The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-12-16

A revision OF the state marriage law,
with especial reference TO persons coming
from without the state, Is needed in
Rhode Island. says City Registrar Charles
". Chapin
DIR. Chaplin advocates applying to out
of-statc divorced people the same require
mcnts that are I'm force when residents OF
Rhode Island seek TO rcmarry here. He
further favors the requiring OF the taxi
ing out OF licenses a certain number OF
days before the marriage ceremony is TO
he performed and an age limit section
euually applicable TO those from across
the border and those living here. He is
in hearty accord. he says. with clergy
men and others who favor such legisla-
tion as will make II more difficult for
people from other states TO obtain mar
riage licenses here, oftentimes In order to
ovade proper laws enacted by the states
of which they are residents. That some
thing should be done to remove the uncn-
viable reputation of Rhode Island In this
particular. and free Providence from the
appellation OF ''the modern Gretna
Green" is an opinion that finds express
sion among clergymen and laymen.
DIR. Chaplin says that not only the young
people who brave the dispeasure oil
parents and guardians by coming here 10
be married. but divorced persons have
come to look upon Providence as easy.
Those who have been divorced In other
states, DIR. Chaplin insists, ought to be
treated exactly the same as those who
live here and arc seeking remarriage.
While there is no provision In the law re-
quiring that applicants shall produce GER
tificd copies os divorce decrees, Dr. Cha
pin being the sole judge OF the propriety
OF issuing licenses at city hall, for the
sake of regularity OF proceedings In his
Office. requires a production OF the GER
tificate Of the clerk OF the court In which
the decree was obtained.
The city registrar believes that there
should be statutory amendment re-
oufring from all applicants for marriage
licenses production OF proof OF divorce.
che filing OF which would show conclu-
siveIy whether the period OF prohibition,
after the granting of the decree nisi, had
expired
PUT ON A TIME LIMIT.
DIR. Chaplin also favors law TO require
that a certain number OF days must
slapse between the fling OF marriage
declaration and the time when the license
may become operative.
positive benefit would" he says, 'be
worked I'm two directions. IL would give
pnrents OF young people coming from
other states opportunity In which TO learn
of contemplated marriages IL would also
persons who are divorced In Masssachu-
setts OF marrying here In defiance OF the
Law OF that commonwealth.
There are certain divorces granted IN
Massachusetts, in which the respondents
are prohibited from marrying until inc
expiration OF two years following the MI
ing OF DEGREES. Knowing that that re-
striction cannot apply in Rhode Island.
the principals come here. show their cer-
fificstes and obtain marriage licenses.
They run the risk OF being prosecuted In
their own state, but the infection of fne
there cannot invalidate the marriage
here" says DR. Chaplin.
DIR. Chaplin would not only have the
state law amended so as TO restrict mar
Rage OF Massachusetts dlvorcedsspersons
Just as they are held IN check I'm their
own state. but he would have the restric-
fions as 10 age apply with equal force TO
all applicants for licenses
Young men and young women coming
from Massachusetts and Connecticut can
obtain licenses I'm Rhode Island II they
are Is years OF age. whereas applicants
living within the state must bring their
fathers. mothers n the fathers are dead,
or guardians if neither parent ~ living.
60 the city or town hall. and these must
sign permit before the license Is issued.