The Rev. C. Spurgeon.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 147, 22 June 1889, Page 5

The Rev. C. Spurgeon.

AN ANGRY HUSBAND TRIES TO

THRASH HIM.

AN AMUSING ACCOUNT FROM AN

AMERICAN PAPER.

(San Francisco "Chronicle." May 25th.) Two ladies saved Rev. Charles Spurgeon trom the wrath of a supposedly injured husband at Wawona, Mariposa County, on Thursday. Tho son of the great "pulpit thumper" of London, pastor of tho South Baptist Church, 5 Elliot Park, Lewisham, England, sought safety behind the women, while his accuser and tbreatener tore off his coat, rolled up bis shirt-sleeves, dared him to " come on," danced about him in a very vicious manner, and stnrod savagely at him through a pair of goggles. All this gave the peoplo of Wawona in tense amusement, was a source of groat ex citement for tho friends of the preacher, made the lady who was the cause of all tho trouble to scream in her distress, and brought tho town Poohbah, B. M. Leitch, on the scene, who promptly told the supposedly injured husband that he was under arrest. It must not be supposed that the witnesses to the assault stood idly by, or contented themselves with saying, "Go in, gentleman; go in, parson." With a proper considcrationjfor the proprieties that does him justice, and withakindncss and liberality thatarenot often displayed toward tho public who do not havo an opportunity of visiting tho athletic clubs, C. C. Higgins entreated tho gentleman to compose himself until a ring could be formed," where the good fight must be fought in peace and comfort. His excellent services were nullified by the appearance of Marshall Leitch. Rev. Mr Spurgeon was uninjured—at least ho was not fatally wounded in tho affray, as after he had put a few miles between himself and the oxcited foe, ho , waved his hand encouragingly toward those who would notice him and shouted to them that he was "not dead yot." For the benefit ol those who might think he said this with intent to deceive, it can be stated authoritatively that he was not dead at that time, however much ho may regret the fact now. A TRAVELLING ACQUAINTANCE. Tho reverend gentleman, who will doubtless gain much notoriety on account of tho abtack mado on him at tho famous watering place, first became distinguished because of the fact that he was the son of Rev. Mr Spurgeon of London. He arrived from New Zealand on theMariposatwoweeks ago to-morrow. In tho land of Maoris ho had been visiting a brother, who j_also occupied a pulpit. While " doing " the colonies he met Mr James Duckworth of Castleton Hall, Rochdalo, England, one of the richest mill-owners in the three kingdoms, who was travelling with his young wife. Rev. Mr Spurgeon had seen enough of the colonies, and had started for those ex-colonies with the mill-owner and his spouse. Mrs Duckworth is some yoara than her husband ; is a typical English woman, with a bi-K'ht, fresh complexion, light oyesand a perfect figure. She is of a quiot, dignified temperament, and was admirably suited to carry on discussions on theological subjects with Roy. Mr Spurgeon. Tho trip was a vory delightful and short ono to the preacher, although it lacked much of taking its place as a rod-letter ' day with tho husband. Did soma ono suggest a green-letter day ? No doub ti ho became jealous before the Maripost. dQek .d . in Sf. n FramoiucQ.

Expostulations must have been in vain, for Mr Spui-geon accepted the invitation to visit the Yosemite wibh Mrs Duckworth and husband. Whether outsiders noticed that the pastor was constantly marking places in the lady's book, pointing out the beauties of nature to her, discussing theology from her standpoint, and making her head comfortable with pillows ana shawls, is not known. These things were, however, apparent to Mr Duckworth, and he spoke of them to Mr Spurgeon, telling him of the pain they caused him and expressing the wish that they should be discontinued.

The freedom of the husband caused an estrangement with his friend, but Mr Spurgeon continued in the party. The Yosemite was visited and its beauties were the topic Of many conversations between the lady and the pastor. The latter has a quick eye for beauty, a musical tongue for metaphor, and can paint in pleasing words a simile that would sound very sweeb in bhe ears of maid or mabron.

His attentions to the lady became noticeable again ; the husband saw cause for jealousy in every look ; and on the stage lino from the Yosemite to Mr Washburn's charming hotel the husband could hardly contain his feelings. On Wednesday last the party reached Wawona, on their way back to the city, and there the storm that had been brewing in tho mind of Mr Duckworth for the past four ox five weeks burst, and caused Rev. Mr Spurgeon to shake and seek the protection of two weak ladies. The preacher was a very surprised man when his friend "disturbed the peace," for which Marshal Leitch put him under arrest. The tourists were strolling about, enjoying tho beauties of the place, partaking of the waters, and very anxious for something to break the dull monotony of spiritual pleasure. SQUARING OFF. " I have a mind to thrash you, sir," said Mr Duckworth, Gonb., of Castlebon Hall, Rochdale, 'Eug., in a tone that was heard with ploasuro by a number of persons standing about. "Wh—what?" gasped Rev. Charles Spurgeon. pastor, South Baptist Church, 5 Elliobb Place, Lewisham, also England, to bhe intense joy of the same and other persons who gathered aboub. ' I'll thrash you, sir,' answered Mr Duckworth, etc., altering the phraseography of the sentenco, but in no sense robbing it of its salient features.

