Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 108, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 May 1914 — Betrothal Party Jars Cops and Child’s Mother [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Betrothal Party Jars Cops and Child’s Mother

DETROIT, MlCH.—When Robert Johnson the other afternoon arranged an engagement party for his twelve-year-old daughter, Salome, without con-

sulting his wife, he proved himself, in point of courage, a worthy wearer of the big badge, which adorns his left suspender, and which tells the world that he is assistant chief of all the gipsies of the United States. Chief Johnson wears no medal for diplomacy, however. When the chief’s chief, Mrs. Leia Johnson, mother of Salome, heard of the affair, she told the police that someone was trying to marry her daughter to a boy of fourteen years.

She also told her husband a few things—which, because of postal regulations, shall have no mention here. When Mrs. Johnson returned to her home at 98 Division street, the party was in full swing. Twenty-five members of Chief Johnson's band, dressed in fantastic native garb, were celebrating. The "bridegroom” was not in sight. His father explained that he was in Chicago. Salome was the belle of the party. Bracelets and necklaces of wrought gold coin adorned her slight figure. Her dress was of a pattern to make Joseph’s coat look like a dull monochrome in comparison. The policemen, who responded to Mrs. Johnson’s call, addressed Salome’s father. “Surely, you are not going to have this little girl married?” they said. "Sure I am,” said the father. “Five years from now. That’s what the party is for.” “Qh!” breathed the enlightened policemen, and their exit resembled that of Mr. Longfellow’s Arabs.