The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-04-17
CURE FOR DIVORCE
FOUND BY CLERGY
IN HADDOCK CASE
Supreme Courts DeclS-
ion PleaSeS Ministers
in Washington.
HITS AMBULATORY EVIL
New York Not Bound to
Respect Decree in Con-
necticut.
HITS AMBULATORY EVIL

The decision of the Supreme Court in
the case Of Haddock against Haddock,
which strikes heavy blow against the
evil known as the "ambulatory divorce, -
is highly approved by the clergy OF
Washington. Ministers of various de-
nominations, interviewed by The Times
this morning. expressed the opiejon that
the decision would go far toward rem
edying a vicious condition
The decision of the court was rendered
by Justice White and the Chief Justice
and Justices Peckham. McKenna and
Day concurred in his view. Justices Har-
Ian, Brewer, Brown and Holmes dis
sented. the last named delivering a sep
arate and exceedingly emphatic dissent
ing opinion.
The Haddocks' Troubles.
John w. and Harriet Haddock we're
married in New York in 1868. but lived
together only three months. The hus-
band then went to Connecticut and sub
seauently. in that State. obtained a di-
vorce. Service on the wife was by publi-
cation.
Many years afterward she brought
suit for alimony in New York and the
New York courts held that New York
was not required to recognize the legal
fly of the divorce obtained in Connecti-
cut, and that the appeal for alimony
was just and legal and should be grant
ed. 1t was granted, and the case was
fought through the New York courts
TO the Supreme Court of the United
States.
In the Supreme Court it was contend
ed, on behalf of the husband, that the
l,o
courts of one State to give full faith
and credit TO the decisions OF the
courts of other States. demanded the
recognition of the Connecticut divorce.
This view did not commend itself to
the Judgment of Justice White and the
majority. The decision OF the court is
that the faith and credit demanded
must be only such as Is required by
State comfy and consistent with the
State laws
DR.. Radcliffe's View.
The Rev. Wallace Radcliffe, pastor of
the New York Avenue Presbyterian
Church. said this morning he was great
ly gratified that the Supreme Court had
reached the conclusion that had been
announced.
Divorces of the kind the court has
attacked said DR.. Radcliffe, have
Deen one or the great evils from winch
the country has suffered and have
dragged a long train Of other evils be-
hind them. Men and women. who chafed
under the restrictions of marriage and
could not secure dissolution OF the
marriage tie in their own States have
gone TO other States.
1T is true that the effect OF broad
decision may be to work occasional in
justice. but In the long run the rule OF
law announced will make for good
Dr.. Bristol Ratified.
A similar opinion was expressed by
the Rev. Frank NJ. Bristol, pastor OF
Metropolitan Memorial NJ. Z. Church
DR.. Bristol is one of those VINO favor
n Federal law regulating marriage and
divorce. although he realizes that tc
secure such law a constitutions
amendment must be enacted
The decision would seem to me tC
be in the direction of a uniform divorce
law" said DR.. Bristol THAT is a con-
summation devoutedIy 10 be wished. ]
have a great regard for the opinions OF
the members of the minority in this de-
cision. but 1 do believe the ma jority
opinion, In its effect, will advance the
cause of sound morality and tend to pro-
mote a healthier public sentiment OF
this vital question: