The Bennington Evening Banner

FATHER DID NOT WANT CARUSO
Park Benjamin Says He Refused Singer's Request.

New York, Aug. 22—Park Benjamin, father of Dorothy Park Benjamin, who was married on Tuesday to Enrico Caruso, the singer, said at his summer home yesterday that the marriage had come to him as a great surprise, for he had absolutely refused his permission when the tenor asked him for his daughter's hand. He said that Caruso had been spending week-ends at his home, and had come to him last Friday to ask for his daughter's hand.

"We talked the matter over amicably enough," continued Mr. Benjamin, "and I supposed that with my refusal the matter was closed. My daughter went to New York on Monday, and I heard nothing more of the matter until somebody called me on the telephone on Tuesday night to tell me of the wedding. It was neither my daughter nor Mr. Caruso who called, but I assure you that I was completely surprised.

"My objections are of a kind that cannot be overcome. They are based upon the difference in the ages of the couple, and the fact that they are not of the same nationality. Moreover, the singer is a man of temperament. I did not want my daughter to marry riches or a voice or an orator, but just a man. However she is a mature woman and Caruso is 45, therefore the match cannot be ascribed to the ardor of youth."