Religion: Atheist Smith

Eager to establish the rights of atheists in the U. S., Charles Lee Smith, President of the American Association for the Advancement of Atheism, chose to send godless propaganda to the Rev. Dr. John

Roach Straton, Manhattan Baptist. He included in this propaganda birth control literature and nude pictures. Dr. Straton asked Atheist Smith to stop mailing him such things. When Mr. Smith failed to do so, Dr. Straton haled him into court. Once before the judges, Atheist Smith sought to make it appear that he had been trying to interest Preacher Straton in atheism, because he “wanted to convert the leader of the opposition.” The nude pictures were intended to appeal to “his aesthetic side if he had any.” Atheist Smith pointed out that it would be quite natural for a clergyman to send an atheist Christian propaganda. After so doing, Atheist Smith was found guilty of sending letters with intent to annoy. The judges sentenced him to $100 fine or 30 days in the workhouse. Atheist Smith paid the fine, but appealed their verdict.