Julius Rosenwald occupied the bench as “observer” with Judge Joseph Sabath in the Superior Court yesterday while the Court heard the regular Monday “rush” of divorce cases.
Besieged with questions as to the reasons for his interest in the machinery of the divorce courts, Mr. Rosenwald smiled and admitted, “Yes, I’ve got something up my sleeve. Maybe, if you’re a mind reader, you can say what it is. Otherwise, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait. I’m not ready to announce anything yet. When the time comes, there will be a regular announcement.
“Of course, it’s every citizen’s duty to visit the courts. People should know at first hand how justice is administered and, besides, it is a great experience. You spend money to go to the theatre; you can attend living drama in the court room free of charge,” Mr. Rosenwald declared.
Judge Sabath is sponsoring a uniform marriage and divorce law for all of the states and also is sponsoring a uniform law providing that five days must elapse between the issue of marriage licenses and the performance of marriage ceremonies.
Mr. Rosenwald’s visit to court as Judge Sabath’s guest, was believed to be particularly significant. Mr. Rosenwald is internationally known for his interest in major social problems and his philanthropies in connection with efforts to abate them.
It had been known here that Mr. Rosenwald was investigating the feasibility of establishing a clinic to mend domestic difficulties.
Mr. Rosenwald, it was declared, has felt for some time that an organization to help straighten out family difficulties before they arrive at the court stage or before definite separation takes place is an immediate need of modern society.
The organization, as he suggests it, shall not be a charitable institution. A nominal fee will be charged for the services of the experts who will become associated with this unusual society remedial agency. The organization and its status as a paying institution, not run for profit though, is likened to the Public Health Institute of Chicago, which treats social diseases. Mr. Rosenwald is interested in the work of this bureau.
Recently, Mr. Rosenwald invited legal, medical, economic, educational, philanthropic leaders and social workers of Chicago to meet with him at a dinner. At this dinner, Mr. Rosenwald outlined his idea and asked for suggestions as to the possibility of carrying out the project. The various experts at the dinner, it is said, expressed their opinions on the project. Many of them, it is reported, did not encourage the (Continued on Page 4)
idea with much enthusiasm. Others believed it would be successful. All, however, agreed that it would require a great deal of careful planning and a highly trained personnel to properly endeavor to carry out the ideals of the project.
It is not known what decision on this project will be reached by Mr. Rosenwald. The activities of this organization, if it is started, will be non-sectarian.
It is believed that the Rosenwald Foundation will carry out the project if Mr. Rosenwald decides that something of value may be done.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
