The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-04-24
Divorce LAWS.

The agitation in favor of uniformity of
divorce laws continues The Philadelphia
Press prints several columns of letters
from prominent men on this subject
among them john SHERMAN, Congress
man HOLMAN OF this state, the Rev. JOSEPH
Cook, Bishop NEWMAN, Ex-Gov. PATTI
SON of Pennsylvania, Archbishop RYAN,
Congressman MCADoo of New Jersey
KATE FIELD, SARAH X. BoLToN, MARION
HARLAND. Bishop WHIPPLE, HOWARD
CROSBY and others. They express great
variety of views. Most of them recognize
the deslrability of as close an assimilation
as possible of the divorce laws of the sew
eral states, but there is great diversity
of opinion as to the desirability of ma
tional legislation on the subject. Judge
HOLMAN says:
My present impression is that until it be-
comes apparent that the states themselves, act
ing each for itself, cannot bring about har-
mOnious SYSTEM congress should not be IN
vested with power 10 legislate on the subject
except in the territories and District of Column
bia, as now. / think that unless there is inn
perative necessity for it the powers conferred
on the federal government ought not 10 be en-
larged, nor the jurisdiction of the federal court
extended.
Congressman McADoo thinks there
should not be a uniform federal law. He
says:
The states are gradually assmilating their
divorce laws. Even if they were not it would,
In my opinion, be unwise to seek federal inter-
ference. If uniform marriage laws why not
uniform debt laws2 The truth is the grand
and, trust, imperishable federal system has
some few inconvenience, but these are far
more than counterbalanced by its defense of
liberty and the inestimable boon of home rule
The states should guard more carefully the
right to contract marriage. In some OF our
states the disgraceful situation is presented of
officials and clergymen making business for
revenue of uniting couples in this solemn en-
gagement at all hours of the day and night
After this why wonder at the divorce crop?
Make divorces odiods, and let the states man.
age their own business.
Mr.. MCADoo's head is level. There is
no necessity for federal legislation upon
this subject Congress is reaching out
and taking jurisdiction of too many ques-
tons that properly belong to the states.
If the states can be induced to make their
divorce laws uniform, we'll and good if
not, it is better that there should be a di-
versity in these laws than that con-
gress should NEEDLE in the matter.
Finally, is there not a good deal to be
said in favor of reasonable iberality in
divorce laws? 1t is certain that very
rigid system would promote domestic
happiness, social purity and the general
well-being of the people. Isn't there n
good deal of practical common sense in
what Mrs BOITON saws?
While personally regard divorce as a thing
always to be deprecated, and perhaps never
resorted to, still hope that the laws will not
be too restrictive, neither should they be too
lax. While | realize the need of all possible
safeguards for the morality OF society, and the
protection of women and children, yet to make
an antagonistic union compulsory for life
seems a great hardship. Having worked in
benevolent and Christian societies all nv life,
and seen women and little children deserted
aud made dependent on charity through in
temperance and failure to support, / cannot
think that inidelity should be the only
cause for divorce A woman whom / have
long known has Just been at my home who has
five children and a drunken husband whom she
has supported the latter has become an I'M
bearable burden. There is no proof that he is
unfaithful. Were she free to marry a good
man, and she doubtless could do so, for she is a
good woman, she would be thousand times
happier, for happy marriage is the best thing
on earth for both sexes. In conforming to the
letter of a law which makes infidelity the sole
cause of divorce some of the most debasing
methods of espionage are employed both In
England and America, 10 effect the purpose of
those persons who are determined TO be di-
vorced. Separation without absolute divorce
believe to be unwise 6 rule and not favor
able to morality.