Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-02-04
DISTRICT IN CONGRESS
Senator Faulkner on the Bill to Regulate
Marriages.
The Present Law Inapplicable to
Changed Cc.aition. - other
Measures of Interest.

Mr.. Faulkner introduced a bill in the
Senate today to regulate marriages in the
District of Columbia. This bill has been
discussed in the Senate committee on the
District of Columbia, and in a general
way has, as stated in The Star, been ap-
proved, but 1t was referred to the commit
tee and in minor details will probably be
modified.
In speaking to a Star reporter today on
this subject Mr.. Faulkner said:
Present Law In the District.
'The law which regulates marriages in
the District of Columbia is found in chap
ter XII of the Maryland act of 1777. Its
requirements as to the solemnization of the
rites of marriage are SO inappicable to the
conditions Of society as constituted today
that it's provisions may properly be regard
ed as obsolete, yet 1t involves the most
sacred relations known to society in doubt
and perplexity. 1t might truthfully be said
that many of the provisions of this act
have not been complied with in a single in
stance for many years in this District.
From this statement 1t is not to be i'm
piled that marriages which have been SOL
emnized under proper license without a
compliance with the provisions Of the stat
utes are invalid or void. The Supreme
Court of the United States has judicially
determined the validity Of these marriages
upon the ground that the statute does not
render the marriage void by reason of the
failure to comply with the provisions Of
the statute, but penalty is imposed by
its terms against those who violate its pro-
visions, leaving the question of the validity
OF the marriage to stand unaffected.
Such condition of the law in the capi-
tai of the nation, which would permit any
one through malice or improper motives to
attempt to impose these heavy penalties
against persons who innocently viola ted the
least, sad commentary on the laws which
prescribe the rule Of conduct for the peo-
pie of this District.
Sections Repealed.
1.-The fourth section Of that act is repeal
ed because it limits, or at least leaves un-
certain, the persons who are authorized TO
perform the marriage ceremony.
THE fifth section is repealed because the
duty which it devolvcs upon the minister.
by the bill reported devolves upon the clerk
of the Supreme Court, who issues the Il
cense.
THE sixth section is repealed. as 1t re-
qures the names of the parties Intending
to marry TO be thrice published in some
church meeting house or chapel of re-
lfgieus Worship for three several Sundays.
THE seventh section IL repealed because
it prohibits any ore to marry outside of the
District in violation of the provisions of
:ne act who is resident Of the District
THE eighth section is repealed because
the church or chapel in which the banns
We're directed to be published should be
recorded in the records Of the court.
The ninth section is repealed, as the
present bill provides for the returreof the
certificate of the marriage within ten days
of the date of the solemnization of the
same.
The tenth section is substituted by on.
which fixes the age of females who marry
Without the consent of parent or guardian
at tWenty-one instead of sixteen years.
Section tn int
lating to the District of Columbia sis re-
pealed because Of the form required in the
present bill.
Sections 721 and T22 are repealed for the
same reason and section I23 is repealed be-
cause it is covered by the present bill
The bond of the minister ia only for
feited on his marrying parties within the
District without the license required by the
bill. 1t is hoped that members of the legal
profession. ministers and others .nte rested
in this matter will make any suggestion
which they may think pertinent relative to
this bill before the meeting of the District
committee on Friday," concluded Mr..
Faulkner.
Bills Reported I'm the Senate.
Mr.. Gallinger in the Senate today report
ed for Mr.. Mcmillan, from the committee
on the District of Columbia, several bills
with reports thereon; all Of which have
been noted in The Star as acted upon ia
vorably by the District committee. The
bills are as follows: To regulate the use
of public parks and improved reservations
in the District of Columbia under the
charge of the chief of engineers; to provide
for the erection of a wall around the Dis
tr1ct jail; to establish and provide for the
maintenance of free public library and
reading room in the District of Columbia.
Petitions and Memorials.
Several petitions and memorials relating
to the District Of Columbia, previously re-
forr to in, f,,t-
the Senate today. as follows:
By Mr. McMillan-A petition from the
North Capitol and lexington Citizens AS
sociation asking that the lexington and
Soldiers Home Railway Company be re-
quired to dispense with horses as a motive
power; petitions by citizens Of East Wash
ingtop asking that the Metropolitan street
railway be authorized to extend its line on
East Capitol street to 18th street east; me-
mortal of the East Washington Citizens
Association relative to the reclamation of
the Anacostia flats
BY Mr.. Kyle-Petition for the relief of
the charwoInen of the government depart
ments, asking that their present compensa-
tfon Of $40 be increased to $25 per month.
Mr.. Daniel presented a joint. resolution
of the general assembly of Virginia urging
Congress to pass Dill providing for the
construction of a bridge from Washington
city to Arlington.
To Pay Capt. Bassett's Widow.
ing for the payment to Mrs. Alkaline ".
Bassett, widow Of Isaac Bassett, late
assistant doorkeeper Of the Senate, a sum
equal to one years salary was favorably
reported this morning to the Senate by
Mr.. Jones of Nevada.
Mr.. Hoar presented petition from Sarah
d. La Fetra, president of the Help and
Hope Mission, and 100 others, praying that
legislation may be enacted raising the age
of consent in the District of COlumhia fo
eighteen years.
The Navy Yard Foundry.
The House today passed the Senate reso-
luton authorizing the use. of portion of
the appropriation for the roof Of the foun-
dry at the navy yard at Washington to
strengthen the walls Of the foundry.
The lexington Railroad Charter.
Mr.. Pritchard introduced. by request, In
the Senate today a bill to amend the char
ter Of the lexington and Soldiers Home
Railway Company. 1t is similar to a biIi