Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-01-26
BY MARGARET E. sANesTsR.

The divorce laws of this country
are dissimilar ia many important
particulars in different localities. In
some of the states divorce is easily
obtained on the ground of incompati-
bility or on almost any pretext that
enables a dissatisfied husband and
wife TO sever the bond that has hither-
e. united them.
lnhdeiity, intemperance and deser-
ton are three of the most cogent rea-
sons presented in the divorce courts
and in majority of the states; If
the complaint is proven on any of
these grognys. the. decree Of -separa-
ton, either limited or absolute, is
granted without much demur. In one
or two of the older and more conserv-
alive states. notably in the south. and
on the Atlantic seaboard below Ma
sons and Dixie's line. unfaithfulness
TO marital vows is the only cause com
monty offered by uncomfortably
mated people. with any hope OF gain
ing their end Nonsupport OF wife
by husband is a ground for divorce
accepted by the courts I'm a large num-
Der of states. and with much reason.
Yet when all is said there remains
this stigma that divorce rests on too
flimsy a basis. that there is no uni
formity in our laws In this depart
ment so that people are divorced and
remarked with undue haste. while Il
is quite possible that a man and
woman who live In lawful wedlock
in one state may be regarded as un-
married In another. and II they live
together do so under the ban OF open
immortality.
To assert that people never make
mistakes in the closest Of human rela-
lions and that divorce should never
be granted except on the one ground
OF infidelity. IS 20 affirm an opinion
that in some cases would infict use
less and intolerable suffering. and do
no good 10 any Of the parties con-
cerned. But 20 permit divorce TO be
easy. TO let the state consent TO a
change OF partners in marriage as
children change places in the old
game OF stage-coach. and 20 remove
wholly from divorced persons a re-
proach VIII IN they remarry as they
often do. in precipitation and by evi-
dent pre-arrangemont is to strike a
blow at the foundation-stone OF so
ciety. the family.
Everything stable I'm civilized life
depends on the integrity OF the family.
The family is the greatest OF human
institutions. IL preceded the state and
the church. When the famny is no
longer regarded as sacred. when its I
responsibilities are trampled upon.
and husband and wife in mad selfish. I
ness forget the claims upon them of
their offspring, there is the greatest
danger that the nation viii follow I
the fate Of erete and corrupt nations /
in the past
The real sufferers in easy divorce
are the children. Il Is pitiful TO see.
as one often does. a father and moth. p
sr at variance contending over the /
children who should be their dearest /
bond OF union. The little ones cling. \
ing in the sweet simplicity OF child. \
ish affection 20 father and mother
vainly try 20 understand the discords
that ruin their home. The love of
their little loyal hearts is given alike
TO father and to mother. II by the
adjudication Of a court they are torn
from the arms OF one and placed In
the care of the other. they begin a
manned and mutilatcd life.
They are ashamed when among
their little mates because there is
something that sets them apart, some.
thing queer and odd that they can
not explain.
Children have strange capacity