English VI.

Question: Resolved, that a constitutional amendment should be secured, giving to the Federal government exclusive control over divorces.

Brief for the Affirmative.

C. E. COOK and R. G. DODGE.Best general references: Forum, II, 429, 438 (Jan., 1887; Pop. Science Mo., XXIII. 224 237 (June, 1883); Convers, Marriage and Divorce, 220 230; Journal of Social Science, No. 14, 152-163 (Nov., 1881); Princeton Review, IX. 90-92 (Jan., 1882); Woolsey, Divorce and Divorce Legislation, ch. V.

I. Reform in our divorce laws is necessary. - (a) Divorces are increasing greatly: Tribune Almanac for 1893, 212-213; C. D. Wright, Report on Marriage and Divorce, 77-113. - Present lax system affects stability of American institutions: Journal of Social Science, No. 14, 155-163. - (1) Bad effect on individual. - (2) On family: New Englander. XLIII. 61. - (3) On nation at large: Princeton Review, IX. 92. - (c) State laws vary on every point: Lloyd, The Law of Divorce, ch. VI. - (1) Grounds for divorce. - (2) Legal proceedings. - (3) Subsequent status of parties: Forum, II. 433.

II. Absence of uniformity is the worst evil: Pop. Sci. Mo., XXIII. 224. - (a) It increases the number of divorces: Lalor, III. 808; Pamphlet by S. W. Dike. - (b) It weakens the respect for law in general: Forum, II. 430. - (c) It gives rise to endless confusion: Century, I. 419; Convers, 220-230; Princeton Review, IX. 9 -92. - (1) As to status of the parties in other states. - (2) As to property-rights. - (3) As to legitimacy of children. (d) A uniform remedy should be applied to a uniform evil: Forum, II. 429.

III. Uniformity can be secured only by constitutional amendment: New Englander, XLIII. 65. - (a) No hope for uniform state laws: Public Opinion, VIII. 106 - Failure of efforts of American Bar Ass'n: Forum, II. 437. - (b) Amendment would not be difficult: Forum, II. 437.

IV. The national government ought to control divorces: Princeton Review, IX. 90. - (a) Excellent moral effect. - (b) Prevention of frauds: New Englander, XLIII. 57 - (1) Change of residence. - (2) Divorce-lawyers. - (c) Doing away with lax laws and loose proceedure: Journal of Social Science, No. 14, 152-155. (1) Utah. - (2) Illinois. - (3) Arizona until recently. - (d) Our mobile population put under one definite law.

Brief for the Negative.

A. H. GORDON and W. J. H. STRONG.Best general references: Lloyd, Marriage and Divorce, pp. 143 199; Bishop on Marriage and Divorce II. 143-199; Forum VIII. 357 (Dec., 1889); Public Opinion, VIII. 104 107 (Nov., 1889) N. Am. Rev. 144, 429-431, (April, 1887); ibid 149, 513-516 (Nov., 1889.)

I. It is contrary to the theory of our political system: Public Opinion VIII. 104 (Nov., 1889). - (a) Tends to impair local self government. - (b) A radical step toward interference by the general government: N. Am. Rev., 144, 429. (April 1887.)

II. It is unnecessary. - (a) No serious diversity in State laws exists: Lloyd, 269. - (1) Actual residence of considerable duration required, etc.: Woolsey, Divorce and Divorce Laws, 215. - (b) Abuse due to laxity of judicial administration: N. A. Rev., 149, 517 (Apr., 1887). - (c) Uniform divorce law would not remedy abuse. - (1) In four-fifths of cases divorce occurred in same state as marriage: N. A. Rev., 149, 517 (Nov., 1889).

III. It would be impracticable. - (a) Diversified laws necessary for diversity of sentiment: Pub, Opin., VIII. 105 (Nov., 1889). - (b) Does not attack the roots of the evil: N. A. Rev. 149, 516 (Nov. 1889). - Subject too complex for general action: ibid, 517. - (1) Consequences too serious. - (2) Elements too little understood for wise action. - (3) People not ready for it. - (d) Congressional action not necessarily beneficial: Forum VIII. 357 (Dec. 1889).

IV. True remedy lies in State action: Forum VIII. 359 (Dec. 1889). - (a) Revision of marriage and penal laws. - (b) Reform in Judiciary: N. Am. Rev. 149, 517.