New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-09-25

The records of the new Domestic Rela-
tions Court instituted on September !,
show that il was greatly needed and has
already accomplished much good. In the
first two weeks of its existence il issued
more than two hundred and fifty sum
monses for delinquent husbands who failed
10 provide for their families. In addition
20 this many family jars have been quietly
mended outside Of the courtroom.
Word has gone abroad that this court Is
the great tribunal for the adjustment or
arnelioraron Of any domestic difficulty
whatever, and all kinds of complaints,
often trivial ones, are here poured forth
by the aggrieved husband or wife. Not
one case in four Of these can be legally
brought before -he court or attended 10.
as its jurisdiction at present is limited
70 cases Of abandonment or failure 10 sup
port where the deserted ones are liable
10 become public charges. In time the
experiment may prove SO successful and
demonstrate its value 10 the community
20 such an extent that the jurisdiction of
the court viii be extended to reach all
kinds OF matrimonial tangles and help
straiEhten them out.
In the mean time Albert @. Wilson, as
sistant clerk of the court. known TO many
as the matrimonial mechanic" and Mrs.
Julia Mcouade, probation officer, are doing
all in their power TO induce the dove Of
uesce 10 spread its wings over disturbed
householders who seek the aid Of the court
All persons who think they have cause
fer COMPLAINT must first tel their woes 10
Mr. Wilson who advises, cajoles, threat
ems. "joIlies" soothes or gives sum
mons or a warrant for arrest according
10 what he thinks for the best interests OF
the complainant. Both he and Mrs Nc
C,s1ade induce as many persons as posi-
bic 70 patch up their family auarrels with
out taking them into court Failing in this
Mrs McQuade awaits the complaining ones
as they leave the courtroom and tries 10
persuade them 10 think II over, 70 give
each other another chance 70 do right;
she asks them TO bear with each other
and try 70 get along together; she endeav-
ors TO get them 10 kiss and make up espe-
ciaIIv when their disagreement has been
over trifes, as IS so often the case
For instance. one Of the recent complain
ants in court vas a woman of seventy, Who
charged her eighty-year-oid husband with
deserrion and asked for support apart from
him.
why did your husband leave you?" in
ouired the Judge.
He wouldn't eat the food ] fixed for
him. answered the white haired old lady,
IN a trembling voice.
What did he say when he left you?'
Il couldn1 repeat in public all he said,
she replied teaFfuIly. but he slammed the
saucer Of breakfast food on the floor and
said he'd be damned II he wouldn't go
where he could get something fit TO eat"
The aged husband. called TO the witness
stand in his defence. said:
seYou know how il is yourself. judge, this
reNfsngled sfUff they call breakfast food
is nothing but sawdust, not III for horse
10 eat'-
They were hurried out OF the courtroom
TO Mrs McQuade, who found out that the
whole trouble arose oyer an argument be-
fore breakfast as 20 whether a prepared
wheat food or oatmeal should be served.
The husband demanding the good old
fashioned oats that would stick 70 mans
ribs," =hiie the wife stUbbOrnly put the
prepared food on the table.
Mrs McQusde told them that each food
had some good qualities while il lacked
others, and that al any rate the matter
vas a trlae 10 break Up z happy home
Size fnally persuaded them 20 KISS ard
make Up. vhicA they did IN the corridor
Of tie court