The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-10-16
fall CAMPAIGN
is EXPECTED TO
DEVELOP FORCE
! Political Speakers Probably
Will Start Mud Singing
in Earnest.
RUCKER STARTS ATTACK
PaSts of Both Parties to Be
Dragged Out in Open.

Lady-like pats on the wrist
are to yield to punches to the
jaw in the municipal campaign,
many politicians predicted to-
day.
With the election of a mayor, city
clerk and councilmen only a few
weeks away, the political speakers
are preparing the mud and abuse to
convince the Indianapolis citizens
the other candidate is a malefactor
and their own choice is to be the
city's savior.
Until the past week the Democrats
had monopoly on aggressive tao
tics. Walter Myers, Democratic
mayoralty nominee, for weeks had
been shooting at the record Of the
Shank administration and defying
John L. Duvall Republican nominee,
to state his connection with George
V. Coffin, Republican city chairman,
and William Fl. Armitage, leader Of
the Shank political ring.
Rucker Starts Attack
Then Alvah j. Rucker, head of
the Republican speakers bureau,
sounded the keynote for attack along
the entire G.. O. P. front
Rucker himself led the assault and
it's target was the fact that Walter
Myers served as city attorney under
the Bell administration. Rucker was
prosecuting attorney in the trial in
which Mayor Joseph E. Bell was ac-
quilted in Marion County Criminal
Court on a charge of conspiracy to
violate the election laws.
Rucker charged the same men he
contended intimidated the voters in
the days Of Bell are supporting
Myers.
That's ancient history" Myers re-
plies. Were talking about the is
sues of 1925. Besides, Rucker failed
to substantiate his charges. He's
using that stuff as a decoy to draw
fire away from his candidate"
Indications are that Myers and
the Democratic orators will proceed
with denunciation of the alleged
Coffin-Armitage-D combination,
with some heavy volleys Of charges
concerning the power of Arnitage
in the present administration.
To Demand Publicity
Myers intends to demand pub
licity the reason why city council,
composed overwhelmingly of Re
publican members, failed to proceed
with the investigation Of the board
Of works and it's alleged transac-
tons with Armitage, denounced in
fiery speeches by councilmen.
The Democrats contend there were
Irregularities in the nomination Of
Duvall over his opponent, Ralph A.
Lemcke, and assert they are TAX
ing steps to prevent their recur-
renee in the mayoralty election.
Both candidates, as is the usual
custom in any campaign, have
pledged themselves to a program of
economy and lower taxes. Both are
Octoberly eager to take the police
and fire departments out of politics.
Watch Governor
The municipal politicians also are
watching with considerable interest
the way Governor Jackson jumps on
the question of appointment to serve
the unexpired term Of the late Sena-
tor, Samuel M. Ralston.
The support of a powerful news
paper and of an influential organiza-
ton for Duvall are said to be in
volved in the matter. There are
many rumors of trades and deals
on the senatorial question affecting
in their ramifications the municipal
race.
Aside from generalities, neither
candidates has promised any specific
program, if elected mayor. The fast
and furious controversy is over the
deep, dark past Of the Republican
and Democratic parties.
Its a cinch; my only fear is over
confidence" says Coffin.
Wen win in a walk" says Will
liam e, Clauer, Democratic chair.
man.