The Washington times., 1906-12-29
MINISTERS ON
NEW DISTRICT
DIVORCE LAW
Clergy Divided in Opin-
ion as to Proposed
Change in the
Statute.

The proposed changes in divorce laws
fer the District Of Columbia have re
suited in various expressions OF opin-
ion from iuisters In Washington, sew
eral Of whom are vigorously opposed 20
such action while others are heartily
in favor of the changes.
There are those who favor a mOdin~
cation, although not so liberal as those
recommended by the National Congress
of Uniform Divorce Laws. from which
the proposed changes are the out
growth.
In order that the real trend OF public
opinion in the matter might be gained
the Commissioners are anxious 10 know
what the public wants in this regard
before any measure Is submitted 10
Congress affecting the question careful
consideration viii be given It's details
Present Law Bad.
The Rev. John Van Schaick, pastor Of
the Church Of Our Fatherw. is heartily
IN favor OF a modification Of the divorce
laws Of the District. This morning Mr.
Van Schaick said:
When the National Divorce Congress
met in ashingtOn l attended It's ses-
siOns and listened TO its proceedings
with the deepest interest. i am strongly
in favor OF the law drafted by that con-
gress. In 90 per cent OF the states al
ready the causes enumerated by IuAl
law as SUFFICIENT cause for divorce are
the the causes recognized by statute. 1
believe the same causes should De
recognized by the District OF Columbia.
With other Christian ministers OF
the District j urged the adoption OF the
law OF 1891. Ii has not proved itself a
step forward, but one back. II mas
worked hardship upon ihocent people
1t has induced migratory ana collusIVe
divorce, the greatest evils IN the sltua-
lion as il exists tod ). Under uni
form law such as that proposed by the
Divorce Congress. migratory and collu-
sive divorce would be absolutely aDol-
There Is but one position for the
Christian Church To take, The educa-
tiOn OF the conscience means the saliva
tiOn OF the home Harsh statutes IN
duCe immortality. The uniform law
with additional causes recognized for
absolute divorce, does not mean easy
divorce, a breakdown Of barriers. a
destruction of the moral law. II means
justice. From the standpoint OF the
Christian sOCiOlOglst. the present law Is
unjust. With all respect for the Cath
ollie Church ana the Episcopal Church.
! DO not care what position they take
on this matter now. / followed EplS-
Copallan leadership six years ago and
made what l. consider serious mis-
take Today i favor the change.
II shall DO all IN my power as a cit
izen 10 help enact "a uniform law Tor
the country
I shall do all in my power as "A min
lister OF the gospel 10 teach the sancdtY
0f the home, the evil inherent in all
divorce, its dread necessity when IL be-
comes. a necessity, and the higher, bet
ter way possible in the majority Of
cases filed"
In speaking of the proposed changes
today. DIT. Wallace Radcliffe, pastor OF
the New York Avenue Presbyterian
Church. said:
"I stand for what sny own church
advocates which is that divorces should
be granted on the one cause for which
the District code now stands. and for
desertIon / believe that divorces should
De granted ON these two causes, and for
these The Presbyterian Church stands
Muir Opposed to II.
That members of his church are utter
ly opposed TO any changes in the divorce
law, was epressed this morning by the
Rev. j. j. Muir, pastor of Temple Bap-
llsI Church. who declared that he be
AeEeu that scriptural meaning was the
only correct one
1t IS civil only i'm it's relation to gov
et4lheht' said Dr. Muir" and in its
Fuest conception il is entirely spiritual.
DeiieFe the nearer We get 10 the scrip
tuit'l meaning, the more clearly we shall
De aple 10 carry out our church teach
Ihgs am absolutely and utterly op-
poaGd 70 any change in the divorce laws
OF the District.
br Randolph II McKim. rector Of
EplPhahy Episcopal Church views the
proposed Changes with greatest disfa-
N"tf ana SAYS that the entire Episco-
Fai OhuIch Is lrrevocably against il