The Washington herald., 1910-09-21
Marital Squabbles.

one does not nave 10 De very Sdplci4A
observer OF life TO realize that by far
the greater number OF divorces are
brought about by the merest tribes.
Without having at hand any statistics on
the subject, we should venture 10 say
that not % per cent OF divorces are
granted on those statutory grounds
which the Eplscopalian Church recog-
mixes as the only sound reason for di-
voree. There Is, We think. world Of
hope in the establishment in New York
City or a new court, which IS called the
court OF domestic relations. Its sole pur-
pose and function Is 10 act as a clearing
house for marital squabbles. The pre-
siding judge Is Magistrate Robert Cor
nell, a man who has given some time 10
the study Of divorce and its causes. and
any trouble between husband and wife
there is something 10 be said on each
side OF the question; that. II there had
been provided some means for arbitra-
ton from the outside. the trouble would
have been settled and divorce made IN
necessary. Magistrate Cornell says that
the two great causes OF difference be-
tween man and wife are drunkenness on
the mans part and extravaganza in
dress on the part Of the woman, other
causes are the mother-in-law. which. he
adds, is more often an excuse; unreason-
ableness on the part OF the Wife; the
Sinking Of responsibility on the part OF
the husband.
The new court is devised as a mean
whereby the tangles and snarls that hap
pen between married couples may be
Strengthened out. The prime function is
not 10 separate married couples but to
bring about reconciliation. and to fur
nish advice and admonition that may
prevent further dimculty. Hearing both
sides Of the case as fully as may be
| the magistrate viii lecture one or both
of the parties TO the squabble. and. II
he deems il wise or advisable, send them
home 10 try 10 start life on a new basis
OF a better understanding. II. however
crime has been committed by either Of the
squabblers it will be promptly punished
and II the case is inherently impossible
OF adjustment absolute or limited divorce
wiz be granted.
such a court as this will not, Of course
abolish the divorce evil. but 1t will, GER
tainly, do something toward that end
The very causes which the judge himself
gives as bringing about marital disa-
/ greements are causes that are inherent
/ in weak human nature; always men who
drink will marry women who are ex-
/ travagant, and as yet no way has beer
/ devised successfully to prevent this
/ But the process Of adjustment between
/ two conflicting natures tied together II
matrimony may be rendered less difficult
by such a court Much OF its success;
will depend, OF course. on the caliber OF
such a courts judge. for. as It is cor
stituted in New York, jury trials are not
allowed in these. cases; the judge is alb
solute
AT any rate the divorce evil is so prev,
alent throughout this country and It:
rapid growth is working so much harm
! sociologically and economically and NOR
rally. both to the present generation and
TO the generation that is growing, tha
the workings of this New York couT
will be watched with interest ali over tn,
land. and II, after a period. it is found
that IL answers the end for which il wa
created We may see some such instiuu
ton in every city in the land.