The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1914-12-26
PEOPLES COLUMN
Elkton, Md, Dec. %, 1914.
Editor CECIL WING,


Dear Sir:-Several years ago, the
races were driven away from this
county by an aroused public led by
clergymen and church people Liquor
has repeatedly been driven away by
the people under the same leadership.
In both cases, when it became evident
that the moral welfare of the commun-
ity was endangered, the forces to
which we look to make our environ
ment wholesome were efficient and
credit to the town.
At present, we are afflicted with an
unfortunate marriage law. This law,
prior to the time Delaware passed its
new law, may or may not have been a
good one; under present conditions,
however, it is bringing discredit and
cheap notoriety to Elkton, making it
to marriages what Reno was to di-
vorces. The races did little if any
more harm than the operation of this
law directly and indirectly is subtly
bringing about
And the very people and institutions
on which we depend to protect the
community's moral and religious well
fare are either silent or actively en-
gagged in bringing discredit on the
town and on the churches.
The harm this law is doing to Elk
tons reputation, as mentioned above,
is not, by any means, the greatest
harm it is accomplishing. The opera
ton of the law is endangering the reli-
gious life of this community. And we
cannot afford to have the religious in
tiuences of the town iessened
Serious, high minded citizens, who
observe clergymen entering into the
wholesale marriage of entire strang-
ers with an exhibition of commercial
ism unbetitting their profession, can
not help but be stunned. These prea-
chers do not know the people they are
marrying whether of age or not;
whether bigamists or not; whether the
step is taken after due consideration;
whether the parents are aware of the
action, etc. etc. In fact, all that these
- : y 'i'NlA S@N!lSl 81 hllp" 10 Nlltl
they sea license, two people and
the prospect Of few dollars and
cents. And this constitutes "Hoiy
Matrlmony,' The possible harm that
they may be doing to the people they
marry and to their parents and many
other considerations that are suppos-
ed to influence men OF high ideals
seem to be Of no avail.
In the opinion of the writer. clergy
men engaging in this business, torfaIt
the respect of their community and
bring discrcdit on their churches. And
with the ideals and practices of their
leaders vitaly questioned, how can
these churches continue their work of
arCuslng, moulding and maintaining
the religious and moral fibre of this
town? There is little wonder that
the number of unOccupied peWs is in
creaSlng and young people stay away.
10 preach about the rich man and he
camel and the needles eye on Sunday
and scramble after money during the
rest Of the week does not inspire the
confidence of the people the churches
ann to and should reach To feeblv
regret the growth of Divorce on the
Seventh Day and eagerly feed it the
rest of the week will not win the re-
spect and faith of the average man,
who, even If he does not know Latin
and Greek, deserves credit for having
a fairly we'll developed sense of right
and wrong.
1t has been said that this law, be-
ing State law, cannot be changed un-
til the next Legislature meets. Be-
cause as with the races and with lin
uor, the law puts money into the peck
cts of some people, there will be
strong effort made against anv
change. An organized effort, there
| fore, Will be required to effect the de-
sired changes. 1t is not by any means
too early to begin this work now. The
rank and file are Disguised with the
| operation of this law; only strong
| leadership is needed To this end it is
to be hoped that the churches, the
Woman's Club of Elkton and the Elk
| ton Improvement Association will
| clearly and emphatically demand that
the changes be made. And these or
CARNATIONS of course will have to gain
the cooperation of similar organiza-
tons throughout the State
| This Is written with the hope that
| 1T may do something to arouse the
local organizations and men of in
f1uence to redeem Elkton from this
| odlum and prove once more that any
thlng and everything does not go in
Elkton. Certainly condition too
evil for Wilmington is not welcome in
! Elkton. Elkton is home to us; let us
protect and honor it accordingly.
| los II PERKINS