The Washington times., 1906-11-18
Book by Mrs. Parsons,
Daughter of Henry
CleWS, Raises Protest.
SHOCKS DR.. STAFFORD
The Rev. John ShaiCk Says
the Author is Taken En-
tireIy Too Serious.

Mrs. Elsie Clews Parsons, IA New
York society woman, doctor of
philosophy for six years lecturer
on sociology in Barnard College, |
daughter of Henry Clews, the
banker, and wife of Representative
Herbert Parsons. chairman of the
New York Republican county COM
rIittee, has written remarkable
book .fayoring trial marriages,
tcrminable by law without humilia-
+ion to either party. as tending to
uLlift and better humanity.
Denounced by Dr.. Stafford.
The Rev Father Stafford. d. D.,
pastor OF St Patrick's Church. rldicules
the idea that any sensible person would
take Mrs Parsons views seriously.
They are out of the question" he
said. 1T would not only endanger the
home but utterly destroy il.
Think of il. man and a woman 10
live together for three months a year.
three years. and then, because one OF
The other was tired, because some diff
Guilty arose. 70 abandon their vows and
then 80 and live with another, The
christian marriage must be maintained,
and as a sacrament. There would be no
sacredness whatsoever in trial mar
riages.
Divorce in the first place is the de-
structiOn or the home and this new
suggestion is the ultimate development
of divorce"
"Not to Be Tolerated"
Bishop Earl CranstoE the Methodist
Episcopal Bishop OF Washington. said
when asked FOR an expression on the
sacredness of marriage:
This teaching of Mrs. Parsons is
not 10 be tolerated by Christians and
moral people for an instant. II is de
structive of the home, of society, u.ar-
riage and kindred relations
This trial OF temporary marriage
with a view To permanenCy upon con-
ditton that both parties are satisfied is
not only unscripural, but will never
be tolerated by a civilized people"
The Rev. Shaick's Views.
The Rev. John shaick. pastor of the
Grace Dutch Reformed Church. the
church that is attended regularly by
President Roosevelt when he is in
Washington, when asked for his views
on Mrs. Parsons work. said: Il don't
believe any one viii take the lady seTi-
ously. The newspapers are giving her
TOO much attention and notoriety. Does
she not see that her attitude is a re-
fiection on her own married life. It
shows a personal recognition on her
part of the failure Of the marriage
state But she should remember that
there are 10000 happy homes where one
s. "a k-+ 4
vorces. but also many married people
who do not require divorces.
Marriage is a divine institution. and
not 20 be trihed with"
When DR.. Shaick was asked what he
thought of Mrs Parsons proposal 10
have children cared for by the state
he only laughed and said. why the
state cannot even take care Of its prIs-
0ners. what would it do with the chill
dren2"
New York Preacher Approves.
The Rev Dr. Madison T.. Peters. Of
New York. on the other hand, is re-
ported as heartily supporting Mrs. Par
sons ideas. He is quoted as saying:
81 quite agree with Mrs. Parsons that
divorced people should be allowed to re-
marry without criticism.
Il have two daughters whom 1 would
unworthy. 1 would tell them 10 cast
such man OF, and If they found the
man whom they believed worthy OF
them 70 try again
The Rev. DIT. Morgan Dix, rector of
Trinity Parish. New York, will today
preach against the doctrines laid down
by Mrs. Parsons.
The doctrines preached by heE are
simply outrageous" said Dr. Dix in an
interview yesterday
The idea of men and women living
like animals. separating at will and
contracting new alliances. leaving the
children 10 be nObody's children and TO
be cared for by the state. IS barbarism,
The Rev. Dr. Williams Talks.
The Rev. DIR. R. p Williams. arch
deacon of the diocese Of Washington.
said People that really believe IN
Christ and his teachings cannot con
slider the trial marriage" for an in
stanJ. II is not necessary to get a Cli-
VoUce If people cannot agree, but I do
believe that they should live apart If
they can live better and happier lives
by so doing.
Marriages are entered into too lightly
these days.
AS to allowing teachers or other pub
lie servants 10 come into my house and
dictate as 10 how / am 10 raise my
children. / would not allow it, That
would be reverting To the old Spartan
custom, when the child belonged to the
state and not to the parents.
% Think the people of America are too
sensible for this suggestion 10 make any
very great impression on them
THINTtT thin nFnTO nH Al