The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-05-24

SCORE DIVORCE
General Assembly Adopts Rcso-
lutions Expressing Hope of
Radical Reform.
PRESIDENT COREY FLAYED
No Reconsideration Of Proposed
Action on the Anti-Saloon
League-May Renew.

4 COLUMBUS, o., May 23.-The Presby-
tcrIan General Assembly to-day ap-
proved the report of the special com-
mttce on marriage and divorce and
adopted resolutions expressing the
hope of more radical reform, reaftlrm-'
ing utterances Of former assemblies
regarding divorce and enjoining Pres
byteries ito inforcc the standards Of
the church, to hold to strict account
all ministers under their care, and to
urge all ministers to regard the conf
ty that should refrain from giving the
sanction Of our church to members Of
another church. whose marriage is in
violation Of the laws of the church.,
whose communion they have chosep.'
Rev. DR.. Charles A. Dickey, of Phila-
delphia, chairman Of the committee,
presented the report. Referring to the
marriage of President Corey, OF the
United States Steel Corporation, he
said:
"What we heard about Mr.. Corey
cleared the way. The condemnation
OF public opinion was enough in itself
to make US rejoice; but surely If the
editorials Of our newspapers, and If
the approval of public opinion. is bring
ing a high standard, 1t is time for us
to take the lead In this, as in every
thing. and give an example Of the
church cleansing Itself from lax d.
vorces and sinful marriages."
The report of the special committee
on marriage and divorce contains the
following:
The church cannot hope to in
f1uence those who make and exc
cute civil laws. to give protection
to the family, to make the sunder-
ing of marriage ties and the fornl-
ing OF new alliances moro difficult,
unless by a strict adherence to its
own teachings tho church holds
those who minister by its author
ity responsible for the violation of
Its teachings.
THE church has it In It's power
to put such opprobrium upon di-
vorceS or relnarriages that have
not the sanction of Gods word that
those who dread It's condemnation
and desire its recognition will hes
| 1tnte to ostraciZe the mselvcs.
"But If the church permits its
seal to be put upon such sinful alli-
ances, II it allows its silence to
seem Its approval If y withholds
its power to condemn, in deference,
| to power to contribute, t need
not think 1t strange that its influ-
| cnce for reform Is SO little re-
garded.
THE advance is slow, but much
| ILLS 6ecl1 uCCOIuPllSAISd, tilu IluCll
more is promised that gives en-
! enlargement and hope"
The committee recommended thu
passage of the following. resolutions:
''Resolved, That presbyteries are
| hereby enjoined to enforce tho
standards of our church, to hold
| to strict account all ministers Sun-
dor their care and to urge all min.
listers to regard comfy that should
refrain from giving the sanction
of our church to members Of an
other church, whose marriage Is In
violation Of laws Of tho church
whose communion they have
! chosen"
Although 1t was rumored that a
(,attempt would be made for the re
consideration Of the action on the Anti
Saloon League, no such step was taker
lit is probable however, that tho con
troversy may be renewed tomorrow
when the report of the permanent con,
|,mittee on temperance is presented.