[445] _Rev. Stat. of Minn._ (1851), 272-76.
[446] _Gen. Stat. of Minn._ (1866), 408-12. "The revisers repeated this chapter under two titles, the second being entitled 'Limited Divorces,' but the legislature rejected Title II and did not change or amend Title I."--_Ibid._, 408, note.
[447] Act of April 22, _Session Laws_ (1895), 158. _Cf._ _Gen. Stat._ (1894), I, 1267, for the law modified in 1866.
[448] _Cf._ _Laws_ (1876), chap. 118; _Gen. Stat. of Minn._ (1894), I, 1273, 1267; _Session Laws_ (1895), 158.
One of the worst and most characteristic features of American state legislation is seen in the session laws of Iowa, where the statute-maker is perennially engaged in adopting, changing, abrogating, or re-enacting plans of divorce and alimony. The first step was taken in 1838, when the district court of the county where the persons or one of them resides was given jurisdiction on the petition of the aggrieved. The grounds of absolute divorce then allowed are (1) impotence; and (2) adultery. Those of divorce _a mensa_ or of divorce from the bond of wedlock, in the discretion of the court, are (1) extreme cruelty; or (2) wilful desertion for one year.[449] This law was repealed and a new one adopted in the next year. Nothing is now said of separation from bed and board; but a full divorce may be had by the injured spouse for (1) impotency; (2) bigamous marriage; (3) adultery; (4) one year's desertion; (5) felony; (6) habitual drunkenness; (7) cruel treatment; (8) indignities.[450] Three years later this statute in turn gave place to another by which the same causes are sanctioned, except, under the sixth head, it is provided that "said habitual drunkenness shall be contracted after marriage."[451] In 1846, however, this proviso was dropped; and at the same time an "omnibus" clause was sanctioned. A full divorce may now be granted (9) "when it shall be made fully apparent to the satisfaction of the court, that the parties cannot live in peace and happiness together, and that their welfare requires a separation."[452] The eighth ground was dropped in 1851, and at the same time it was again specified under the sixth head that drunkenness shall have become habitual after marriage.[453]