The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-26
RECORD AS PROSECUTOR
SALOON KEEPERS, GAMBLERS, DIVE.
KEEPERS SAfEGUARDED.
Specific Cases Instanced Where
DereIiction Is Indicated
UnsavOry Mess of Facts.


\ committee of three-Ovid b. jameson.
Harry w Bennett and Charles f. Coffin
representing the Republican city commit
tee. in conducting an investigation of the
official record Of John w. Hoffman, Demo-
cratic candidate for mayor. has made pub
lie its findings.
This committee, some days ago, notified
the Citizens League that it had made such
an investigation. but preferred to give the
league rho opportunity TO perform the pub
lie duty of acquainting the voters of In
dianapolis with the facts to Mr.. Holtz-
mans record prosecuting attorney. The
league. by way of reply. said II had made
an investigation OF all the candidates on all
OF the tickets. but was not ready 10 make
public it's findings.
The Inference drawn by the Republican
committee was that the league proposed
10 delay its report until the eve of the
election and would then indorse the Demo-
cratic ticket from Holtzman down. Conse-
quently Messrs. Jameson, Bennett and Cof-
fin decided to publish the fruits of their in
yestigation at once.
HoItsman's Record.
- Their report = as fsllows: ,s-r--7 szz-s
"indianapolis, Ind, Sept. %. 1s05
s'To the Voters of the City of Indianapolis:
mo apology and little explanation should
be necessary in pre- pg TO you the sub
fect matter OF the ing report upon
the record in public o. OF John w.
Holsgman, the Democrat. candidate for
mayor.
..In the present city campaign there has
been an evident effort on the part of the
their candidate, both in party matters and
in public office. With the former the Re-
publican party has nothing To do, although
IL is OF some interest TO voters OF various
hal Of * fO
however, il becomes the duty of the Re-
publican city committee TO present the facts
as they nave been round py special COM
mittee appointed to make this investiga-
tion.
"a any excuse was needed for the MAX
ing OF tnis investigation 1t might De
found in such editorial references to Mr..
Holtzman's record during the time of his
service as prosecuting attorney for this
judicial circuit the following from the
indianapolis News of Oct. "A. 1902 when he
was a candidate for reelection:
1t has been charged against Mr.. Holtz-
man that he has been too ienient with sa-
loon keepers and gamblers, and the record
OF his court shows this class of offenders
have been almost free from prosecution
''Or. IL might be found in the remarka-
BILE assertion OF the Ridpath- Martindale
cOterie OF party traitors, posing
independent Republicans and openly ad-
voceting the election or the Democratic
candidate. that He is so far separated from
the lawIess and vicious elements In the
city that they cannot control him If
elected
Between statements diverse the voter
may well pause. and ask for the facts.
IF the Indianapolis News told the truth
I'm 1892 the hypocrisy OF Its present support
OF Mr.. Hoffman in a campaign i'm which
IL fes endeavored to confuse the voter by
proclaiming enforcement of gambling and
excise laws 90 be the leading issue, is at
once apparent.
THE LEAGUES ALLIES.
There is ample reason TO believe that
the little club of seven highly virtuous gem
tIemen calling themselves the Citizens.
League OF Indianapolis has been i'm close
alliance. from the first. with the eseuies
OF the Republican organization. I'm tSs
scheme TO make this false issue the pre-
dominating one of the campaign. Masquer-
aiding under the guise of non-partisanship
some of them have persstently and vicious
IL attacked the present city administration,
and at least one of them entered into a con-
spiracy with the indianapolis News against
a member OF the administration. Yet this
league convicted already in the minds of
great majority OF our citizens Of indirec-
tion, disingenuousness and insincerity, still
poses as the custodian OF the conscience of
the community and with amazing presump-
tion bids the voter wait until the campaign
has reached the eve OF election. whereupon
the said league will deliver fiat as to the
qualifications OF all candidates, and tell the
voters what TO do.
Although IL has been foregone conclu-
zion that the league would Use its imagined
influence 10 help the Democratic party
back into power in this city. this commit
tee before presenting the report of its in
Vestigatons, decided TO place the league
I'm it's true light before the people. by Civ
ing IL an opportunity to say whether IL
would make a fair and impartial report
upon the record or Mr.. Hoffman, and pre-
sent the same To the public in ample time
for discussion thereof.
Replying 10 letter of this committee
the Citizens League said: The executive
committee OF the Citizens League is now
making a careful investigation OF the rec
ord and qualifications OF all candidates Cor
office at the approaching city election. more
than fifty i'm all. on the above-named tickets
including the record of John w Holtzman
When these Investigations are compIeted
we will submit 10 the public our report
PUBLIC ENTITLED TO TRUTH.
.srhe secretary OF the league has been
quoted In Mr. Holtzman's organ as saving
that this report Will be published on the
Saturday before election. This interview
has not been denied. There is no reason
why the report on Mr.. Holtznan should be
delayed until that time. The Holtzman
record is already subject OF earnest dis
cussion among the voters. and II the Citi-
the subject. the public Is entitled 10 have
Il now.
s..rh.re Is a very simple and convincing
fcC>g1NUED on PAGE {. COL 81