Alexandria Gazette

MATRIMONY. - At the collegiate church of Manchester, on Sunday, seventy couple were united in matrimony; and on Monday one hundred and sixty couples were tied together for better or for worse. The following is the wholesale mode in which the business is despatched. The parties are arranged in couples of twelve: when the time arrives for slipping the ring on the fingers of the brides, the word of command is given, and the bridegrooms are seen busily feeling in their pockets for the symbol of endless affection; the women are then requested to repeat the words of the Minister, which they, "nothing loth," never fail to do; then the men are requested to follow the example, and their gallantry prompts them to immediate obedience. The clergyman can thus despatch about fifty couples per hour.

The following is said to have occurred lately in the parish church at Manchester. Two country bumpkins, after the ceremony had been said over eighteen couples, came blubbering to the curate, complaining that he "had married them to the wrong women." "I cannot help that," said the curate, "you must settle it among yourselves." - English paper