Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 126, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 May 1914 — CAUSED ABOLITION OF OATH [ARTICLE]

CAUSED ABOLITION OF OATH

Charles Bradlaugh Was First Member of Parliament Who - Made Precedent. London. —The first member of the British parliament to occupy a seat without taking the oath was Charles Bradlaugh, the famous atheist, who, after a long opposition, was admitted thirty-three years ago. Bradlaugh was elected from Northampton, but was refused his seat because his diebelief in God prevented him from taking the usual oath. His affirmation was refused and he was denied admission to the house. He was repeatedly re-elected, and Mr. Labouchere and others recommended that he be permitted to affirm. A motion to this effect was negatived by the house. 'As Bradlaugh refused to withdraw he was ordered arrested and imprisoned tn the clock tower, but was released the

following day. Mr. Gladstone then moved that affirmation be accepted, instead of the oath, and this time the house voted In favor of the motion. Bradlaugh's long fight with parliament and his final victory gdded greatly to his reputation and power. "For what I am, for w.hat I have accomplished, I thank my enemies," wrote Bradlaugh shortly before his death.