Evening journal., 1923-01-13

ELKTON. Nd. Jan. 13.-There IS
a strong likelihood Elkton will cease
10 be a Gretna Green. following the
approaching session Of the Maryland
Legislature.
According to the Rev. G. T. Aid
erson. pastor Of the local Methodist
Episcopal Church. a bill which
would halt the marriage mills for
clipping couples has been prepared.
1t is said TO have the approval Of
Governor Richie and a majority Of
the legislators The bill would re-
.ouire non-residents to wait forty
eight hours after obtaining the mar
riase license. before the ceremony
could be performed.
Elkton's marriage industry is also
seriously threatened by the recent
discovery Of a state law which pro-
'tdes fines for clerzymen who tip
iltney drivers or others who pilot
couples 10 them.
Pastors OF the several churches
here. who say the term marrying
parson" has cast a stigma upon their
cloth and on Elkton. have conferred
" IN He.-ry \. Warburton. states
Attorney. and have urged that a
warning notice be sent 10 all clergy
men OF the county.
The Rev Daniel Forbes Locker
bic. eighty-three. the marrying par
son" is apparently undisturbed by
the discovery or the anti-t.ppi'g'
law or the threatened legislation
requiring forty-eight hours resi-
dence.
Mr.. Lockerbie resides at the ex-
irene west OF the town. and the road
In front OF his large white ard huh
home with its spreadlng porches
and brightly shining beacon over
the storm door. is deep with the
ruts OF many j.tney fivvers. Were
any elop!ng couple Of sufficient calm
ness. when Glighting at the railroad
station. IL would not be necessary
10 engage a jitney and pay an alleged
exhorbitant fee 10 he driven TO Mr..
Lockerbie's home Providing the
couple arrives before Elkton winds
the clock. puts out the cat and drags
in the sidewalk any pedestrian will
offer directions.
Jus: keep on walking out High
street. You cant miss the light and
the sign they will say with
knowing grim.
The sign referred 10 is Illuminated
by the porch light and consists Of
he marrying parsons" name in
large lettering.
With n there is even greater cheer
and the Rev. Lockerbie has con
verted the front lvinEroom into all
the solid comforts Of easy chairs and
a Cupid's bower \ large old fash
loned walnut table takes the ccnter
OF the room and piled high upon il
are marriage certificates ranging
from just plain blank form 10 I'M
posing beribboned and tasseied fold
ers gay with robust cherubs. we'd
ding bells, hearts entwined and forai
showers.
Despite his years. the Rev. Lock I
erbie is vigorous and broad Of shoul-
der. ever in readiness to spring from
his bed as a fiivver siren may herald
nuptial business approaching just
before dawn.
mo" he said as he mgsed
thoughtfully at his gray stubby
gcatee. mo / never heard OF any
such a law that would prevent a
clergyman bestowing such gratuities.
i never studied up Maryland laws. as
lived half a century in Philadel-
phis and I've been too busy since.
When asked if ne had contracts
with jitneurs TO pay them 50 for
each couple they brought before
him. regardless Of what fee-he
might receive. the Marrying Par
son" appeared even more bored.
1t is not true. never paid
anybody cent to bring couples
before me-" he said. "but them that
say it must know whereof they
speak"
Mrs. Lockerbie, in dainty white
apron nodded from the doorway and
oehind her loomed a jitneur Of i'm
mense stature.
a couple waiting?" asked Mr..
LocEerbie.
Both Mrs. Lockerbie and the lit
neur nodded. Don't keep 'em wait
ing. Daniel" cautioned Mrs. Lock
erb.e.
"Ahem, ahem. no no. Of course !
not" said the "parson." springing to
his feet and his questioner departed. ,
There is not 2 pastor Of a church :
in Elkton who is a Marrying Par
son." said the Rev. Anderson. who /
occupies a residence close to his r
church, on f. Main street. Two men e
who were imported here have been1 I
given that title" he added. Neither S
has church here and / never heard +
1f either preaching a sermon or con- Z
iucting church services. r
~ have been here three years and h
turing that time l am positive no d
tips have. been given jitney drivers a
By a single pastor or rector of our Q
Iour churches here" 1
The clergyman stroked his white C
,eard refectively. Just think" he o