The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1882-11-10
GROUND oRpIvoRcE-
The Consequences OF . Physician Attending
10 Night Summons from His
Patisnrs


An Indiana court has just rendered de.
clsion In most extraordinary divorce case
so extraordinary that, was It related with.
out corroborat I've proofs Of the official rec
ords and the reports Of the proceedings In
open court, 1t would be set down as the ere
alton Of an uncommonly fertile Imagination
The parties were DR.. Mather and bis wife, .
couple living In the southern part Of the
State. DR.. Mather Is . young, talented, In
dustrious, popular, and prosperous physician
who won his success by hard work, unre.
hitting study and constant devotion TO his
patients. A few years ago be won and wed
his wife, beautiful, accomplished and
wealthy lady. The union was regarded as
specially felicitous, as all the conditions
seemed to exist for continued happiness.
For time the promise was verified. The
young couple lived In one Of the handsom-
est houses In the town, and apparently en-
joyed all that wealth and fine taste could
supply. The doctors practice increased,
and his reputation spread. And this was
the underlying cause Of the present disa-
greement. The doctor was frequently called
up and out at night. The fact did not dis
turb him as be considered it one Of the in
evitable requirements of the profession. But
II affected his wife otherwise. She objected
to these frequent interruptions, although
with affectionaie solIcitude her husband
would arise and depart with a. little noise
As possible. He had telephone placed in
his house so as to be able to consult at long
range and avoid going out except In the most
urgent cases. He took every precaution to
prevent any nervous strain upon his wife,
and through 1t all was most patient and kind
and conslderste of her feelings. But the
lady would not be satisfied. She demanded
that the doctor should give up his night
practice and remain at home during the
dark hours. Even If he lost part of his liz
come, she urged, her wealth could supply
what might be lacking, and they would more
than make up the loss by the added peace
and comfort of o home into which no sick
persons call for aid should be allowed to
penetrate in the night watches. To this ap-
peal the doctor, enthusiastic in his profess
sion, and alive to the demands Of suffering
humanity, made an emphatic though kindly
denial. The wife was resolute, and there
was no other recourse than to apply for =
divorce. The husband, though deeply
grieved at his wife's resolve, interposed no
opposition, merely stipulating that, Is
matter of justice, to put the exact facts on
record and beyond dispute, the trial should
take place in open court. This suggestion
was carried out, and 1t is from the sworn
testimony that the above outline of the case
Is made. The suit itself was scarcely more
singular than the remarks of the presiding
Judge. He said there could be no doubt
under the laws Of Indiana that Nrs. Mathcr
was entitled 70 divorce. He then pro-
ceeded to show how the progress of society
had nscessitsted changes in the marriage
laws. Indiana, he said, was q progressive
State, and the people would never endure
laws like those of other States, where coup
les like this must 60 on to the end Of their
days in unhappiness. He regarded this
case as an excellent illustration Of the beau
ties of Indiana law. The parties could now
seek happiness where 1t might be found.