Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-07-26
NO FIREWORKS
INDICATED FOR
THIS CAMPAIGN
Democrats Show Tendency To-
ward Adoption of Soft
Pedal Methods.
HOFFMAN ON PUBLICITY

Indiana democrats today are spec,
ulating On the nature of the cam
paign that is forecast by the organi-
zation steps taken at the democratic
powwow at French Lick last week.
Ever since the democratic state
committee was placed under the con-
troll of Ben Bosse, mayor of Evans
vile. there has been some doubt as
to the policy that would be pursued,
and at the meeting last week care
full attention was paid to details that
might be regarded as indicative OF
the plans formulated by the Evans
Vile chairman.
A definite trend is said by observers
to have been indicated by the selection
Of John W. Hoffman OF indianapolis
as the head of the speakers bureau Of
the state
Mr.. Hoffman has been very active In
politics for a number OF years and his
policy as head of the speakers bureau
Is not expected to be much different
from his past record
DEFEAT FOR ADVOCATES
OF VIGOROUS CAMPAIGN.
His selection for this position, together
with other appointments made last week.
is generally regarded as defeat OF
those democrats who were urging a Wig
crous and pitiless expose OF the gross
inismanagem OF state and Marioh
county affairs by the republican Office
holders
Mr.. Hoffman. who IS also candidate
for the legislat6re has been very closely
associated, locally. with the leaders Of
the republican party and IS known 10
have participated actively In efforts here
tcfora made 70 dlscredit attacks on the
republican administration.
II Is known that Mr.. Hoffman was
selected after considerable investigation
by c. H. Geist. head Of the indianapolis
Water Company, as the right attorney
to present the water company's rate pc
tition TO the public service commission.
and Il is reasoned that the thinCs which
made this n desirable selection then are
things that will now interfere consid-
erably with a vigorous campaign against
the continuation cf the public service
commissions attitude toward Indiana
corporations.
Mr.. Hoffman has also been exceeding
ly active as an attorney for the de-
fense in important cases before the
Marion criminal court, presided over by
James A. Collins. Among the cases In
which he participated for the defense
was the famous Muncie automobile ring
expose In which the disappearance OF
the states principal witness through the
laxity of local detectives was followed
by the dismissal Of the indictment
against members Of the ring and the
subsequent loss to the owners Of a num-
Der Of automobiles that were stolen, re-
covered and eventually turned back 70
the persons Uho were accused Of steal
ing them.
HOLTZMAN AN ATTORNEY
FOR HAAG BROTHERS.
Following the hasco u the prosecution
OF these cases, Mr. Hoffman was asso-
ciated with John c. Ruckleshaus, presi-
dent Of the Columbia club. IN the de
fense Of Louis and Julius HaaC whose
clear sailing" In the state courts in
cluded the jury box scandal and their
prosecution by a special prosecutor paid
for his service by q special draft on the
county treasurer.
1t Is pointed out that tne extreme
friendllness Of Mr. Hoffman with the
managers Of the Indianapolis News, who
stood sponsors for the present state
and county officials, his association with
these officials and their immediate bosses
in the legal profession and socially and
his heretofore well known tendency 10
avoid any political policy that might
prove offensive to the dominant influences
in the republican ranks does not In any
way indicate n speaking campaign that
will be remarkable for the vigOr in which
the records of these republicans is
handled
1t is also conceded that campaign pu6-
licity is generally contingent on the poll
cies Of the speakers bureau and in the
appointment Of a publicity committee TO
cooperate with the state committee s
agents 1t is apparent that no effort has
been made TO utilize the services Of those
democrats In the state who have been
and are now interested In telling the
Continued Page TwO)