The Marriage Mill: Is Olympia a Haven for Runaways?

Is it not time for the people of Washington Territory to raise their voices by petition, remonstrance or otherwise, against the growing evil of the Legislative Assembly granting divorces? Legislatures are not the places to hear such applications, and how often does it happen that great wrongs are inflicted in consequence of these acts. But slender testimony is required to support the assertion of a member, who is interested in securing a divorce for a constituent, probably one to whom the member is under a weight of political obligation. The member who introduces the bill may be satisfied of its justness and propriety, but is it right, is it proper, that on mere statements of parties, the rights of the absent should be compromised, and great wrongs perpetrated upon innocent and helpless children? A mere contract between A and B, for a few paltry dollars, cannot be rescinded by the Legislature. And yet without notice, without service of process, without being allowed to confront witnesses, on mere ex parte statements, this most vital of all contracts is frittered away. Members consent to a divorce, not because they are satisfied a good cause exists, but because policy dictates the support of the measures of other members. We ask, is this right? We implore you to ponder and reflect upon the course which has been pursued. Are you aware that you are making our Territory a by-word and reproach among civilized states? Are you aware that soon will be flocking hither from older states a class of people who will but gain a residence, to enable them to repudiate their most solemn obligations? We trust, therefore, that if any more divorces are introduced, let them be hurried up at once, so that such legislative proceedings will close with this session. It is a matter of pain thus to speak, but our duty as public journalists induces us to proclaim to the world that a respectable minority unhesitatingly and earnestly condemn this growing evil.