessional jealousy, intimating that
they want the fees themselves In re-
turn they say that the location of his
establishment is in itself an advertise
ment. drawing to Bristol many
thoughtless couples who might other
wise postpone their venture into the
sea of matrimony until they are old
enough TO know how to sail the ship
The latter is literally true. The
parsons motto is publicity. whether
favorable or unfavorable. 1t is all
advertising to him.
Takes Care of Them.
Again. he argues that If young neo-
PIE insist on being MARRIED. and go to
Bristol with that intention. 1t is best
70 have them met by some clergyman
who VIII tie the knot at once, The
reply made is that they wouldn't come
In such numbers hut for tho induce
ment.
So farson Burroughs Will continue
70 ply his profession. to the disgust of
ton from other aspiring preachers hi,
II mas never been successful He is
an adept at his job. often MARRYING
half dozen couple with the same
ceremony; IS a specialist who has stud
led his business thoroughly, and an
parently he Is good for a number Of
years more.