Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-10-03
From Other Viewpoints
Stop the Mania for Divorce.
DH REV. FRANK HAMPTON FOX.

Statistics show that the rapid increase in
divorce is one Of the most sinister signs OF
the deep unrest OF our time. The population
OF the United States increased approximately
a3 per cen, from 1900 to 1918 the pouulatio
was approx imately 76,000000: the number Of
divorces granted that year was 55,75l The
population in 1916 was l05, 900 900; that year
il2,oS6 divorces were granted War weddings
MAD not begun to swell the totals to the flood
-l92U statistics will probably show a 20 pcr
cent increase over 1918.
II is claimed by those in a position to know
that seven out OF ten war weddings were fail
ures. Recently $4,000 French war brides re
turned to France, having secured divorces
from their deherozcd husbands However. this
back wash OF war will soon rccede. though the
thousands OF divorces who re-cnter the lists
for new ventures in the matrimonial markets
may look lightly q sacred Relationship from
which they once easily escaped.
The real menace. however, is in the increas-
ing number Of divorces among men ana worn
en- in high life who are recognized leaders OF
the day. These people from almost every walk
and profession are setting perilous examnle
which will be followed by an increasing num-
Der.
tisics for period OF thirty years the number
Of wives to whom divorces have been granted
by our courts average year by year approx
inatclY double the number granted 10 hus-
bands. In 1916. however, the number of di
Norces granted to wives were more than two
TO and i nth times the number gran, cd
to husbands. The brides will easily in
crease the number to three times and per-
haps to four times that number this year
ords OF other nations is instructive il not
gratifying. Great Britain with n populu. lon
of 4a.oooooo granted l:.S6s divorces in 1915
The German empire. with population OF So
100000. in 1900 granted total OF 5000 di
vorces italy with population of $4,000. 900
year with n popula ton of nearly "a ono ooo
granted s3.9i9 divorces.
In the face OF these figures we do no, n,lo
favorable showing. Japan alone out-s,rips
us in the number OF divorces granted seem
ingly. as Japan becomes more modern and the
United states more epcurean. marriage be-
comes more and more Temporary arranro
Incnt TO be discontinued at the pleasure or
either party.
Far many girls marry in their salad
days while their Judgments too fresh to
make them good judges OF life partners ,roo
many young women marry the occasion rather
than the man. Some see a chance for home.
other seek opportunity for fun forcet,inr 49,
serious side OF life's PARTNERSHIPS penni.
who pawn future prospects for present meas
urc must prepare to pay the penalty
Tho devil of discomfort always ,empts the
dissatisfied Frequently girls who were belles
in the Darlor before they were married no.
come wild in tho kitchen afterward
There are thousands OF women who loatb
the quiet hush of tho house. They no sooner
enter il than they long to go out They arc
not on good terms with themselves. No won
hn who is at war with herself can hope to
live in peace with any red -blooded man
Children are another cause Of con,on.i,,
There are men who chronic Erouchrs
There are few women who have mo grace 70
swcctcn these sour spots with alkali inste,,,
OF Irritating them with acid
The cure Of this divorce mania is bv no
means easy, but there four Corrective
agencies which should be applied mmcdia,riv
and continuously
First-A plain statement Of facts is nccJ,.d
to form an enlightened public opinion ucn
pie fear public opinion more than any o,hnr
penalty. Sccond-A quickencd social CON
science must be created which will hold lilo
parties TO their marriage vows
Civ!l marriages should be avoided Ero
ouen,iy court officials make very ligh, OF iho
marriage obligation There Is nothing IN W..
ceremony rs performed by them thai vii,
make any deep and lasting impression on tho
think that because they went 10 the cour,
house to hc married. they 20 70 tho san,c,
piace 10 oe unmarried. Marriage should be
regarded as a sacred act. binding the souls as
well as the bodies In an insepara union
Third-Thcre' Is need Of uniform diynrnn