or the divorce full answers to the
following questions:--

(1) The reason or reasons on which the divorce was sought.

(2) The arrangements one or both parents propose to make for the after
care of the child or children.

(3) The guarantees offered that these arrangements would be honorably
fulfilled.

(4) Proof to be given by one or both parents that the continuance of the
marriage would be harmful to the welfare of the children.

Perhaps you will object that such a law would limit too much the liberty
of the parents. I acknowledge this, and I think such limitation is
right. You see, I do not believe in the kind of liberty that makes it
easy for anyone to do wrong to helpless children.

Science has now shown us how terribly the future of the child depends on
its early relationships in the home: its relation to its mother, its
relation to its father, to its brothers and sisters. These early home
relationships assume a much deeper aspect, and are, indeed, the most
important influence in the life of every human being. Parenthood is far
more nearly eternal than we knew. It is this tremendous fact, from which
there can be no kind of escape, that ought to decide our attitude and
direct us in framing an honest and clean divorce law. This protection of
those who cannot protect themselves is the one essential and right
consideration. The law must take action to guard all children that the
failure or folly of their parents do not fall too heavily upon them.

There is little more that I need to say. A hard and fast divorce law
cannot, I am sure, meet the needs of the young people of the new
generation; moreover, it cannot but act to degrade marriage. Marriage is
too difficult--the needs of children, as well as the needs of men and
women are too complicated for the old standards of punishments. Divorce
as it exists at present is a revenge, it ought to be a help to honorable
conduct; it depends now upon a committal of perjury and adultery, it
ought to depend on honesty and on a right fulfilling of
responsibilities.

FOOTNOTES:

[99:1] Since writing this essay the admirably courageous and honest
letter of Commander Josiah Wedgewood has appeared, in which he gives the
details of his own divorce suit.

[106:1] See for other examples "The Position of Women in Primitive
Society."

[110:1] In this connection see the admirable essay on Divorce by Mr. H.
G. Wells, in "An Englishman Looks at the World."

_Fourth Essa