The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-11-25

euCn a NlueS DTeAu CIltl-
cism, such a storm of
condemnation as The
Family" by Elsie Clews Parsons.
It is her startling recommendation
OF marriage on trial" that has
aroused the conservative element.
Last Sunday scores OF clergymen
all over the country denounced the
doctrine from their pulpits. ''in-
decent" Outrageous" dangerous
in the extreme" "preposterous,"
are few of the adjectives they
use, and '1egalized Hbertinism,"
ian imposition on civilized society,""
"a reversiOn TO barbarism," "a men
ace to morality" are some of the
epithets they apply.
Mrs. J. G. Phelps Stokes, who
was Miss Rose Pastor. is the only
one who has a good word for Mrs.
Parsons, and even she considers
her bit previous. For while she
says II am glad women are waking
up and thinking" she also says
size trouble is with our social
foundation. There must first be a
complete change In our economic
conditions"
Meanwhile Mrs. Parsons is com
pletely stunned b. the uproar she
has raised. She Is well known in
Washington society, a daughter OF
Henry Clews. the banker. and wifel
OF Herbert Parsons, Congressman
from New York She had no inten-
ton OF setting the world by the
ears, or creating the literary SEN
sation Of the decade. Her book is
really a contribution to sociology
cal literature. Aside from her So
cial position Mrs. Parsons is a wo-
man OF considerable intellectual
distinction. She has taken her Phi.
D., q degree that women do not
often attain. and has been a leo
turer on sociology at Barnard Col
lege. Her book, which has Just
been published by G. P. Putnam's
Sons. New York, IS not at all meant
for general popular reading. It is
according to fits title page planned
as a text book for the use Of col
lege lecturers and directors Of
home reading clubs"
Mrs. Parsons approaches her sub
ject with dignity and treats it In
all its bearings in scholarly fash
ion, calmly and dispassionately as
BELTS a scientific investigation. In
addition 70 her suggestion Of trial
marriages, as a solution of the di-
vorce problem. she has collected a
good deal Of interesting data re-
lRting to the laxity of marriage in
all classes Of society. and in all
countries since civilization began.
Here are some extracts from her
book which explain her position
very thoroughly:
y x
Effect of Marriage on Society.
There are signs already OF the
spread OF the idea that the individual
is bound TO consider the effects upon
society OF his or her marriage. Indi-
viduaIa tainted by epilepsy. insanity,
inebriacy. and deaf-mutism are
thought by many TO be morally guilty
II they marry. There is a growing
realization OF the cost TO the state Of
reproduction by It's diseased or vicious
subjects. and a growing inclination TO
prevent these classes from reproducing
themselves.
IF the biological knowledge Of the
future throws moro light upon the
present-day mysteries OF heredity-
demonstrating the disastrous results
OF the mating Of those handicapped
by minor. as well as by more fragrant
taints or lacks-the social obligation in
marriage will be held more and more
considerable. The social demand for
the possession OF progressive traits,
physical moral. and mental a we'll