THE DAYTON TRIAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1925, Page 1

THE DAYTON TRIAL.

TRIAL OF .SCOI’HS. HOW TRIAL ENDED. [Australia A N.Z. Cable Association.] NEW YORK. July 21 At the Scopes trial, -Mr W. J. Bryan (for tlie prosecution), and .Mr Harrow (for the defence) were anxious to continue with their avowed purposes, hut the Judge called a halt, and ordered Air Bryan's testimony to he expunged from the record, claiming that it was irrelevant to the question at issue, namely: “Did Scopes teach that man is descended from a lower order of animals.”

A conference of the prosecution ami defence attorneys then decided to forego all. their closing speeches. Mr Harrow asked for a verdict of guilty, since, lie said, the only way to test the law was to take it to a higher court, lie said: “We have done our best to turn hack the tide that has sought to force itself on the modern world' of testing every tad oT science by religions dogma.”

Judge Raulston's final tribute might he regarded as a tribute to the defence of a principle. He said: “A great man is one who has a passion for truth, and follows it against all opposition. Tt takes courage to oppose public sentiment.”

An exchange of courtesies followed, and the trial ended in good humour, tile defence thanking Tennessee for its hospitality. Judge McKenzie, one of the prosecuting counsel, on behalf of the citizens of the County, said: “We have learned to take a broader view of life since you came. We want to he more broad-minded than some give ns credit for.. Thank you for coming. We respect your attitude and think we have benefit tod.”

DRAMATIC finale. NEW YORK, July 22

Scopes is held in 500 dollars hail, pending his appeal, to he heard in September. A Baltimore newspaper offered to go. and lias been accepted as security lor the hail lmnd.

Asked if lie had any statement to make before sentence, was imposed. Scopes declared: “Your Honour. T feel that T have been opposing an unjust law. f will continue to support my ideals.”

The trial came to a sudden and dramatic ending, following on Mr Harrow's short, sharp examination of Mr AY. J. Bryan, as a Bible expert, causing the Attorney-General to cry: “A\ hat is the meaning of this harangue?” Mr Harrow .shouted angrily: “'To show up fundamentalism, to prevent bigots and ignoramuses from controlling' the educational system of the Knifed States.”

Mr Bryan, springing to his feet and shaking his fist in Air Harrow’s lace cried : “To protect the Word of God from the greatest atheist and agnostic in the United States!”