2l6 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO STUDIES 



states which grant few divorces are more moral than the northern and 

 western states where divorces are more numerous, K we judge by the 

 age of consent, this has generally been higher in the northern and western 

 states. Until quite recently, South Carolina which grants no divorce 

 fixed the age of consent at ten years. * It is true that the increase of 

 divorce has not as yet indicated a decay of morals. 



From the above study of the principal features of the divorce problem, 

 it appears that the modem increase in family dissolution is a result of 

 the movement for greater individual liberty. As we are still in a period 

 of transition, it is hkely that in the future there will be some increase in 

 the number of divorces. It is unhkely, however, that the increase will 

 seriously menace the family as an institution. After we have passed 

 the transition period of hberty and our society has become more settled, 

 divorce will probably cease to increase. It seems hardly probable, 

 however, that modem society will ever revert to a condition when divorce 

 will be granted for but one cause. 



» Howard, History of Matrimonial Institutions, Vol. Ill, pp. 108-203. 



