Very Near Wedlock

It is seldom that it happens that a marriage hceuse is issued and then recalled. But such was the condition of affairs which happened to County Clerk Ilowlett last week. Ile was approaehed m the office one day recently by an aged Germán named Joseph Kuhl, 7fi years old, who claimed that he deeply loved Fanny Ilolladay, aged 56, and wished a license. Everything appearing all right, the license was granted, and as the old gentleman appeared to wish the job done immediately he asked for the nearest official's address. Eider Clemeuts happening in the office at this time offered to perfora the ceremony. The old gentleman started out to flnd the prospectivo bride, leaving a large ciowd of county officials and droppersin awaiting nis return to witness the ceremony. After being gone for several hours, he returned and stated that he was unable to find the lady, and the ceremony was fortunately postponed. On the day following, Mr. Howlett was visited by Mr. McDonald, of the fourth ward, who asked about the license, and, being informed of the facts, stated that Joseph Kuhl was au old soldier drawing a small pension, incompetent to manage nis own affaire, and that he was bis guardián. Kuhl owti a small house and lot near McDonald's, but is otherwise without mean3. Mrs. Holladay has been keeping house for him for seveval years, but the guardián objected Bfcrongly to their marriage. The parties named in the license were told that the clerk wished to see them about the license, and while on their way to have the ceremony psrformed stopped to see him. When the lady was informed of the state of affairs, she wa highly incensed and threatenad to marry the old man anyway. It was only by using bis great persuasive powers that Fred was enabled to get that license back into his hands, and he now is doubly careful in questioning the "old men" who apply.