Marrying under Compulsion.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 42, 22 March 1884, Page 3

Marrying under Compulsion.

A weddinu took place near Platte City, in the United States, on the 27th of December, that excited more than usual interest, owing to the presence at the ceremony of fifty men as witnesses, all armed with shotguns. The bridegroom was Mr William Montgomery, the son of a wealthy farmer in the district, and the bride was Miss Alice Cooper, an orphan young lady, of considerable personal attractions. The courtship had to all outward appearances gone on swimmingly for some months, but the other day Mr Montgomery, for some unknown reason, announced his intention of bieaking the engagement. He was subsequently arrested, gave bonds, and was released. On the following evening fifty of the neighbours, including Justice Day and Miss Cooper's uncle, armed them&elves with shot-guns, and got a marriage licence. They then proceeded to Montgomery's father's farm, and surrounded the house. After a few minutes' delay the door was opened by the young man, who, in a tone of surprise and annoyance, requested fo be informed " what was the matter, " In reply he was given the option of occupying a lot in a neighbouring graveyard or of at once marrying Miss Cooper. He chose the latter alternative, and Justice Day immediately tied the knot, at the same time-delivering an address to the young couple of so touching a character that there was hardly a dry eye among those present on the occasion.