The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-10-02
PROTECT THE COURTS?

The conference of Methodist laymen and minis
tiers, representing many thousands of that faith in
dorsed the attitude and of the head of the Anti
Saloon League in his comments on the Supreme
Court.
Will Attorney General Giom be logical
and bring before that every minister every
delegate who cheered the speech and the attitude of
DR.. E. E. Shumaker?
If he does not will he have the courage to go
to the Governor or the courts and declare that his
office all wrong in the case of one George Dale
of Muncie editor, sentenced to Jail for contempt
of court?
The whole theory under which contempt pro-
ceedings brought is that cases before
courts which might influence the decision of judges
is contemptuous and to be punished.
1t was under this theory that the comments of
shumaker, declared by six lawyers to have been
false and malicious, charged to be contemptuous
The supreme court has not yet rendered its de-
cision as to the guilt of the dry leader
Although it was announced months ago that the
decision would be prompt and early and the court
has before it the recommendation of five outstand.
ing lawyers, decision has been given and Shu.
maker is repeating the same remarks on which he
is charged with contempt atsevery opportunity. One
lawyer strongly argued that there had been no con-
tempt.
The action of this religious conference iB a COM
ment on the contempt proceedings now before the
court.
Every speech in behalf of shumaker, theoreti,
cally at least might be construed an endeavor to
influence the Supreme Court in this very contempt
case.
1t might be easily construed so it would seem,
least $4,000 voters to make it impossible for these
judges to pass dispassonatey upon the guilt or in
nocence Of the charged by Gilliom with endeav-
oring to destroy justice.
That the vote taken in support of the dry
arguments Of the crusader rather than as a defense
of his right of free speech may be lamentable to
those who believe that this fundamental right is
quite important as the dry law.
But certainly the Attorney General has a most
remarkable chance to forever settle the question of
what may say or not say
"A definite charge against every preacher and
delegate for contempt would bring to a most dra-
matte climax the free speech issue in this State
1t would warn all citizens that under the Dale
decision may discuss courts or judges and
that the truth is defense.
And legally, it would have quite as firm a foun
dation as other cases in which impetuous editors
have been sent to Jail.
Let it be hoped that Gilliom will not overlook
this magnificent opportunity to free the courts from
any mob infuence-if he really thinks they need
defense from any criticism or comment.
And let it be hoped that the people will learn
how far they restrained in discussions of judges
and decisions.
Ether and contentment great sleep producers.
Everyone knows how to cure your cold remove
your freckles, or reduce your weight.
Sefcontrol is great asset It enables you to re.
frain from following your natural impulses
1t won't be long before we return to the old
swimming hole, meaning the bathtub.
When fellow has never hit the bottom it is nat.
ural to doubt his ability to bounce.