Those present can easily provenb the thrashing, Mr Spurgeon evidently thought, and a little " bluff" might work in here. "Well, do it now," he said, and with commendable promptness Mr Duckworth set about his self-imposed task. But tho men were held asunder. One struggled so that he might be hold tighter ; the othor struggled with a different purpose. Mr Duckworth said " they would meet again." M r Spurgeon may have thought: " Not if I can help it." The incident was ..thoroughly enjoyed by the many people at the Wawon'a Hotel, who failed to apprise Marshal Leitch of'the disturbance, and his appearance on the sceno next morning was entirely unpremeditated. After the throat of Mr Duckworth, tho guests wont into dinner and talked tho matter over while sorting out the bones of their fish, and had not finished discussing it when the coffee was served. Roy. Mr Spurgoon's appetite was unimpaired, and when he saw his late friend and present antagonist, who came in later, take his seat, he jeoringly remarked : " There ho is ; why don't he do it now ?"

Some of tho guests sat up all night so that they would not lose anything of tho expected fight by having to put on their clothes. But nothing of an exciting nature happened before morn, ing. After breakfast preparations wore made for 'the departure, and the disturb ance of the evoning was almost forgotten in tho bustle and hurry to catch the stage. Some hoped for a reuowal of hostilities, and their hope \vaa not in vain.

AT IT AGAIN. "I'll thrash you now," cried Mr Duckworth, shedding his coat and squaring off in true British fashion at Roy. Mr Spurgeon. " I'll thrash you now. Come out." He made a rush at the preacher, who attempted to clinch, fearing to strike his antagonist, as in tho hurry of the fray Mr Duckworth had not removed his goggles, which certainly would havo been in the way had Roy. Mr Spurgoon delivered a " shuttor closer."

" They're at it again," yelled some ono. " Form a ring, gentlemen, form a ring," cried Mr Higgins, addressing the spectators. '' Break away, break away there !" he shouted, as he saw the contest was about to degenerate into a wrestling match. Just at that instant a lady broke through the crowd. Sho threw herself bctweon tho combatants.

"Oh, James, James, don't," sho cried; " don't fight; don't do that," and sho pushed the men apart in such a manner that Rev. Mr Spurgeon was concealed from view behind two ladies. Mr Duckworth adjusted his glasses, but he could nob see tho preacher, yet notwithstanding ,the protestations of his wifo continued to square off, invite his opponent to " come on," and in other ways commit a breach of tho peace against tlie peoplo of the Stato of California.

Marshal Leitch, who did not know there was a fight in the neighbourhood, strolled along, and seeing a man coatless and hatless, and giving "every indication of entering upon a combat, approached him from behind, raised his right hand as if calling all the gods to witness tho courage he displayed, and saidsolemnly : "You will consider yourself undor arrest." Mr Duckworth mado a note of it, was released on his own recognisances, and was led away by his wife. PATCHED-UP PEACE.

Au hour or two later, on tho way to Grant Springs, Mr Spurgeon reported progress by informing the people he was still alive. No fireworks blazed or cracked the common rejoicing. Tho estrangement between Duckworth and Spurgoon was complete for some hours. They had engaged the drawing room of tho slecpor, but Mr Duckworth doclined to occupy it with a person of tho namo of Spurgeon, and a sympathiser gave him his section in exchange. Toward evening friends of tho parties to the remarkable scenes tried to effect a reconciliation, and after some time apologies were mado and accepted. But tho wound which tho husband received is probably not yet healed.

Mr Spurgeon told a reporter who got on tho train at Martinez that the whole affair was a misunderstanding. It was bocause of a misunderstanding that the assault was made on him, and ho was sorry the thing happened. Likp a good Christian he did not deny tho story, but considered it personal property. Mr Duckworth deprecated the affair, and said it had all Boon mado clear to him. It was due to a misunderstanding which had boon vory unfortunate in its results. Ho had spoken to Rev. Mr Spurgeon expostulating with him on hia conduct, aud tho which ho had received had aroused his feelings. He had assaulted Mr Spurgoon, but it was in the heat of passion,