The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-19
THE STATE WILL STEP IN
GOVERNOR TO ACT If RIPLEY cOUN-
TY GRAND JURY FAILS TO REPORT.
Attorney General May BE Sent There
to PrOEecute-ReIativ of Vic
Tins Call on Governor.

II the authorities of Ripley county fail
to indict the lynchers who murdered the
five prisoners that were confined at Yer
sailes Tuesday night the power of the
State will intervene. Governor Mount said
yesterday that nothing further will be done
by state officials until it shall be demon
strated that the county officials cannot
punish the guilty. They will be given ev-
cry opportunity to do so before any fur
Their steps are taken by the chief execu-
tive. Information that the Governor has
received leads him to hope that something
will be accomplished, although he says that
II reports are true as to the trend of public
sentiment on the outrage, he realizes that
it will be difficult to get indictments and
convictions
If the grand jury fails to indict any one
Governor. what will be the next step?"
Il do not know just what course will be
pursued in that event; perhaps the grand
jury Will be reconvaned and the attorney
general himself conduct the prosecution. .
The Governor added that there is nothing
further the State can do, now that the
county officials have been given assurance
Of support and cooperation, until it is
demonstrated that they are unable or un-
willing to punish the mob. There are
some things which the Governor thinks
should be thoroughly investigated; for in
stance, the report that the mob found that
the combination locks on the cells were
open. If the locks had been turned it
would have been impossible for the mob to
get the prisoners out although they might
have murdered them by firing into their
cells. The Governor would also like to
know why the sheriff did not take the
Keys with him when he went away from
the jail, and why so little resistance was
o1ered by the five guards who had been
left behind. 1t is understood at
the executive department that all these SUBJ
Jects are being inquired into by the grand
jury, which has summoned many witnesses.
The Governor had not learned of anything
definite having developed in the investiga-
ton so far. One thing is sure; while there
will be no further action taken at present,
the Governor is determined u see thar
something is done by the state officials, if
it cannot be accomplished by the local Off
GERS, TO wipe out the stain. lie expressed
himself forcibly on this lie declared that
he was bitter, almost to prejudice against
robbers and thugs who prey upon the COM
munity and exist like parasites. but at the
same time he says that If they are per-
mitted to continue their depreGations in
any community it must be the fault of the
citizens to a very great extent. Ii officials
fail to do their duty the citizens are re-
sponsibIe for continuing them in Office and
cannot be justified for becoming la break
erS themselves. In his own county of
Montgomery, when attempts were made by
friends of thieves to defend them by per-
jury and false alibis, the witnesses were
arrested Immediately after teSutyIng. Some
were subsequently convicted for perjury
and the others were frightened away, so
that the outlaws were punished The GOV
ernor has but little patience with the
charge that it was impossible TO punish
the gang that has terrorized Ripley coun-
ty, and that lynch law was the last anu
only resort to clean out the men that were
preying upon the community.
Deputy Attorney General MooreS was
asked what steps will be taken in the event
that the Ripley county grand jury ana
courts fail to indict and punish the lynch-
II believe that indictments will be re-
turned-if not at the present session or the
grand jury, at the next" said he. Il nave
not given any thought to what further steps
will be necessary If the local authorities
fail to punish the mob.
Henry Schueter, ST., father of one OF the
men that was lynched, accompanied by
brother of William Jenkins, another OF the
mobS victims, called at the executive par
lors yesterday and had a long talk with
Governor Mount They urged him to bring
to punishment the men who had murdered
their relatives. Mr.. Schueter insisted that
his son was not an outlaw, ana SAID that
his worst fault was liking FOR drink. de
was arrested week before the lynchlng
for breaking into barber shop and steal
ing few razors, after spending the night
in the shop. Both the Governors callers
had been before the grand jury to tell
what they knew of the outrage, but said
that they had not been able to give any
very valuable information. They were as
sured by the Governor that everything pos
sible is being done.