Arizona republican., 1920-01-18
av FREDERIC J. HAskiN

NEW YORK, Jan. 13.-After reading so much radical literature on the abol- ition of holy matrimony, as well as the latest divorce statistics, it is a shock to find so many people still doing it-- getting married, that is, not reading The shock my be pleasant, or it may be disagreeabie, according to your own cherished convictions, but it is shock. Instead of losing prestige by the heavy accumulation of evidence against it, matrimony appears to be rapidly gaining in popularity. Last year was a banner year for 1t here in New York. Over 10000 couples ob- tained marriage licenses from the mar riage bureau in the city hall, Which was an increase of II per cent over the year before, and of these some 14,OOO did not even stop to think the matter over after obtaining the license, but were married right there in the mar riage chapel. And this, in spite Of the fact that New York throws few more difficulties in the way of marriage-at least for the women-than, most places
 There is the matter of the license, for instance. In most towns the would be groom can buy marriage license with greater ease than he can buy one for his automobile. All he has 10 do is to ask for il. pay the price, and il is his. Or, if he happens 10 be busy, his father or prospective father in law can rush into the clerks office at the last moment and get 1t for him, or the bride may even phone down and have the license mailed to her or sent out by special messenger.
 But in New York it is different. Here both parties to the fatefuI if not fatal deed must appear in person, to- gether fill out an application blank re- quiring a lot of information, and to- gether swear that the statements written down. are true No candidate for the welded state be he rich or poor, good, bad or indifferent can es- cape this bit of red tape. A Fifth avenue heiress must appear and make out her half of the application the. same as the bride from Mott street.
 Another difficulty in the path ~of matrimony in New York is the city clerk, P. N. SculIy. If there is any thing the least bit suspicious in your aplication. or if you are fortunate enough to appear under age, you are whisked into Mir. Scullys office. ysbefe you are carefully interrogated by him. How old are you? Where do you come from, and why? are some of the queS- tions Mr. Scully asks, and such is his ferocious mien that you invariably tell the truth. MT. Scully can hold up your license if he wishes. and prevent you from getting married in New York.
 But fortunately for the already very much frightened and subdued pilgrims of matrimony who come to the bureau Mr. Scully rarely takes advantage of this awful power. In spite of his some what baleful, authoritative stare. he is a genial, friendly soul, who likes being married himself, and enjoys sending so many other persons on their matri- monial way.
 The other day a troubled bridegroom and his trim, calm little bride were brought into MT. Seu1ly's office as sus- picious characters. They stood for lornly by the door while MT SculIy perused many licenses. and it is doubt ful if he would ever have known they were there had not clerk come and whispered something in his ear. Inn mediately. MT. Scully lifted his head and fixed the couple with his penetrat- ing gaze.
 How old are you." he demanded bride.
 She is twenty" inferposed the bridegroom quickly.
 Wasn't talking to you, said Mir Scully. Tell your correct age young lady, nobody was ever hurt by telling
 T was twenty last July declared the bride
 "Hm, you look pretty young for twenty" remarked MT. Scully. Does your mother know about this?''
 Yes, my mother knows all about it. the girl faltered nervously. He has been staying at our house. and she knows all about it. Now he IS going West, and l am going with hlm|
 A tear trembled on the brides cheek and Mir. Scully's manner immediately underwent a tremendous change. He came forward and married them right there in his office, and escorted them regally to the door
 Now. take good care of her" he ad- monished the bridegroom. She's leav- ing her home and putting all her trust in you. Take good care of her"
 Going West with him." he explained sentimentally, as he came back to his desk, as if everybody in the room had not heard all about it and knew where they were going.
 A few minutes later, another sus- picious couple were brought into his office. their case too obvious to need even a whispered explanation from the clerk. The man was collarIess, his hat was gone. and his hair was rumpled the woman wore good clothes but her walk was unsteady. Mir. Scully took one look at them.
 Come back when you're sober" was all he said to tie bridegroom
 Many such couples are refused li- censes in Mir. Scully's office, and ac- cording to him, they seldom come back Licenses are also withheld from Chinamen appearing with white girls until the police have made an investi- gation of the case. Another matter over which there is occasionally trou- ble is that of divorce decrees. Some decrees which are good in other states afraid. Mir. Spreckles reported the result and said. 'I can't get fifteen