A LEADVILLE MARRIAGE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 937, 2 April 1880, Page 3

A LEADVILLE MARRIAGE.

(FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES.) There is no doubt that the rector of St. George’s church, Leadville, belongs to the church militant He lijis just’proved it beyond contradiction, and at this moment public sentiment in Leadville pronounces him the ablest and most powerful clergy man for the weight in the United States, while a committee of leading citizens is about to present him with a silver-mounted revolver as a testimony of respect and admiration. The Bev. Mr Withers earned this enviable reputation a few weeks ago while engaged in marrying the well-known Mr Roaring Bill to one of : the most beautiful accomplished daughters of Leadville. The bridegroom was a man of „.ost excellent reputation, having killed three men in hand-to-hand lights, and wounded a number of others. He was not accompanied to the altar by any groomsman, and the bride was similarly devoid of bridesmaids, though their place was to some extent taken by her three brothers. Mr Withers, who up to that time had been known as an extremely peaceable man, and was not supposed to have a particle of fighting ability about him, had been warned that the bridegroom avas very quick-tempered and exceedingly jealous, and that he would do well to “ ladle out the service pretty considerable mild." To this warning, how ever, he paid no attention, being determined to do bis duty no matter what the consequences might be. The service proceeded smoothly until the clergyman reached the point where he asked the bridegroom if he t'>ok the “ woman” to be his wedded wife. To this Mr Roaring Bill replied by remarking that he was about to marry a “ lady, ” and that any man who called her a “woman ’’ must be remarkably anxious to incur the expense of a personal funeral. Paying no attention to this remark, the clergyman proceeded, and inquired if the bridegroom would promise to love, cherish, and protect the bride. This was regarded by Mr Roaring Bill in the light of an unnecessary asking of foolish questions “ In course I do,” he replied ; “ what do you take me for? Do you mean to insinuate that I am a playin’ it onto her ? I want you to understand that thishyer’s a square deal, and if you don’t just go ahead with your marryiu’ and drop this askin ' of impertinent questions, it'll lead to difficulties. Aon hear me” Still the courageous clergyman, heedless of the brewing storm, ignored the bridegroom’s interruptions, and read the service with cool and steady courage. Presently, he inquired of the bride if she would promise to love, honour, and obey her husband. At this point, the latter drew his revolver and informed the clergyman that he was fast ripening for the grave. “Any more personal questions will require me to answer with thishyer weepon. I don’t wish to make a row in a church, but if you will have one, just continue as you have begun. I’m a peaceable, longBufferin’ man, but the holiest feclin’s of this lady’s heart isn’t goiu’ to bo pried into by no man without he hears from me.” Still the clergyman pursued the oven tenor of his way. One might have imagined that ho was desf, *o utterly heedless

was he of the irregular "responses made by 1 the bridegroom. The spectators who had assembled to witness tho ceremony were making bets freely as to whether Mr Bill would kill him at the first fire or whether he would merely mark him with a bullet, for future indentitica' ion. Contrary to the general anticipation, tho bridegroom made no further interruption, either by word or bullet, and the ceremony came to an end." All might have ended 'peaceably had not Mr Withers, determined to do his whole duty, supplemented the ceremony by kissing the bride. The first bullet missed its mark, and tho bridegroom, while pausing to adjust his aim, remarked that “this painful immorality on the part of the clergy must be checked.” Just as he was about to fire tho second shot—having got the clergyman’s right oar in line—the brother of the bride sprang on him and took away his pistol. At the same moment Mr Withers tore off his surplice, and, leaping over the railing struck out fat Mr Roaring Bill in a most beautiful and scientific way. A ring was immediately formed. The bride climbed on the baptismal font and alternately encourage I each combatant with such inspiriting remarks as, “ Now, then, Bdl, bust him in the eye,” or “ Hooray, parson, the eyes of the church is on you ! Rack up your religion like a little man !” Tho eager spectators swarmod into tho church ami sought for good positions in the pulpit. The betting at first was on the bride groom, but at the end of ten minutes large odds were offered on the clergyman. His conrage was unoubted, and his pugilistic skill was simply astounding. His adversary scarcely touched him, while the clergyman danced around him, now closing an eye and now shaking the foundations of his teeth with a smiling confidence that created the wildest enthusiasm. In 20 minutes and five rounds he had rclucod his man toperfeet helplessness. Mr Roaring Bill cried “ enough,” the spectators cheered, and the bride, descending from her perch, kissed the clergyman with hearty frankness, and informed him that she should never allow any husband of hers to come between her and her religion. Such was the public enthusiasm in Leadville over the clergyman’s victory that no less than 30 leading citizens came forward and offered to be confirmed as an evidence of their good-will, provided the rector refrained from interfering with card-playing and other usual Sunday recreations. As lias been said, the admiration of Leadville is about to bo expressed in silver mounted pistols, and there Is no doubt that the prosperity of St. George's Church and the popularity of Mr Withers’arelfully assured.