The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-11-12
A NATIONAL LAW ron DTvoRoI
Elisabeth Cady Stanton snGsssts why
Women Would Oppose II.


There 10 much discussion Jus, now In both
divorce.
Bishops In the Church. and Judges IN ths Leg al
profession. alike. propose an smsndsuon Of the
canon and civil lava
From the conservative opinions held by these
dignitanes they would not favor the liberal lava
passed by recent legislation In many Of The West
era SAtes but make the National law far more
restrictive than those in what ws may call the
free States.
Before the discussion II closed and the National
law passed by constitutional amendment women
should take part in the discussion and inform
themselves in regard 10 the laws bearing on mar
rage and divorce, each in their several States
II is a good sign now that In so many Of tho
clubs women arc interesting themselves In ques-
lions flaw In regard TO their property and social
status a. mothers and wivee
Miss Helen Gould, In managing her estate
IL setting a good example 10 her countrywomen
in this respect
As women are equally interested In the ques-
tons OF marriage and divorce they should have
a voice In Church and State as 10 the anal adjust
ment
Wherever and whenever these relations have
been left 10 the jurisdiction Of the most conservative
classes Of men tho laws have been wholly 10
mans advantage
Such men as Milton. John Stuart Mill. Robert
Dale Owen, in all times have protested against
the cruel bondage Of an unhappy msirissse .,,.,
happiness being in the home and with her child.
rem, and seldom having resources OF her own.
In her own name and enjoying the dignity of
Independence by se.f-support she Ia even more
sss hsn tsm sG fne e possibly be 10 the
4 national law making all States homogeneous
on th@se questions is mol TO the ntercs, OF women.
10 the negro In the old days ~ slavery.
She can now leave New York, with Its restrict
81 e. ss
81 divorce and thus escape from an uncongenia!
and unholy relation.
training Of children, hut they cannot be well born
In unhappy; an,ngonisiic relations
Alas 70, me children nrouSn, up p, a. N. heath
A state Of half orphanago outside he home,
is far better than the cold atmosphere OF dls,rist
Locke. the English philosopher. said tina,
every child Ia born into the world like piecc
Of blank paper You may write thereon whatever
Way, nay" said Descartes the French phloso-
phcr, the child comes into the world with all Its
mpS .y.ap w SdG yos mG
In prenatal education We decide the future
Every thought and feeling OF the mothers
soul, her Compnnionship, her environments, are
all indclihy impressed. for veal OF woe, on the
new | eng
Man can only contribute 10 the perfection OF
this new life, by making the surroundings Of the
great artist as harmonious as possible,
The intellectual, moral and spiritual attitude
Of the mother al that time decides the future status
OF the man.
Woman is the great factor in race building
and in the full development Of all her Cowers we
lay the cornerstone Of q higher civiliLn ton
Whoever seeks 10 degrade the mother Of the
recc, 10 destroy her self rcspcct and self asser
lion 10 limit her opportunities for education,
more liberal thought aud broader sphere ot
action. limits mans development. and blocks
the wheels Of rrogrcSs for the entire race
ElIZApETH CADS STANTON.