National Affairs: In Arkansas

Charles Smith was arrested in Little Rock, Ark., last week, charged with breach of the peace, and fined $25 & $1.40 costs. He refused to pay the fine & costs and was sent to jail to remain until the fine had been satisfied at $1 a day.

But this was not just another Charles Smith. This one is president of the American Association for the Advancement of Atheism. Some months ago he was fined $100 for annoying Dr. (D. D., Shurtleff College, Alton, Ill.) John Roach Straton by sending him atheistic propaganda through the mails.

This Smith had gone to the home city of Democratic Vice-presidential Nominee Joseph Taylor Robinson because Arkansans will vote on election day upon the question: shall the teaching of evolution be banned in the schools? Atheist Smith & friend would cover Arkansas with pamphlets. But in his Little Rock headquarters was a sign: “EVOLUTION IS TRUE. THE BIBLE IS A LIE. GOD’S A GHOST.” He was arrested on the Arkansas law which prohibits the use of the deity’s name except in veneration & worship. This charge was changed. Smith went to jail as a protest against the Arkansas laws which render an atheist ineligible to hold public office or to testify in court.