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Show effect b to admission of the charges preferred," pre-ferred," and the divorce Is granted, seemingly on the basis that It is mutually agreeable. .., Judge Smith goes deeper than this. He Insists on knowing something of the facts in the case. - He goes somewhat beyond his duties of Judge, to hear end weigh the evidence, and examines the ' evidence first hand. In short, he tries to get at the truth of the matter, which in a broader sense is a proper function of the court. If he b not satisfied that the charges are true he denies the relief sought. His plan of action Is a modification of that which prevails. In domestic domes-tic relations courts. Its ultimate effect is difficult to determine. No one can say whether or not reconciliations reconcilia-tions will follow when the court refuses de-trees. de-trees. Nor can H be determined whether the result of keeping apparently mlsmated couples hitched to each other will be ood or bad. One thing b certain, and that is that the action is calculated to create greater consideration con-sideration for the marriage contract ; ' - Divorce Depart urei . : . JUDGE EVERETT SMITH of Seattle sets a new' precedent In considering divorce cases which is bound to attract attention in all parts of the country. Declaring that his court was not a bargain counter for discontented wives and husbands, he departed from the procedure which generally prevails In default cases. . In the average divorce' case which is not contested the decree Is granted on ex parte testimony, the undisputed story of the complaining com-plaining mate. ' Judge Smith reversed this somewhat and Insisted on closely questioning those applying for divorce. The result was that he refused decrees in five cases and granted one. ' ' - In the average divorce 'court, under accepted ac-cepted procedure, there, would have been six divorce granted. There Is much to be said in favor of the system Inaugurated by Judge Smith, regardless of its standing In legal procedure. pro-cedure. It. makes something more- than a civil action of a divorce case. Indicating that the divorce is a little more than a private affair between the affected parties. Ordinarily it is concluded that the divorce has little put-Iic import, except'as it applies tD the husband, the wife and the children. The re5u:t of this has been that many divorces a-e granted on Idle charges, without regard 0 the tru'Jr. A wife, determined to have a 1 -rce, is usually granted that privilege by t t hj:ba.ii. He waives appearance, which |