Clarence Darrow, famous Chicago criminal lawyer, who has volunteered along with Dudley Field Malone of New York, to aid the Scopes defense without expenses or fee.
Dudley Malone and Darrow to Help with Case. . . Famous Lawyers of New York and Chicago Will Aid Scopes Attack Upon Tennessee Evolution Law. . . H.G. Wells Has Heard Nothing About Battle. . . Not Inclined to Regard Court Fight as Place for Novelist; Bryan to Aid State
By International News Service
Dayton, Tenn., May 16—Interest was greatly enhanced tonight in the coming legal battle between the evolutionist and anti-evolutionists when it was learned that Clarene Darrow, the celebrated barrister of Chicago, and Dudley Field Malone of New York, also a widely known lawyer, had been added to the defense counsel of Prof. J.T. Scopes, young Kentucky University graduate, charged with violation of the state anti-evolution law.
Interest also grew apace with the acceptance by State Attorney General Frank M. Thompson of the proffered assistance of William Jennings Bryan in siding in the prosecution of Mr. Scopes.
General Thompson, commenting on the offer of the great commoner, said:
“I will gladly accept the co-operation of Mr. Bryan in defending the act prohibiting the teachings of the theory of evolution in the public schools of Tennessee. I can, however, have nothing to do with the case until it reaches the supreme court, since the matter as it now stands will be handled by the district attorney in the lower court.”
Judge John R. Neal of Knoxville, who recently was defeated in his race for governor by Governor Austin Peay, head of the defense corps, stated that the alliance of Messrs. Darrow and Malone was “a welcome and greatly appreciated addition.”
George W. Rappleyea, chemical engineer of this city, who, although an evolutionist, instigated the fight against Scopes because he thought the law unconstitutional, today told International News Service in an exclusive interview that an effort was being made through the American Civil Liberties Union of New York, to secure the assistance of H.G. Wells, British novelist. Although Mr. Wells apparently is disinterested said Mr. Rappleayea, it is hoped that for the advancement of science Mr. Wells will accept.”
According to Mr. Rappleayea, there are a number of leading scientists and educators all over the country who, although devoutly religious, are evolutionists.” Dr. Wilbur Tillett, dean of theology of Vanderbilt University at Nashville, has written me endorsing the steps taken to test the constitutionality of the law and tendering his services,” said Mr. Rappleayea. “John Wesley, father of Methodism, in his book “General View of Gradual Progression of Being,” deals directly on the evolution of man, as outlined by Darwin. Were these two great men alive today they would undoubtedly support our fight.”
Concluding, Mr. Rappleyea stated that the stated that the evolutionists welcome the assistance of all broad minded, legal and scientific men of the world to help solve the problem.
From the front page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925
To see the photo of Clarence Darrow that goes with this article, go to newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84020732/1925-05-17/ed-1/seq-1/#words=MAY+17%2C+1925
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