Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1909-10-22
Americas, Ga. October %, 1909.
FOUR DIVORCE CASES-THE MAN.
HOOD OF THE MAN.

wife to secure DIVORCE IN ofdef tndC |
she might marry Millais. the artist,
with whom she was in love, and gave
the union the additional sanction of
his presence at the wedding ceremony,
the world had rare example of the
spirit of self-saerifice. AS rule di-
vorce cases TEEN with vulgar immor-
ality, with mere displays of sensual
indulgence and the open reputation
of conventional views on morality In
this case there was none of this. Pru-
rient minds found no choice morsels
to roll under their tongues and all
the parties retained their self-respect
and the respect of their friends and
the public
The Ruskin divorce case is recalled
by the present Barrie divorce proceed
ings, but in this instance, while the
author is proceeding with mag
nanimity of soul equal to that dis
played by the great critic, it is to be
regretted that the wife from whom he
is separated does not bear the flower
of innocence upon her breast. In the
early days of our own country, in the
bleak climate of New England, the
scarlet letter would have been borne
upon her bosom. But the nobility of
character of the husband bears out
the impression received by those who
have read the tender stories that have
come from his pen to the delight of
a vast circle of readers. 1t is crafty
ing to the reading world to know that
no blame attaches to Barrie; that no
stigma has been thrown upon his good
name, and that through it all he has
displayed the tenderness that is said
to mark the brave.
or the guilt of his beautiful wife
there seems to be no doubt. Her con-
LESSONS of criminal intimacy with the
correspondent. young author whom
Barrie had introduced into their home
at gatherings of writer's, removed all
doubt as to the justice of his proceed
ings. Even when acquainted with her
fall Barrie offered to forgive and for
get TO let the veil of oblivion cover
up the past; to go on together hand
in hand. 1t was an offer of self re-
demption for the women that too few
men, it is to be feared, would have
been capable of offering. But the love
of the wife for the other man seemed
too strong. Apparently she realized
her own weakness too much to trust
herself to accept so generous an offer.
Openly avowing her love for the man
who had brought disgrace upon the
household, she pleaded with Barrie
to set her free. Barrie consented, but
not until the man had pledged himself
to marry the Divorce. And then, in
recognition of the years of bliss that
had been his, Barrie settled upon the
erring wife handsome sum and insti-
tuted his divorce proceedings.
Two other divorce cases are engag-
ing the public attention that have fea-
lures about them that are remarkable
for their difference from the ordinary
run of such proceedings. Daniel Froh-
mans beautiful wife, formerly known
as Margaret Ellington on the stage, is
sueing for a separation on the techni-
cal ground of non-support. Quitting
the stage for domestic life, she appar-
emily has once more yielded to the
seductive influences of the theatre
No charge that affects the morals of
either party is made. Whatever she
says in this matter is all right; what
ever she does is all right" is all that
Frohman has to say. Il only hope
that she will be able to bring about
her own great happiness under the
new condition of things. She has my
very best wishes" How much higher
this than the filth that crept out in
the Gould divorce case; in the Batonyi
case; in the numerous Other cases that
have disgraced the so-cai!ed high So
ciety'' of the land.
An early episode in the life of JUS
tice Gaynor, now the Democratic can
didate for Mayor of New York, is also
being rehearsed, his divorce from his
first wife. 1t appears that when Gay
nor's name was prominently mentions
ed some years ago in connection with
the nomination for Governor of the
state, the gossips at once got busy
with this episode. 1t was apparent
that the name of his former wife was
about to be dragged into the mire of
dirty politics Gaynor's action was
prompt. Calling the newspaper cor
respondents together he said to them,
in effect: Whatever blame there is
let it fall upon me. If any one must
be sacrificed let it be me. Spare the
woman" And then he quietly with
drew his name from consideration. |
And, let it be said, to the better credit |
of the public in New York, the recent
attempts to revive the story have been |
frowned down.
Ruskin, Barrie. Frohman, Gaynor-
these four have been through the ter
rible mill of the divorce court No |
one will ever know what it meant to |
them in anguish of mind. The world |
never knows any man, or any woman, |
for that matter. 1t has merely a SUI
perficial acquaintance with the exte-
rior. The true man and the true wo-
man are known only to themselves
and to their God. And while all may |
deplore these divorces, it is yet a sad |
pleasure to feel that in each of them
there has been display of true man
hood that puts to the blush of undying
shame the conduct of so many whose
domestic troubles have been aired /