The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-05-17
INTEMPERANCE AND LAX
LAWS ARE DENOUNCED

Washington, May 17.--Moving pic
lures, lax laws and intemperance are
blamed tor the numerous divorces In
the United States by the committee OF
temperance ana social service in Its
report to the southern Baptist conyen-
tion today. Enactment of a uniform
code of marriage and divorce laws was
recommended as remedy.
Quoting from government statistics
on the number of divorces obtained an
nually in the country, the report shows
that In 1916, when the last figures were
gathered, sthere were 112,036 divorces,
Were later figures available" the re-
port continued, 'the. picture would
doubtless be larger still. certainly this
would be true of 1919 owing to the
large number of hasty and foolish mar
riages contracted during the war"
As a primary cause OF this sad con-
dition." which is characterized as an
ugly spectre which looms on the hori-
zon OF our civilization" the report de-
nounces the motion picture as now
produced. declaring that nearly every
film put upon the screen contains some
where some evil suggestion. Many Of
the films are based on the eternal
triangle" and the suggestion of disre-
gard. II not an open breach Of the mar
ital relation.
"Laxness Of the laws Of marriage and
divorce is unquestionably one OF the
most fruitful causes Of the prevalent
anu kTOWlnk divorce eNll, a lnt ISBpAh
states, emphasizing the need of better
laws regulating marriage. Many OF the
marriage and divorce laws OF the state
are described as ''foolishly absurd
Amendment to the constitution, TO
give the federal government control over
the matter, is suggested, but owing TO
the time this would require legislative
enactment in the several states Is rec
omHfended in the meantime. -
The report recommends among other
things the publishing OF the marriage
bans for at least thirty days before the
rite can be celebrated, !, physical exami-
nation OF each party by physician and
the establishment OF a uniform code
which as nearly as possible should
come 70 the basis Of Bible teaching
concerning the ground Of divorce with
the right of marriage, and that In all
other cases when divorces be granted
II be without the right OF remarriage."
Amendment to the Constitution TO
prohibit the use OF public funds for the
support Of sec'arian Institutions Is rec
commended IN a resolution unanimously
adopted today by the Southern Baptist
convention.
Introducing the resolution DIR. Cam
brell. president of the convention. de-
clared Nthat Baptists were opposed 20
receiving money for their own work and
every religious order In the world ought
to pay ii1 own expenses.
The resolution recites the form Of the
prohibition amendment as follows:
No law shah be passed respecting an
establishment Of religion or prohibiting
the free exercise thereof; nor shall the
national government or any state. coun-
". city. town. village or other civil d.
vision use Us property. or credit Or
any money raised by taxation or other
wise, or authorize either TO be med for
the purpose of founding. maintaining
or aiding by appropriation. payment for
services, expenses or ~ any o.her man
ton. or religious society. or any inHtifu-
ton. school. society or undertakinE |
which is wholly or IN part under sec
tarinn or cccie iesiaEtical control
The convention was Addressed today /
~ Biahop James Cannon. fr. 81 fht >
Methodist Episcopal church. south.