Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 August 1901 — MARRIAGE LAW IS VIOLATED. [ARTICLE]

MARRIAGE LAW IS VIOLATED.

Gross Transgressions by County Clerks Discovered in This State. Investigation of the practices of issuing marriage licenses by the clerks of the counties in Indiana shows that in but a few counties is the law being obeyed, and it is believed that thousands of illegal licenses have been issued during the past year. Each county, it appears, has Its own method. In few counties is an affidavit required that the bride lives in the county, as the law commands. In Marion County the clerk docs not obey the law and when asked if he required the affidavit he said he did not. “There has been some question about vhat, I know,” said he, “but I can see no harm in a woman getting married in any county she wants to.” The Attorney General said: “Every license issued to nonresidents is illegal and the clerk who issues the same and the justice or minister who solemnise* the marriage are liable to prosecution for each offense. The license must be issued in the county in which the female resides. I will order a thorough inquiry.”