The Vender of Paternity

1895

For a curious profession and one which is little known commend us to the Parisian vender of paternity. He appears to be an individual who takes upon himself the risk of severe punishment if detected in the carrying out of his business, which is to stand in a place of a father to young men who wish to marry and cannot get the sanction of their parents. The vender of paternity here steps in and goes through all the formalities at the mayor's office. — St. Louis Post Dispatch.