The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-10-31
SHOCKED THE GOOD PEOPLE
JAMES M'PARTI4IN, A BACHELOR,
STANDS FOR A PLURALITY
OF WIVES
His Declaration Calls Down q Storm
of Protests at the Commons Pub
lie Entertainment-Law and Cos
pei Both Against Him.

A debate upon the subject of the moral
aspects Of the question of seating Con-
gressman-Elect Roberts, Of Utah, brought
on a deep discussion of ethics at a ses-
sions Of the Commons Literary society
last night. James McPartlin, a bachelor
living in the Commons, held that a plu-
rality Of wives was allowable, had been
commanded under the laws of Moses,
and YVES unobjectionab.e from every other
standpoint. He announced his views at
some length and stirred up a current of
opposition which caused a very spirited
contest of words.
The debate was the principal event Of
the evenings programme. 1t was open
ed by the affirmative, and after a pre-
sentation of both sides of the question,
a general discussion was opened. 1t was
then that Mr.. McPartlin took occasion
to state his views.
Moral ethics do not necessarily pro-
hibit man from having more than one
wife, said he. "It Is a fact we'll recog-
nized that when man wishes to marry
he chooses woman and says, Will
have this woman to be my wife When a
woman wishes to marry, she has the
same privilege of choice, ard may avail
herself of it. 49,.
This being true, 1t is reasonable to
suppose that in the question Of union,
men and women are free agents. Under
the laws Of Moses, men took to them
selves not two, but many wives, and were
allowed the utmost freedom. 1t was only
when a quasi development of the race
set in that the system Of polygamy began
for this was an increased cost Of living
and a growing opposition to matrimonial
entanglements.
There is no moral reason why a man
should not have two wives. The great
men of Biblical times TOOK as many wives
as pleased them. and God found their
lives acceptable. The fact that, like many
other old customs, polygamy has fallen
into disuse, alone prevents men from
doing the same thing now. Other evils
Of far worse character are tolerated now
adays without the least discussion or
comment Men live with ether mems wives
and with women who are nc ones wives,
and as long as they do not fiagrantly
transgress the code Of laws laid down for
the polite conduct of men and women,
they lose nothing in social standing.
There are men in congress who have
done worse things than to have two wives.
A noted senator in the last session is
we'll known as living with woman from
whom he has been divorced, and other
transgressions OF so-called moral laws are
cOuntenanced."
His stand brought forth a storm of
criticism and he was laid away under
perfect avalanche of protests. n. Har on
cited Scripture and J. Rcsenquist heaped
several dozen statutes upon his head
Mr.. Hanson held that 1t was but de-
graded condition Of humanity that allow
ed polygamy, and contended that a man
could be happy with but one wife. Mr..
McPartlin was a bachelor, and therefore
had no right to discuss questions of mat
rimony. Personally, he thought the Bible
laid down stringent requirements cover
ing the point at Issue.
Altogether, the session was a spirited
and interesting one. The debate was
continued long after the adjournment.
and Mr.. McPartlin is still arguing his
case.
Miss Hanson gave an interesting talk
upon the museums and public libraries
and art collections of Chicago. Miss Jack
son gave several piano solos and Miss
Pitman read selections from Eusene
Field. The society will have another ses-
sion on next Monday evening.