OLD AXIOMS RE-EXAMINED

Shades of the early Victorian period are rampant once more. Despite Mr. Bryan and the existence of certain dogmatic sects, most educated men had supposed, until the recent furor in Tennessee was stirred up, that the old debate of evolution vs. religion had been stilled forever. The truth of the theory of evolution, it seemed, had been universally acknowledged; and the necessary theological readjustments, made by the greatest intellectual figures of those bitter days, had become the basis of the modern world's view of life.

The present controversy centering about Mr. Scopes has, therefore, hurled thoughtful society into profound discouragement and disillusion. Must all the intellectual battles of the last century be fought again? Does each age have to dig up old problems, solved long since, to add to the host of contemporary questions and feuds? Is it possible that a great mass, perhaps the majority of citizens of this so-called enlightened country in this day and age still believe in the literal interpretation of the account of creation in Genesis?

Incredulous surprise at last turns to pitiful acceptance of the true situation. These questions must still be answered in the affirmative. The realization of the fact, although utterly disappointing, does not sap a firm conviction as to the outcome. On the side of evolution are arrayed most educated men, most higher institutions of learning, a vast amount of wealth, and the leading newspapers of the country.

The time has come for a show-down. H. G. Wells has lent his name to the cause, while Clarence Darrow has come forth as counsel. The press is filled with the story and the whole country is agog. To add fuel to the fire, Bryan will pour forth his oily words.

What could be more propitious? The affair has assumed the aspect of a conflagration. The greater the fire the greater the excitement. George Bernard Shaw asserts that Bryan will harangue the world for a month, and even longer if given a chance, and that while doing so, he is sure to singe himself very badly and very publicly.

This statement, far from being startling, is only an obvious repetition of common knowledge. Shaw, however, has added his name to the cause which is helped by every bit of publicity. The great fear which now besets the evolutionist is that the whole trial will be hushed up as quickly as possible and that Bryan and evolution may be denied the royal exposition of which both are still sadly in need--even at this late date.