Year: 1859

1t is really astonishing to think Of the
various uses to which newspapers are ap
piled, and when we reflect thereon, we are
daily impressed with the fact, that they
are Indispensable to the happiness of man.
kind. We learn that they arc now ex;ens
lively woln by the ladies instead of hoops,
and it is asserted by those who have tried
The experiment, that they are an excellent
substitute therefor. The other day, we
dropped into the establishment of friend,
Il man of literary tas.e. and found him
laughing heartily over an article which he
was perusing in a newspaper, and which
he handed Us To read We found ii 10 be
an humorous account of a marriage which
took place ON a boat while down the Mis-
sIssppi floa,ing,' and the sum and sub.
stance of which WAS that once upon i time
Il joyful party of yourg folks from the
country. making journey down the river,
for purposes which will occur TO the read
er, after We have related our story, and
among the nrmber was couple. who were
deSirous Of contracting matrimonial alli-
ancc- offensive and defensive, of course)
but unfortunately for the "smilten ones"
they had neglected TO provide themselves
with Il minister Of the gospel, and as there
was none on board the boat it appeared
that they would have to defer the cou5um
nation Of their happiness to an indefinite
period. Fortunately. however, at the next
landing, very sedato looking parsonage,
armed with a carpet sack, his neck encir-
cled with white cravat (the badge OF a
minisier) and his head surmounted by Il
"white beaver" and an expression of conn
tcnaAce which seems 10 indicate decided
fondncss for "yaller-legged chickens"
came on board the boat. His "points"
were eagerly scanned and discussed b.
the various individuals occupying the Ia
dies cabin, and resulted in the general con-
clusion that he was godsend, and just
tho man they were looking for. Some time
after the boat had started upon her way.
an interval which was occupied BY those
in TIE ladies' cabin, in having "good
time of ii" one of the company approach
ed the man who wore the ministerial ha-
biliments" and without questioning rs to
his profession. taking it for granted that
he WAS all right. asked him if he "would
have any objection to performing the mar
aiage ceremony" Now, the man of the
Lord (to all appearances after coming on
hoard had been silent but attentive OBJ
server Of the various transactions which
had transpired in the after part of the boat
and when the query was put to him in
reference to the performance of the mar
riage rite, he took it that the company only
wanted little ''devarshun," and immedi-
ately expressing great readiness to COM
ply with the request, Ne followed the 9TH
er to that part of the boat where tho com
pany were assembled. lie was made well
come to their midst, and after some little
time spent pleasantly in conversations, the
two high contracting powers stood up and
asked to have the ceremony pcrformed--
This was done by tie mistaken one in
the most faultless manner and with becom-
ing dignity. That part of the perform
ance being over, the friends gathered round
ana overwhelmed the 'happy couple with
their congratulations. After passing half
an hour in sociablc conversation with his
new acquantances. the preacher" took
his leave and in due time retired to his
"virtuous conch" 1t so happened that
himself and a male member of the party
occupied berths in the same state room--
Some considerable time after the .'preach-
er" had retired to rest, and after he had
sunk into the earns Of Morpheus he
was aroused by the entrance of his room.
mate, who seemed 10 be In an exceedingly
happy state of mind. Seeing that the
tpra L. u


I'm mighty glad on Dawes account you
came aboard, | was afraid he would be
disappointed about getting married to-
day.


The preacher reflected for {. few nc
ments, and the feai that he had made a
mistake crossed his mind, and he said:


Did those folks want TO get married?'


why of course they did, or the would
mt had you perform tho ceremony"


Thunder and lightning said the other.
Il amt no preacher! Thought it was only
in fun!"


Stranger said the man in very sol
emn and impressive tone OF voice, "Mev
are both an tie same State-roomt'


In an instant after the above announce
ment was made, the man who personated
the clerical gentleman was on his feet and
flying across the saloon. boot in hand to-
ward the room which had been pointed
out to him az the one occupied by the
newly married couple. A moment later
and he was pounding furiously on the door
with his heavy boot. Shortly aferward
the door swung slowly ajar and the head
of Dave protrudcd through the opening.
| Come out Of here for heaynrl's sake