The Washington times., 1901-12-24
DIVORCE RUSH
IN COURTS.
Unhappily Married Seek
the Laws Relief.
FEAR NEW CODES LIMITATIONS.
Petitions for Lsgal Separation
Hurriedly Filed on Account of
New Code, Which Reduces the
Number of Legitimate Reasons
for Marital Distinction.

record was established yesterday in
the divorce business in the District, when
twelve petitions for separation were filed.
In one, however the petitioner ONLY
asked for limited divorce, praying sep
arate support and maintenance.
In all of the petitions desertion was
made one of the grounds for divorce,
while in a number non-support and drunk
ennoss were alleged as additional causes.
The largest numHer of petitions for di
NorOe previously filed in a single day in
the local courts is seven. In May last
nine were filed consccutively. but they
were not entered as of record in one day.
There is hardly any doubt that the
holding up of The proposed amendment
to the new code by Congress on the sub
ieCt of divorce is the cause of the present
activity in the divorce court. After Janu-
airy ] next. when the new code goes into
effect. a decree of divorce may be granted
only for infdelity.
II is expected that the present rush TO
file petitions. under he existing law. will
be continued until the end Of the year.
Justice Bradley yesterday dismissed
three suits because of want of proof to
titicners. One petitioner. who charged
drunkenness, was granted a decree.
Sues Him. Rut Loves Him.
Mrs. Cornelia s Brown says that s. .
year is the amount that her husband. Will
liam ". Brown. has contribte to her
support during the last three years. al
though her husband she says. is a clerk
in the Treasury Department and receives
Sl0g a month.
Mrs. Brown yesterday filed suit against
her husband for separate support and
maintenance. and also asks the court TO
issue an order requiring her husband TO
pay her $50 as temporary alimony during
the pendency Of the proceedings
Mrs. Brown further states that she lis
deeply in love with the defendant. Al
though she has good and sufficient ground
for divorce, she does not wish to secure
one or separate herself from the de
fendant. but merely and honestly wishes
TO have him return to and live with her.
Long List of Petitioners.
Henrietta Stevens asked for divorce
from John Stevens on the grouri Of de-
sertion. They were married in 1890 and
lived together until 1899.
Austin Miller charges his wife. Mary
Miller, with desertion.
On the ground of cruel treatment. Mrs.
Bessie E. Smith. who was married IN
April. 1899 prays 70. divorce from James
G. Smith.
Mrs Bessie NJ Mcnamara. In her nett
tion filed against William ]. Mcnamara,
declares that he deserted and abandoned
her.
on similar grounds Randolph A. Payne
Payne.
Desertion and abandonment are also
named as grounds in a petition filed by
Joseph X. Wilson against Louisa Wilson.
Mrs. Anna Camnbcll Instituted suit for
divorce against Tomlin 4. Campbell on
the ground Of desertioi
To the charge OF desertion Mrs. Har-
riet A. Aathews adds that of drunken
ness in her petition fOr divorce from
James Il. Mathews
Ida u. Colburn filed suit against George
L. NJ. ColDurn on the grounds Of de
sertion and abandonment
Mrs Mary A. Gross seeks divorce
from Henry b. Gross or the ground OF
desertion.
on similar grounds Mrs. Bessie :. New
ton asks for a legal separation from
Henry w. Newton. the two hayine been
married in 1891.
Dtsposai 81 eases.
Justice Bradley dismissed the petition
OF Edward b. Blandy for divorce from
Clara A. Biandy on the ground that the
petitioner never was resident OF the
District.
In the case Of Clara c Eliason. who
asked for a divorce from john II. Eliason
on the ground Of deseriion. the proceed
ings were also dismissed The decree,
which is signed b., Justice Bradley. stat
ing that the proof was not sufficient TO
support the allegation Of desertion.
In the case Of Janet Scot against Ed
ward A. Scott the complaint was dis
missed for like reason.
NIs. harriet johnson Was granted di-
vorce from William II. Johnson on she
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