MR. C. B. REYNOLDS, the accused, is an accredited missionary of
freethought and speech who, under the guarantees of the Constitution,
went from town to town in New Jersey, lecturing and preaching to
those--had invited him and to all who chose to come. His methods of
invitation were the ordinary ones of circulars, newspaper notices, bill
posters, and personal address. His meetings were attended by the best
people of the place, and were orderly and quiet except as disturbed by
Christian mobs, unrestrained by local officials.
At one of these meetings, in Boonton, he was attacked with missiles of
every kind, while speaking--his tent destroyed, and he compelled to seek
safety in flight. An action for damages against the town resulted in
a counter action for disturbing the peace. Through the cowardice and
inaction of the authorities the issue was never joined.
Not daunted by persecution he continued his labors, making Morristown
his next field of operations. Here he circulated a pamphlet giving
his views of theology, and appended a satirical cartoon of his Boonton
experience. This cartoon was the gravamen of his offence. For this he
was indicted on a charge of "Blasphemy," and brought before a Morristown
jury. The religious farce ended in a fine of $25.00.