Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 August 1887 — Winning a Wife in Singapore. [ARTICLE]

Winning a Wife in Singapore.

The damsel in Singapore is given a canoe and a donble-biaded paddle and allowed a start of some distance. The suitor, similarly equipped, Btarts off in chase. If he succeeds in overtaking her she becomes his wife; if not, the match is broken off. It is seldom that objection is offered at the last moment, and the race is generally a short one. The maiden's arms are strong, but her heart is soft and her nature is warm and she soon becomes a willing captive. If the marriage takes place where no stream is near, a round circle of a certain size is formed, the damsel is stripped of all but a waistband and given half the circle's start, and if she succeeds in running three times around before her suitor comes up with her she is entitled to remain a virgin; if not, she must consent to the bonds of matr mony. As in other cases, but few outstrip their lovers.— All the Year Hound.