Page:The World's Most Famous Court Trial - 1925.djvu/46

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42
TENNESSEE EVOLUTION TRIAL

A—Most all my life.

Q—How long have you been a Baptist?

A—Sir?

Q—How long have you been a Baptist?

A—About eight years.

Q—You are a regular attendant?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—On church, I mean?

A—I attend church.

Q—Have you ever belonged to any other before that?

A—No, sir.

Q—You told the court you did not know much about evolution; that is correct, I suppose, never paid much attention to it?

A—No, sir.

Q—You are a Baptist, did you ever hear your preacher say anything about evolution?

A—Well, I do not believe I have heard the preacher where I belong at say anything about it.

Q—If you did hear your preacher speak about it, you would still think you had a right to use your own judgment on the question, regardless of your preacher?

A—Sure, I would.

Q—You would make up your mind for yourself, would you?

A—What is that?

Q—You would still make up your own mind for yourself.

A—Yes, sir; sure.

Q—You have not any opinion one way or the other as to whether evolution is correct doctrine or not, or a correct theory?

A—I do not know that I have ever read any or studied any.

Q—And you would not form an opinion on a subject without some study.

A—No, sir.

Q—Did you ever hear anybody talk about it?

A—Yes, sir; I have heard it talked about.

Q—Lately?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—Since this case came up?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—But, you have not given enough attention to it yet to form an opinion?

A—Well, no, I have not.

Q—Have you heard both sides talk about it?

A—Well, yes, I have heard it talked from both sides.

Q—Have you been much of a bible reader?

A—Yes, I read the Bible.

Q—Have you not formed any opinion as to whether evolution is in conflict with the Bible or not?

A—I never did read anything about it.

Q—And if evolution should cut any figure in this case you would try to find out, amongst other questions, whether it was true, whether it should be taught, and make up your mind on those points yourself, so far as your opinion goes?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—You know perfectly well whether you can give this defendant a perfectly fair trial, don't you?

A—I think I could.

Q—Are you sure of it? You would not sit in the jury box if you did not think you could?

A—I do not think I would.

Q—You will give him a fair trial?

A—Yes, I think I could.

Q—You won't care what anybody else thinks if you are a juror, you will do what you think is right?

A—Yes, sir.

The Court—Take him, Colonel?

Darrow Asks First Juror if He is a Church Member.

Col. Darrow—Judge, there is one, the first juror, I did not ask the question as to whether he belongs to a church. I will not challenge him, but I would like to ask him.

The Court—Do you take this man?

Col. Darrow—Yes, sir.

W. F. Roberson, the first puror, recalled, testified:

Col. Darrow—Are you a member of the church?

A—No, sir.

Col. Darrow—That is all.

Court—That makes the jury. Now, did you want to read your indictment, Mr. Attorney-General, and have the jury sworn tonight?

Gen. Stewart—Your honor, it has been discussed here that perhaps an adjournment to Monday would be