The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-20

The ever present divorce question was
handled with considerable feariessness by
Carroll ID. Wright in ms address before the
National Unitarian Conference. Mr. wright
believes it is possible 10 restrict divorce With
ont limitation Of the causes for which divorce
may be granted lie would, as measure Of
prevention, make marriage moro difficult:
Indiscreet and hAsty marriages, ne says. lead
straight 70 divorce Then the crimes which
arc proven causes Of divorce should be pun
ished in tho criminal courts. and the state
should appear in each divorce case 70 prevent
ex parte DEGREES. Up 20 this point few will
differ with Mr.. Wright views. Mr.. Wright,
however. goes Oh to say;
/ do not believe that divorce is o menace 10
the purity and sscrsdnesss Of the family but
do believe that II is a menace to tho infer
nal brutality ,of whatever name, be II crude
or refined which at times makes 4 hell Of the
hottest human relations. / believe that tho
divorce movement finds It's impetus outside
Of our avs, outside of our institutions ont
sid. of our theology. that Il nnds rs impetus
in the rebellion OF tho human heart against
that slavery which binds in the cruclest
bonds OF the cruelest prostitution human be-
inps who have by their foolshncss by their
want of wisdom. OF by the Intervention Of
friends missed the divine purpose as well as
the civil purpose Of marriage. l believe the
result will be an enhanced purity subllmer
EAereQuo-a = more DtfuLlAul tuluDtllueuL Oh
Iamnrtine. trinity-the trinity Of the father.
the mother and tho child which OF itself
completes and continues the race. and If we
would preserve this beautiful trinity IN oil IT,.
sacredncss society must take the disgusting
medicine labeled divorce
These are views of an extremely advanced
character They are directly in conflict with
tho teachings of most OF the churches with
regard to divorce and contrary % the con-
monty received opinion of the dissolution q
marriage. no matter for what cause. IN
eminent divine states tho position Of the
divorce reformers thus
We will rejoice and cooperate with any
change in rules OF court which will make
divorces harder 70 get we will cooperate
with aud rejoice in any law which will lessen
the causes for divorce make the require
men;s as % residence etc. more stringent
but tho work II the r0fOrmer will not be done
until we have made tho people as @ whole
own tho divine rule. "oncs msrried. married
till death. % and make them understand that
in uphOlding the indissolubty of marriage
they are upholding religion. marriage and
| happiness. TOO.
vet who will doubt that Mr. Wrights views
are gaining ground faster than those of tine
div nc whom wc have quoted The vast in
crensc in the number Of divorces granted is
evidence 20 this eject. and tie social condo
4 nation OF divorces is still more TO the point.
! Divorce is not looked upon with the horror
( of some wears ago and the laxity Of public
| opinion doubtless has o. much TO DO with tho
1 increase OF divorce rs the laxity o. tho las.
7 In view Of this condition OF things we may
well hope that NJ Wright's optimistic
| belief in tho happy results of divorce will not
! prove groundleSs. We may. however. IN tic
I present stage of the divorce situation. feel
! sure Of this that divorces will not diminish
/ in number til men aud women display less
/ cruelty gross and refined. IN their interde-
/ pendent relations ana more regard for each
/ others personal rights and feelings nor IN
] oil the institution of marriage itself has been
/ freed from the superstltiOus bondages OF the
past and ha. been raised to the higher plane
| Of modern ideals. Detroit Tribune.