Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1905-11-09
9,

To-day in that country it is allowable
to obtain separation for five years,
and at the end Of that time to apply
for the conversion Of the separation
into absolute divorce If the parties
have not been reconciled.
The practical results Of the imperial
divorce law in Germany have been
gratifying. 1t gives four grounds for
divorce-namely, adultery, attempt of
either husband or wife on the life of
the other; malicious, willful desertion
and continued violation of the marriage
vows. Both in France and Germany
attempts are being made to escape
threatening dangers by the enforce
ment Of stricter laws OH marriage and
divorce.
In New England and Wales there
We're 176 divorces in 1870; 1856 in 1880;
364 in 1900, and 727 in 1889; and the
growing evil is at last attracting the at
tention of the lawmakers. We do not
recognize the family at all in our ma
tional constitution. 1t appears in our
State laws only as an object of some
care. but not as an element of political
power. Mr.. Gladstone declared that
his fear for our future centered very
largely upon our ability to protect the
family, for weakness here means disas-
ter everywhere.
Realizing the perilous position in
which we are placed by the increasing
social evils resulting from divorces, a
number of public spirited men initiated
corrective movement in 1873, and
what is now known as the Natioial
o., nf fIn II n
lily, founded upon broad basis, was
organized in 1881. The results from
this and kindred organizations have
been marked and encouraging. Radi-
cal improvements are noticed in the
laws of New York. New Jersey, Penn
sylvania and Wisconsin; divorces after
residence of only three or six months
are no longer permitted, as they for
merly We're, in North Dakota, Georgia,
California and several Territories. All
causes for divorce but one have been
stricken from the laws Of the District
of Columbia, and commissions on uni
formity by cooperation of the States
now exist in no less than thirty-four
States and Territories.
The question of constitutional
amendment and admission Of a nation
al law OH the matter under discussion
have been agitated; but as long as
twelve States can be rallied in defense
of the maintenance of State rights, it
Is waste of time to attempt the
amendments on marriage or divorce.
But the agitation against this evil goes
on as never before. The pulpit, the
press, the platform. the schools, col
leges and universities are awakening
to Il sense OF the moral and social dan
ger that threatens us, and the out
spoken discussion Of the marriage re-
lation and the divorce laws must result
in great good.
Thirty years ago none Of our high
er educational institutions gave any
attention to the study of the family,
but now the theological scminaries, the
law schools and the universities are
giving special care to this most i'm"
portant subject We may be assured
that our boasted civilization, our proud
commercial greatness, our high edu-
cational attainments and our brilliant
material developments will only hasten
the day of our disaster unless we pro-
tect the family and honor the God of
the home, who is the Father of us all.