The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-11-16
MAKKIAGE IND DIHORCY.
Bishop Doane Says Marriage Needs to Re
Made soIemn-Uniform Divorce Laws.

ALBANY. Nov. I5.-The question OF divorce
was discussed to-day by the IT. Rev. VIM.
Croswell Doaue. Bishop OF Albany. In an adj
dress before the annual convention OF the
Albany Diocese OF the Episcopal Church.
We have come" said Bishop Doane. TO a
crisis in our day and generation about the
question Of marriage. which ought to force mon
to spend their every energy In the effort TO
rouse n wholesome public opinion upon this
fundamental and central subject. l am most
urgent that we should consider the duty Of Civ
ing tone to society. In the hope that. when
1t can be induced to set its ban
upon offences against Gods law. there will be
power at work far more efficient to arrest
the evil than can be measured by its good in
fuence upon those who are determined to sin.
Speaking practically. l beg you to consider
whether the exigency OF the social crisis does
not demand the heroic treatment OF absolute
and unvaryine prohibition.
Our office Is called the form OF solennizo-
tion of matrimony 1t needs TO be solemnized
In the sense Of being made solemn. There are
no words in II that Jar upon the ear more
sharply than those words 'Advisedly. reverenly
and sobery IA one contrasts them with the
mere merriment and childish by-play and friv-
olity Of the modern conventions Of society the
excuses and rxcitements and extravaganza
that Immediately precede and are the chief
preparation for the sacred service the crowds OF
irreverent spectators profane the house OF God
with their display OF clothes, their idle gossip.
their careless curiosity. and the rude violence
which exposes to conspicuous notoripty the
man and the woman at the moment when they
have the right to privacy and pence. IL 10 high
time that good taste and modesty and simple
ity asserted themselves: b gh time to consider
God '''''V''' ,O''''' WV ~ wv w -
tion Of the National Commissioners on uni form
| residence in good faith for a year allowing no
divorce for any cause previous to residence
unless II be u cause In the state whence the
petitioner comes; nor for cause arising
N the state without two years delay
imperative for ak months II the defendant
| fails to appear. The defect. which Is exactly
! the danger OF any uniform law. Is the sun-
ssy and to the nGcn ,o sSs on S saas
| possibly. permissible, Of four other causes.
| The publishing ~ banns. the requirement
| ~ witnesses knowing the parties aud known
! to the clergyman. the consent OF parents.
II is. OF course. Inevitable that the State will
| take lower stand than the church to which.
| so far ms rrcoenition Ia concerned. we must
submit Al the more reason that the church q
draw w the civil standards towards Its posi-
iii this church can by any lang uage. or by
anv enactment OF canon or rubric. rid heiscl'
/ 81 all responsibility for remarriage after
! divorce, she will have set up a barrier against
the foul tide Of the Dissertation OF marriage. OF
the degradation OF the family. OF the deteriora-
ton OF the home. which must turn the current
aside. until II fnds Its way where u belongs
into ths. sewage. and not into the sources OF