| Show i r. 1 COUPLES COUPLES BROUGHT TO ALTAR Enticing Premiums Caused Epidemic Epidemic Epidemic Epi demic of Marriages In certain quarters of the world enticing en en- i premiums are put upon early marriages Some years ago the mayor of a southern town in France offered a a reward of 20 to every couple under t th the age of 24 who sought the matrimonial matri altar during his term of office The mayor expended many thousands of francs In the manner described Many years ago when the number of marriages in a certain Alsatian town was far below the average the municipal municipal muni muni- r cipal authorities publicly announced that all persons who married within a certain period should be exempt y from local taxes for the space of five years An epidemic of marriages set setla la in at once A well well known known Austrian nobleman was anxious to encourage matrimony among the peasants on his estate He undertook to provide each bride with four pairs of gloves yearly The offer acted like Ilke a charm |
