New-York tribune., 1909-04-25

and far greater mental power would be the results
of such course he asserts.
When and women lose their emotions and
reason is supreme" said Dr. Evans. I'VE may OK
pect some artificial method Of mating that viii
produce the perfect race. Such a time is Far dis
tsnt. Love and passion stiH hold their sway and
In consequence the stout mates with the lean. the
tall with the short and the defective with the
healthy.
1T is unfortunately true that more attention is
paid TO the breeding OF prize animals than TO the
reproduction o. the human race. The strain OF
the horse, dog cat sheep and cattle has been I'M
proved Nothing along similar lines las been done
for man.
IN generations We have been able completely 10
transform the characteristics oc some animals
Dr. Dayenports suggestion for the scientific proPa-
cation Of the human race opens uR vast field
10Y speculation. We might have universal beauty
Of form and features. perfect health ana an N
crease in mental ca gacity not now suspected
81 is doubtful e We have sufficient self-coatrol
to put these plans into operation. IL ls the
superIo. Intelligence of that has directed the
breeding of the raCehorse snd prize cattle. We
would have struggle with own natures TO
bring about, similar results IN humanity APpar-
emily there is ne tendency in that direction at
present.
There is no question that 1t would be possible
to produce human beings Of superior physical and
mental qualities by artificial selection. 1t would
be justiRa BILE too scientific and moral grounds
But tie best we hope for is a more judlcloGs
attitude in the selection OF mates anu 4aioi" ~
gard for the wellbeng OF offspring.
Colonies that started ont with the idea OF living
the perfect life have never been success. ii NoGld
lie very difficult 10 get enough well matched per
sons together 10 start a perfect marriage colony.
In Indiana the Legislature has forbidden the mar
rage OF those who are palpably unht TO bear chill
Gren. that s a step In The right direction
The Indiana marriage laws referred to are ex-
tenslve bt the tenor Of al of them is indicated IN
two sections relating TO the granting OF licenses
TO wed. These follow:
NO license % marry shall be issued eNcspt on
written and verified application Such apptlca'loh
shall contain a statement Of the full 'hTlsllau
name and surname. color, occupation. birthplace
residence ana ages Of the parties. whether the mar
rage contemplated is the first. second or other
marriage together with the full Christian name
and surname residence. color. occupation anu
birthplace OF their parents. including the maiden
name of the mother together with such other facts
as may be necessary to determine whether any
legal ilnpedinent 10 the proposed marriage exists
No license TO marry shall be issued where ether
OF the contracting parties is imbecile, epeptic
OF unsound mind under guardianship as per
son Of unsound mind to any male person who
s or has been within five years an inmate of any
county asylum or home for INDECENT persons, unless
Il satisfactorily appears that the cause OF such
condition has been removed and that such male ap-
Ilicant IS able support family and likely so to
continue. nor shall any license issue when either
Of tie contrac citing parties is afflicted with trans
Inissible disease. the time or making the 90
plication is under the influence Of intoxicating
liquors or narcotic drugs.