New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-01-06
FOR UNIFORM LEGTSLATION.
WORK OF THE COMMISSION TO SECURE
THAT END
NETWORK HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVE AND
HAS REQUESTED THE Co-orEBATIoN
OLE OTHER SnATEs.

HAS REQUESTED THE COOPERATION
OF OTHER STATES.
Tie Commission to Promote Uniformity Of LcgislaS
ton in the United states consisting Of Henry K. Beck
man and William L. snyder. Of this city, and Irving
Browne. Of Albany, which was appointed few months
ago by Governor Ill., has begun active work short
time ago they sent letters to the Governors OF the Nal
Gus states OF the Union asking their cooperation ID
accomplishing the object, Of the Commission Answers
to tho accommodations expected within few Weeks
when the members OF the Commission Will adopt more
definite plans.
In speaking of the objects and hopes OF the Com
missioncrs Mr.. snyder said that they had received
oreat announcements I'm our letters the Gov
crnors" he added. have asked them to call the
attention of tho Legislatures Of their respective states
TO the question OF uniformity Of legislation, with
especial reference to the laws marriage ana divorce
wills, descent and distribution OF property form Oh
deeds. acknowledgements. and kindred topics Inc
importance NJ this matter Is apparent :" the n'S'
glance The American Bar Association at It's last
annual meeting mdorsed the action OF the Ncw-fork
LEGISLATURE In taking this step, and recommended
similar action on the part Of other states oi tre
Union The National Divorce Reform League, WIN
HEADQUARTERS in Boston has also sent out letters sim
liar 10 our We hope that Otlcr STATES VIII
follow New York's initiative Although II Is hardN
possible tlat National convention for the coh'ldeia
ton of the subjects viii result from our acuoh uia
such thing =, ncNcflncH>a' Ho'
In those states where Commissions are apPohVe"
however TIL laws may be changed a. TO render
uniform many Of the provisions with reference 10 tho
subjects especially mentioned.
The subject Of marriage and divorce Is naturally
Of vast Importance said Mr.. snyder. 81 Inc laws Ia
varlou, parts Of the Union diner 20 "ldcN Win W.
meet to the cause, for which divorce, may be granted
cha. +, will rcol,re persistent efforts 10 accomplish
r,,,criaI results, Uniformity, however may be So
,,d AZ IN the a,c OF consent 10 what shall COIL
stitute a valid marriage; to the time OF residence
necessary for the Institution of divorce pFo'ceunsS'
and a, 10 the question Of procuring dN"'o against
non residents There Is little doubt thai many oil uo
States viii not Limit the causes Tor wHch WNoIo''
hould be granted II f., Of course. difcut To ior'
east the results OF a possible convention 'h'lo'N
might be sccurcG readily in regard {" the FORM % ue'
and wills and notaIial certificates. Tls i strongly
advocated by the American Bar As'0clat'n' ana -
u,v uudcr dlscu, by the various bar a-'ocauN'
throughout thc country.
There are" continued Mr.. snyder Two WAYS u
bringing about the object, Of orr Commission 10y "'
amendment 70 the Federal Constitutions ana 5y UNIFORM
voluntary action ON The part Of the state 0H'u-
tr,ion,l amendment however. defeating 70 congress
thc control Of the subject Of marriage and divorce H
wolves 50 MANY questions over which the state courts
exercise exclusive jurisdiction uat u j. N"' '"uS"'
advisable 10 attempt 20 secure s"ch a'D"h i'
,copd way. only, &, advisable Nucc"S, ~ thS mater
NAV lead t. o uniform pfin'aupn "l an Ii"7' i'''
of course. would he an IDEAL condition. 49,, ,
Henry r. I,ekruan. IN cicrrpr - the lab"iN 81
thr Com ,sstra. said that they had trrn hlctdN
enortuo,, II had been necessary 20 compile eau
, r'.v,in, tl,. workings " the divorce laws m tlc
ditfc-,ut state The diversity Of tl" law hP mao
That t,,k difrnlt. The aim 81 the 'pmmi"'nh nc
added 90 ha~ not l@on much 10 chaus" thr it"7 W
r,y orl, n, To- arHiSs public opinion throughout u'
country The ends ~ the Commission cdnlo' r' ~
..i,t' ,.t ,rohtu, -r.,f cnuce-- ons. These can
l con. .dcr.d however ONLY when The convention h'-
h.cu OILED ia the deliberations # ID" ''n,nIs"l. u
10 ror1l side Il the quc-tpu- a, not received Wuci
attention 'he legal 10, having lscn 'htHF con
,dcrcd We have two year lu whi'h :" hn'.h our
ioh,-s lut ,ha time is hort enough. OWNS u" W"
,r,,rf ,uco ~ the subject Results can D. oD'hn7
ofiy bv pahc agitat and " w. succeed ~ lroS nE
general interest bon thu subject. We olaH nave CONC
, long wa toward the ends IN view