Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1906-02-19
ON THE DIVORCE EVIL.

A national congress to discuss the d.
vorce question Ia about TO convene at
Washington, Delegates from all parts
Of the country have met for that pur-
pose, and among them are many earn
est students of the problems involved.
The deliberations cannot fall to be pro-
duotive OF good results, even II nothing
more is accomplished than the awaken
ing Of the general public to better
realization Of the menace TO the Amer
lean home that threatens destruction
from quarter against which no gem
eral outcry II made.
We have, some time ago, called at
tention 10 the statistics by the United
states Commissioner OF Labor for 1889.
according 10 which the total number
OF divorces granted In this country
during period OF twenty years, end
ing with 1885, amounted TO s2S,7l6 The
number increased steadily, from 5000
In 1867, TO 1885 in 1856. The increase OF
population was so per cent, and OF dl-
vcrces 50 per cent.
Bishop Doane II authority for the
statement that there are more divorces
In this country In one year than in all
Europe, Australia and the British
domlnons. There are, he claims, 1000
times as many divorces here as In
Canada, though the population is only
fifteen times as great. In some states
there are one divorce 10 every six mar
riages, and In others one to every eight.
II is claimed that in Chicago as many
as 800 divorces have been granted in
one day. No matter how liberal any,
ono may be IN his Views on the mar
riage covenants, the necessity OF some
means OF checking an evil that has
grown to tremendous proportions must
be admitted.
In the first place, n better under
standing Of the marriage institution IL
needed Anciently the marriage cove
nant was regarded as sacred, and the
family was therefore built upon a
most solid foundation. Gradually this
view became obsolete; then Il was cas-
Ter 10 marry IN haste and repent at
leisure" The least family disagree.
ment is made pretext for the appear
ance IN divorce court This would
not be so. were the nature Of the cove
nant between husband and wife better
understood
In the steond place, the leaders Of
society could do much toward stem
ming the tide of the evil. On this
point the Rector OF 81 Bartholomew
church. New York, in sermon once
said
Il do not hesitate to say that there
are "A score OF women in this city who
could put check to this evil Of d.
yorce within year, Let II once be
distinctly understood that those much.
desired cards 10 balls receptions, din
ners. and at homes did not go TO men
and women who had been divorced
and scandalously married again, and
tell you. my friends, that Il would be
surprising how many people would find
they could live together For respon-
sibility goes with privilege. and those
OF you who are recognized ms leaders
In society, have got to give an ac-
count To God of your leadership ~
society. as truly as the minister Is
TO account for his leadership OF the
congregation. When thou sawest a
thief said the psalmist, thou con
sontodst unto him and hast been par
takcr with the adulterers. These
things hast thou done and I held my
tongue. Thou thoughtest wickedlv that
I am even such an one as thyself: but
! will reprove thee and set before thee
things which thou hast done Consider
this, We that forget God lest ! pluck
YOU away and there be none to deliver
YOU
These are solemn words that should
be thoushttully considered Laws viii
not accomplish much, unless they havs
public sentiment behind them.