Page:The World's Most Famous Court Trial - 1925.djvu/15

This page has been validated.
FIRST DAY'S PROCEEDINGS
11

Q—What is your business, what do you do?

A—A farmer.

Q—Do you own a farm of your own?

A—I am a renter.

Q—What is your age?

A—I am 30.

Q—Have you ever given any special attention to this case?

A—Well, no more than just reading the newspapers.

Q—Are you satisfied that you could try it with perfect fairness to both sides?

A—Yes, sir, I think I could.

Mr. Darrow—All right, we will take him.

Court—All right. Have a seat, Mr. Roberson. Call the next man.

Sheriff Harris—Number 34, J. W. Dagley.

Court—Mr. Roberson, I intended to ask you, are you related by blood or marriage to Mr. Walter White, the prosecutor, or to John T. Scopes, the defendant?

Mr. Roberson—No, sir.

Court—Have you any interest at all in the case?

Mr, Roberson—No, sir.


The court swears Talesman J. W. Dagley.

Court—Mr. Dagley, are you a householder or freeholder of Rhea county?

Juror—Yes, sir.

Court—Are you related by blood or marriage, to Walter White, the prosecutor, or to John T. Scopes, the defendant?

Juror—No, sir.

Court—Have you formed or expressed an opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the defendant, John T. Scopes, on the charge of violating the antievolution statute?

Juror—Well, I can't hardly say that I have.

Court—Have you any fixed opinion, Mr. Dagley, any definite opinion as to his guilt or innocence?

Juror—No, sir.

Court—Have you heard rumors about the case?

Juror—Rumor.

Court—Have you talked to any person who is a witness in the case, or who professed to know the facts?

Juror—No, sir.

Court—You would wholly disregard any impression you have regarding to the matter, Mr. Dagley, and go into the jury box—the case wholly upon the law and the evidence and render an impartial verdict to both sides?

Juror—Yes, sir.

Court—He is a competent juror.

Gen. Stewart—We pass him to the defendant.

Examination by Mr. Darrow, for the defense:

Q—You are a farmer?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—Near here?

A—What is that?

Q—Do you live near here, near the town?

A—Twelve or fourteen miles.

Q—Have you lived in Tennessee most of your life?

A—I was born and raised here.

Q—In this community?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—Have you ever known anything about evolution, or read about it?

A—I have not.

Q—You don't know anything about it at this time?

A—No, sir.

Q—Are you a church member?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—Of what church?

A—Methodist.

Q—You have been for a good many years?

A—Yes, sir, a number of years.

Q—Have you ever heard it discussed in church?

A—No, sir.

Q—Did you ever hear your minister express himself on it?

A—No, sir.

Q—Did you ever hear your neighbors say what they thought about this case?

A—Well, no, sir, I don’t know that I have.

Q—Did you ever hear anybody? I am not asking you now what you heard, but did you ever hear anybody say what they thought about it?