The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1922-02-09
EVOLUTION BILL
Now Before State Leg
islature
DR.. Msvey And Others Say :, L. En-
srosshmeut Of Religious Liberty

srosshmsr, Of Religious Liberty
Frankfort. Ky..-Darwinism was
assailed. and all learning defended,
in a clash before the Senate Com
mittee on Kentucky Statutes No. !
last Friday afternoon az public
hearing on the bill introduced by
Senator Jas. Y. Rash. Of Madison
vile. to prohibit the teaching Of
Darwinism, atheism, agnosticism.
etc, In the public schools and uni
versitics Of Kentucky.
Among the speakers against the
bill were DR. Frank l.. McVey, presi-
dent. University Of Kentucky, and
the Rev. Dr. z. l.. Powell. pastor
First Christian church Of Louisville.
The Rev. Or. Z. Y. Mullins. president,
Southern Baptist Theological Semi
nary. Louisville. advocated n middle
course. while the Rev. DIR. J. W.
Porter. pastor Of the First Baptist
church. Lexington, spoke for the
original bill. though he said that he
was in favor Of some features Of both
OF the substitutes which had been
prepared
Senator Rash made the first speech
for the bill. read the substitutes
prepared by various ministers. which
sought 70 give the requisite safe
guards he said. without employing
the langHuagc Of the original lie
called attention 10 what he said was
the necessity Of an enactment TO pro-
tect religious instruction from being
assailed by doctrines determined to
L.
Dr.. Mevey Speaks.
Doctor Mevey said that religion
should be generally upheld. and was
10 upheld. but that this bill Is really
IN incroachment on religious liberty,
and that il could easily be 80 extend
"a a. 70 break down all human rights.
blow at knowledge OF the theory
u evolutions IL only the beginning
n restrictions. he added.
"who will decide what teaching Il
n violation Of the lawf''he asked.
shall a court determine it, II this
,ill becomes a law, the children Of
Kentucky would have no astronomy, /
10 baetcriology. no biology, no ZOO
ogy. because they are all involved in |
evolution, II shut out OF the State
University the boys and girls will
rave 70 go elsewhere. The bill would
BRING reproaeh on Kentucky; Il
you'd spread the belief that Ken
lucky has lost it, grip ON modern
.hought."
There Is a belief among those who
nave watched the progress Of the
with interest--and Il has
been one Of the most interesting
phases Of the present session-that
he evolution bill is destined to early
rejection by the Senate. SO many
ministers have attacked the meas
1re, and 80 many educators have
lined up against Il. with hardly a
single defender among the teachers.
that sentiment Is seen 10 be running
strongly against the bill which was
advocated in William Jennings Bry-
ans speech there several weeks ago.
"The real question is whether
State Legislature" Or. Powell said.
mas any right TO pass a bill which
interferes with academic liberty"
"The trouble in the colleges did not
begin. he continued. "until Bryan
came to Kentucky. declaring that
the teaching Of the theory - evolu-
ton was the root Of al evil"
1.-THE Legislators do not even know
what the real theory H." DIR. Powell
charged. so how can they be ex-
peeted TO pass a sensible bill7" The
theory should be interpreted by those
who understand Il. he continued. for
Il in no wise encroaches on the theo-
logical realm.
"Instead Of undermining faith"
the pastor said. "the theory makes
God a part Of creation puts Him in
His universe, and keeps Him from be-
ing an absentee diety. Il does not
the Bible because the
Word does not claim TO be an auth |
Drity on science.
SHOULD the law be passed all the /
ologies' would have TO be taken out /
n school and knowledge would be
10 more. The soul Is not tempered /
with by the theory" DR. Powell con
.inued. Sand scientists confess that
he soul Is an emanation Of God. /
being In the realm Of Immediate
creation"
DIR. Powell predicted the bill
would never be brought out Of com