A LEADVILLE MARRIAGE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2184, 18 March 1880, Page 3

A LEADVILLE MARRIAGE.

[From the New York Times. J There is no doubt that the rector of St George’s Church, Lcadville, belongs to the church militant. He has just proved it beyond contradiction, and at this moment public sentiment in Leadville pronounces him the ablest and most powerful clergyman for his 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 Rev. Mr Whithers earned this enviable reputation a few weeks ago while engaged in marrying the wellknown Mr Roaring Bill to one of the most beautiful and accomplished daughters of Leadville. The bridegroom was a man of most excellent reputation, having killed three men in hand-to-hand fights, 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 places were to some extent taken by her three brothers. Mr Whithers, who up to that time had been known as an extremely peaceful man, and was not supposed to have a particle of fighting ability about him had been warned that the bridegroom was very quick-tempered and exceedingly iealous, and that he would do well to “ ladle out the service pretty considerable mild.” To this warning, however, he paid no attention, being determined to do his duty no matter what the consequences might be. The service proceeded smoothly until the clergyman asked the bridegroom if he took this “ 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 unnecessary asking of such foolish questions. “In course Ido,” he replied ; “ what do you take me for P Do you mean to insinuate that I am a playin’ it onto her? I want you to understand that thisyer’s a square deal, and if you don’t just go ahead with your marryin’ and drop this askin of impertinent questions, it’ll lead to difficulties. You hear me.” Still the courageous clergyman, heedless of the brewing storm, ignored the bridegrooms interruptions, and read the service with a cool and steady courage. Presently, he inquired of the bride if she would promise to love, honor, and obey her husband. At this point, the latter drew his revolver, and informed the clergyman thathe was fast ripening for the,grave. “Any more personal questions will require me to answer with thishyer weapon. I don’t wish to make a row in church, but if you will have one, just continue as you have begun. I’m a peaceable long-sufferin' man, but the holiest feelin’s of this lady’s heart isn’t going to be pried into by any man without he hears from me.” Still the clergyman pursued the even tenorofjhis way. Oneraighthave thought that he was deaf, so utterly heedless was he of the irregular responses made by the bridegroom. The spectators were making bets freely as to whether Bill would kill him the first fire or whether he would merely mark him for future indentificatiou. Contrary to the general anticipation, the 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 Whithers determined •to do his whole duty, supplemented the ceremony by kissing the bride.

The first bullet missed its mark, and the bridegroom, while pausing to adjust his aim, remarked that “this painful immorality on the part of the clergy must be checked.” Just as ho was about to fire the second shot—having got the clergyman’s right car in a line —the brother of the bride sprang on him and took away the pistol. At the same moment Mr Whithcrs tore off his surplice, and leaping over the railing struck out at Mr Bearing Bill in a most beautiful and scientific way. A ring was immediately formed. The bride climbed on the baptismal font and alternately encouraged each combatant witb such inspiriting remarks as, “ Now then, Bill,-bust him in the eye,” or, Hooray, parson, the eyes of the church is on you! Back up your religion like a little man !” The eager spectators swai’med into the church and fought for good positions in the pulpit. The betting at first was on the bridegroom, but at the end of ten minutes large odds were offered on the clergyman. His courage was undoubted, and his pugilistic skill was astounding. His adversary scarcely touched him, while the clergyman danced around him now closing an cy r e 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 reduced his man to perfect helplessness. Mr Eoaring Bill cried “ enough,” the spectators cheered, and the bride, descending from her perch, kissed the clergyman with hearty frankness, and informed him that she would never allow any husband

of hers to come between her and her religion. Such: was the public enthusiasm in Lcadville over the clergyman’s victory that no less than 30 leading citizens came forward and offered to be confirmed ns an evidence of their good-will, provided the rector would refrain from interfering with card-playing and such like Sunday recreations. As has been said the admiration of Leadsville is about to be expressed in silvermounted pistols, and there is no doubt that the prosperity of St. George’s Church and the popularity of Mr Whithers are fully assured.