Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 February 1913 — Gay Marriage Party Mistaken for Bold Hold-Up [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Gay Marriage Party Mistaken for Bold Hold-Up

ST. LOUIS. —A preacher of a St. Louis church who was a willing party In assisting a couple to launch on the sea of matrimony, came near foundering the ship and steering it on a shoal in such a way that would hare requited much tact and ability to bring about a rescue. Two people came to him the other day and expressed the desire to receive the life sentence. The pastor, very willing, was about to commence the ceremony, when, glancing at the license, he noticed that it had been issued in Illinois. The pastor took pity on the couple and straightway thought of a scheme. “Come on,” he said. “We will take the East St. Louis car, cross the bridge and the ceremony will be performed on the river banks on the other side.” So, togther with two servants as witnesses, the marriage party boarded a street car for downtown and transferred on the one going across the bridge. When they reached the east side of the river all got off, walked a few feet from the car tracks and made ready for the ceremany. All went smoothly. The bride had blushlngly replied, “I do” to the usual

questions, and the bridegroom, too, had made the necessary answers. The pastor with hands upraised was about to bestow upon the fortunate two his blessing when a returning street ear here into slglrtr”” The motorman saw a man with his hands in the air, surrounded by several other individuals. “What do y’ know ’bout that,” he exclaimed to the passengers standing on the front platform. “There’s a bunch holding up a fellow, and there’s a woman in the crowd.” It was a moment for quiok action by the motorman and passengers. The motorman was in the lead. With all his might he flung himself on the bridegroom and bore him to the ground before the preacher could explain matters.