and almost to every superstition. In the vast Empire of India, it has dealt with the law of marriage on the broadest basis and with, at the same time, the most careful regard for the interests of the State and of Society.
The Indian Marriage Law is a model of what such a law ought to be; it is not a copy of some Ordinance found in force elsewhere, without regard to its fitness. It is the result of a profound study of the whole subject. The highly organized Churches, such as the Roman Catholic Church, and the Churches of England and Scotland, have full and complete laws relating to marriage, and provide amply for the proper celebration and registration of marriages.
They fulfil the requirements of the State law, and are recognized and left to the perfect freedom they ought to enjoy. Religious bodies that are not so perfectly organized are left free as to the point of time, place, and form, but the State, in the absence of Authority, licenses the Minister and verifies him in fact. Where a religious organization can regulate and sanction the Marriage contract, there, and there only, the State steps in, and lays down the necessary rules.
This really philosophical and sensible law has been in force in India for over 100 years, and in the Straits Settlements since its existence as a portion of Her Majesty's Dominions, and it has worked thoroughly well. There have been no complaints of laxity or want of proper work on the part of the Roman Catholic Clergy, and the work the State wants done in connexion with Marriage has been done, and done well, without any...