Phenix Gazette

Singular Case - We copy the following from the Bridgetown N. J. Observer:-

"An occurrence entirely new in the annals of this county, took place before the Circuit Court, on Thursday last, in this town, his Honor Judge Ford presiding. The defendant, one Joseph Dilks, a fanatic, whose residence is a short distance from town, and who has drawn around him a few deluded followers, principally women, one of whom he calls his wife, although never married, was prosecuted for his open violation of the laws of society. The Grand Jury returned bills of indictment against both Dilks and his paramour, for fornication; which indictments were proceeded upon by the prosecuting attorney, both pleading not guilty to the charge, averring that the Lord had married them in Philadelphia more than a year ago, and holding it as a part of their doctrine, that in solemnization of marriage they should not recognize the laws of man. After proceeding in examination of witnesses, for some time -Dilks was persuaded by his paramour, to yield this article of his faith, and consent to be married in a legal manner, which being made known to the court, the prosecuting attorney agreed to stay further proceeding, upon an immediate compliance with the conditions proposed. The parties chose to be married in open court, and by the presiding Judge, who immediately performed the ceremony, and released them from custody, and they returned to their old quarters. We are not disposed to question the legality of the proceedings, but we are well satisfied that the people are generally disgusted at the result, and we fear too, that the affair will not end in a very peaceable manner. We must of course deprecate the idea that violence should be used against the infatuated leader of this fanaticism, but we would apprise the civil authority of the probability that something very unpleasant will be the final result, if some more decided measures are not pursued."