Page:The World's Most Famous Court Trial - 1925.djvu/30

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TENNESSEE EVOLUTION TRIAL

Mr. Darrow—Have you any positive opinion as to whether man is the development of a lower section?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—Very decided on that, aren't you?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—You have heard a good many people talk about it?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—Heard Mr. Bryan talk about it?

A—Yes, sir; not on just that subject. I have heard him talking on evolution at the banquet; that is the only time I heard him.

Q—Did you hear anybody else talk about it?

A—Yes, sir. I have heard it on both sides. I think I heard you talk some about it.

Q—Didn't hear me talking about evolution, did you?

A—A little bit.

Q—You didn't believe it if you did, did you?

A—I don't fall out with a man on what he thinks.

Q—You have a very definite and fixed opinion about that question, haven't you?

A—As to a man coming from a lower order?

Q—Yes.

A—Yes, sir.

Q—And you have an opinion as to whether Mr. Scopes taught it, haven't you?

A—No, sir, I haven't. I didn’t know about what he had taught. I didn't know he was teaching.

Q—You have heard about it?

A—Heard about him teaching, but didn't know what he taught.

Q—You have heard what he taught?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—You have heard it stated frequently, haven't you?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—Have you formed any opinion about Mr. Scopes' guilt or innocence in this case now?

A—I have not, Colonel.

Q—No opinion of any sort?

A—Not as to guilt or innocence. I have an opinion as to evolution.

Q—Would that opinion prejudice you any in this case?

A—Not a bit.

Mr. Darrow—We will take him.

Mr. McKenzie—Have a seat.

Mr. Darrow—Wait a minute, your honor.

The Court—I thought you said you would take him.

Mr. Darrow—No, not for some time, your honor.

Q—Do you think you would be a fair juror to Mr. Scopes?

A—Yes, sir.

Mr. Darrow—We will excuse him.

No. 2, Will Weir.

Examination by the court:

Q—Mr. Weir, are you a householder or freeholder of Rhea county?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—Are you related to the prosecutor, Walter White, or the defendant, John T. Scopes?

A—No, sir.

Q—Have you formed or expressed an opinion as to the guilt or innocence of this defendant?

A—Yes, sir.

Q—From what, Mr, Weir?

A—I am a teacher myself, and have been teaching that book. I have read it very carefully since this case came up, have studied it very closely so as to understand it if it was necessary for me to teach it.

Q—You have a very definite opinion as to his guilt or innocence?

A—Yes, sir, I have.

Q—Your opinion would have some weight with you in the jury box?

A—I am afraid it would, sir.

Court—You may be excused.

No. 6, J. R. Thompson.

Being duly sworn, was examined as follows by the court:

Q—Capt. Thompson, are you a householder or freeholder in this county?

A—Both.

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

A—No, sir.

Q—Have you formed or expressed an opinion as to the guilt or innocence of this defendant?

A—I don't think I have, Judge.

Q—Well, have you any definite or