ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS.

What are the proposals of those who seek reform in thig matter? They range from the complete abolition of separation to methods for reducing its frequency. Some would make every act which is now a ground for granting separation a sufficient ground for obtaining divorce, and would, further, make the grounds exactly the same in the case both of men and women. That would be going to the extreme limit of experiment. Others propose that when a decree of separation is asked for on grounds which would found a decree of divorce, a decree of the latter character only should be granted. A third method is that the wife be permitted to retain her option, but if she elected for separation on grounds which would justify divorce. the husband should have liberty to ask that a divorce decree be made, leaving the judge to decide the matter.

Choice lies between these proposals, in all of which the dictating idea is that the separation of husbands and wives is morally harmful and often inhumane; is provocative of permanent embitterment and misery, and a mockery of marriage.