Evening star., 1925-07-23
W|TTNER UNA|DED
IN EVOLUTION SUIT
Has No Outside Financial
Backing in Test Case,
Treasury EmpIoye Says.

Actuated, he says, solely by desire
to show that Congress Is wrong in its
attempt to "stife the broadening of
education in the schools of the Dis.
trict of Columbia" Loren H. Wittner
plaintiff in the suit involving the
principles of evolution which was ad.
mitted in the District Supreme Court
yesterday, believes sincerely in the
teaching of the theory of evolution
whether the theory Is tenable or not.
In his own mind, the 36-year- old
clerk in the Office of Supply of the
Internal Revenue Division of the
Treasury Department, is a firm be-
lever in the theory. From a back
ground of years of research and study
Of education processes and compare
tive religions, Mr.. Wittner is satisfied
that the evolution theory is sound.
He holds that the decision at Dayton,
Tenn, few days ago upholding the
Tennessee law prohibiting the teach
ing of the evolution theory is only a
slight deterrent to a great movement
which will result in broadening of. the
education process in this country
only a small check on the spread OF
the principle of broader education.
Denies Financial Aid.
OF medium size, plainly dressed, the
plaintiff in the newest test case in
volving the fundamental teachings
of the Bible is plainly an individual
list with a mind Of his own. He says
he filed the suit of his own free will,
without outside monetary assistance,
and that the action was taken purely
in defense of the principles of edu-
cation which he holds to be right
and proper.
Congress is sitting education by
writing such provisions into any bill
as was written into the bill involved
in this case" he said. by so dbing
II lessons the chance of a full and
complete education of every student" !"
The drama of the situation is ap-
parently lost on the young Govern
ment employe. He has taken a step,
thrust by the dictates of his own
teachings, as a result of his studies,
which thousands of others would not
dare, no matter what their beliefs.
Yet he takes 1t in a matter of ct
way, asserting that his theories are
correct and that he intends to know
why education cannot be broadened,
rather than its opportunities "stified +"
He believes in the evolution of in.
organic compounds as well as organic
compounds, coinciding with the views
held by some scientists as to the de-
veiopment Of elements.
Not College Graduate.
Wittner is admittedly self-taught.
He did not go to college, and although
he did research work at a Middle West
ern university, he was not enrolled
as a student. Nor did he take a law
course. His studies in the Library of
Congress here and IN his home in
Rockport, Ill. have all been along
academic lines. seeking the truth of
the development of the human race.
He believes. he said. that modern
education is entirely too narrow,
crediting himself with the same views
which are held by Upton Sinclair
and Herbert Quick.
Education should include not only
the theory of evolution. 1t should in
clude also the abstract sciences. 1t
makes no difference whether the the
ortes taught are tenable or not. Just
so they are possible and not altogether
improbable is the thing. A well round
ed education must include knowledge
Of all the theories and beliefs held by
man concerning man."
Wittner is 36 years old, unmarried
and has been in the Treasury Depart
ment for IL years.