AMERICAN MARRIAGES AND DIVORCES.

Waikato Times, Volume 2641, Issue 2641, 15 June 1889, Page 2 (Supplement)

AMERICAN MARRIAGES AND DIVORCES.

TtrK present system of marriage and divorce laws in the different States of the. Union is greatly deplored by the intelligent part of the community. The laws of each State are so conflicting with each other that what is marriage in one commouwealth may be bigamy in iialf-a dozen others. If two wives obtain divorce in New York, the law prevents the men from marrying. One marries in New York and is a bigamist. The other marries in New Jersey and his marriage is lawful. Forms of marriage differ in the various States. If in some of the commonwealths a man and woman, without ceremony or witnesses, assume that they are husband and wife, the union is legal. In the adjoining State it might not be legal. All this makes a painful uncertainty as to the status of many married couples. It is the opinion of jurists and lawyers, says our Consul at Philadelphia, that the laws governing marriage: and divorce should bo the same throughout the country, and an amendment'to the Constitution of tho United States giving Congress the power to remedy these great evils is advised. Tn applications for divorce, fraud and perjury are committed in many case.3, notwithstanding the efforts of the judges to prevent any violation oE the law ; but they have no alternative, and must administer the statue law as they find it. Personal service of notice, of proceedings in divorce is not necessary in many States as for instance, in Minnesota, where a person, married in Pennsylvania, residing ami advertising for a certain period of time hia application for divorce, obtains his divorce, marries again, and, visiting Pennsylvania on his wedding tour, can be arrested for biqauiy in the latter State. This and numerous other evils attending the want of uniformity of the laws of marriage and divorco have as. sinned such proportions that the interest and well being of society, the respectability and legitimacy of children, are imperilled, and it is claimed that uothiug can overcome the evil but Congressional action.