The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-10-13
THE EPISCOPAL CONVENTION ON
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE.
New York Herald.)


The convocation in San Francisco OF
the reverend clergy representing the
Episcopal church is rather an imposing
event. Not only by the unusual NUMBER
of delegates is it made notable out also
by their high official character and the
fact that they reflect the pubic OPINION
of their constituencies in nearly every
State of the Union. Their deliberations
will, therefore, be followed with interest
as we'll as curiosity, since they are TO
deal with some social problems which lie
close to the general welfare.
Among these the most prominent is the
matter of marriage and divorce. me
Episcopal Church is by tradition and tenn
permanent very conservative, but 1t mas OF
late years been somewhat excited at the
dangerous facility with which the mar
rage bond can be severed and the lack OF
a uniform law which has produced such
disastrous results that the whole country
has been startled. If that church would
persuade itself to take the lead in trying
to throw this subject into the hands OF
Congress by means of constitutional
amendment, and thus do away with the
fatal complications which are at present
a disgrace to the United States and dis
tinct menace to our home life, this con-
vention would become memorable in The
ethical history of the country. The OPP
portunity is within reach to do great
service. 1t is patriotic duty, and one
which so large and powerful body OF re-
ligious men cannot we'll ignore.
The condition in which we find ourselves
with regard to marriage and divorce can
not be contemplated without shame. II
is the crying evil of the age, but it car
be easily rectified by an enlightened pub
lie sopinion. We all acknowledge the me-
cessity for drastic measures, for we have
fallen to a very low Lowell in this mat
ter. burt we9are so indifferent where otii
own personal interests are not concerned
that we suffer injury rather than make
an effort to change the law And yet
there is no one principle on which the
happiness of the people rests more thar
on our attitude toward wholesome OF
/ unwholesome regulation of marriage and
divorce.
The opportunity for divorce without SUI
ficient reason have gradually become sc
multiplied within the last few years that
they constitute an incentive to break vi
our homes. Some States have done al
that could be required, and guard our do
nestle life against invasion by whim, ca
price of safety, while other States have
made divorce so easy that we should thinl
the whole thing a comedy il 1t were moi
for it's tragic consequences. chain IS nc
stronger than it's weakest link, and the
divorce laws of the United States as &
whole are no more protective than the
law of the most reckless States sees fit tt
make them. 1t is not enough that mar
cannot get divorce in New York excep
for marital infidelity, for ncighborins
State will grant it for reason that Il
wholly inadequate and trivial. Indeed, II
the several States there seem to b.
standards which fall to lower and still
lower level, and the disconnected man o.
woman by a residence of a few months |,
the proper locality can accomplish .ht
lend without any difficulty. 1t is only nee
Vcssary to acquire domicile in some par
of the West to break up family for al
most no cause at all.
Hence the inextricable confusion which
exists, which cannot even be Strengthened
out by an appeal to the courts. Hence TIT
litigation which interferes with thu
rights of children and casts blemish OF
their fair names. Hence the abysmal en-
tanglements which have already brough
sorrow to so many homes.
All this can be avoided. uniform
law which will apply equally to ever.
State is a need SO great that it canno
be exaggerated. What is lawful in on
place should be made lawful everywhere
And by a constitutional amendment TIL
tangle would be Immediately untanglcd
All that is required to effect this is a pub
lie opinion which appreciates the situa
!. tioi and demands relief. 1t would be ;
happy day for the country if such al
amendment should be submitted to Thu
people, and it would be carried with al
overwhelming vote.
The Episcopal Convention in San Fran
cisco has the opportunity to take the frs
step in this direction, and by doing Sc i
would deserve the gratitude of the who'll
nation.