The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1909-05-22
DENOUNCED AS SCANDAL-SlN
AND SORROW DUE TO LAX
~ lily OF THE LAWS.
NEEDED REFORMS URGED
Hear Report on Subject of Marriages
and Divorces Which Is a Severe Ar
raignment Of Practices Now Permit.
ted by State Statutes.

Denver May 21.-A quietus on Sun
day amusements and activities, the
abolition of divorce, and the urgency
of religious education were the sub
jects that started the business of the
general assembly of the Presbyterian
church off with a rush today. Two
other subjects which threaten to cause
much parliamentary conflict before the
end of the session-the report of the
executive committee and the report
Of the committee on administrative
agencies-also were brought before the
assembly by DR.. J. Moffatt. former
moderator and president Of the WASH
ingtQn and jefferson college of Pitts
burg, and by the former moderator,
DR.. B. r. Fullerton, Of st. Louis
DR.. Moffatt predicted that this ses-
sion would see the adoption of plan
whereby the eight administrative
boards Of the church would in large
degree, be consolidated. The commit
tee on administrative agencies Of
which he is chairman. has recon-
mended, in effect, that each board
seek legal advice as to it's possible
powers, that by the exercise Of the
full authority of each organization the
administrative powers of all may be
centralized.
1t has been a subject of comment
in the church that the administrative
powers have been too much scattered
and it has been the work of the COM
mittec on administrative agencies, APP
pointed by the assembly of 1906, to
formulate plan for consolidation.
The subject was made special order
for Monday afternoon.
The subject of marriage and divorce,
covered by the report of the commit
tee Of that title, together with the
other reports submitted today have
been published in book form and dis
tributed among the commissioners in
order that each may be conversant
with the contents of the report before
the matters are taken up for discus
sion.
Divorce Evil.
The committee on marriage and di-
vorce submitted the following report:
1.-THE census the report says, 'tells
story that surprises the people and
surprises a Christian nation
Continuing the report says:
Although it is a fact to be deplored
that this scandal, and sin and sorrow
resulting from the laxity Of law that
makes divorces and speedy remarriage
possible, show sad and shameful
continuance and efforts to resist and
lessen these evils that threaten the
permanance and purity of the family
life, the stability Of the state and tho
life and power of the church seem un-
availing, yet the united efforts of the
churches, of national and state Off
cials and organizations of this coun-
try, and conspicuously the faithful and
persistent work of the national divorce
congress, which invites the representa-
tives Of the interchurch conference to
confer with 1t, and to hope that re-
forms will be accomplished which will
in time wipe out much of the dishonor
and disgrace that makes Christian
America conspicuous In permitting a
laxity that makes our record our
shame.
Strong Sentiment.
There Is a strong sentiment yet
against the enactment of a nationalI
law regulating marriage and divorce,
owing to the jealousy of states to pre-
serve their rights. But the states
should seek the closest possible uni
formity and secure the least possible
perplexity and the best results for the |
purity Of our people and for the peace
and prosperity sof our Christian ma
ton.
Eve submit the following statistics:
In 1887 the total number of divorces
was 27.91s; in 1906 the total was 72,o62
The total number granted in 20 years
was 945,625.
Surely this surprising and alarming
increase of the number of divorces
granted should call halt and impress
all who care for their country and
love righteousness with the necessity
OF discovering, If possible the causes
of such condition and the possible
cure for such a calamity
Not Announced.
The selection of vice moderator
which was expected tn be made this
was not announced While
there has been no confirmation OF the
report that Judge Charles S. Holt of
Chicago will receive the appointment,
the report is believed to be correct.
The appointment was expected at the
close of the session this evening as was
the announcement of the standing
committees, but neither, owing to the
lateness of the hour, was made. Mod
orator Barkley said he would name the
vice moderator tomorrow at the OPEN
ing of the morning session. 1t is be-
Continued on Page Four)