The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-11-12
POSTING THE RECORD


Because most of too busy to keep track
of all the events, may it not be useful to post tne
books on events that have happened since the first
day that Tom Adams, publisher of Vincennes made
public the letters of D. c. Stephenson life termer in
the penitentiary?
Stephenson's letters charged that he could pro-
duce documentary evidence of graft in high places
of huge corruption in elections of two years ago. Oh
grave betrayals Of the people.
He was once the big political power of the State
He had betrayed the thousands upon whose sent
nents he had played. He had misled by flaming
NRajudice into steady fires of hate and translated
his own influence into a very practical power.
So we'll known was his power that no one doubt
ed that he could if he chose, make good that cha-
lenge from cell
For five days not high official made answer.
Every effort of the Governor was directed toward
keeping him away from newspaper men and six State
Senators in whose name an appeal had been MADE
for the poor privilege of talking to him
Then Col Theodore Roosevelt forced a change OF
attitude after the board of prison trustees had SOL
emny passed resolutions applauding Warden DAILY of
che prison for refusing admission to this prisoner
A high official of the State on the eve of the
election charged that Stephenson had tried to black
mail his way to liberty.
by the Legislature as to what threats were made
and tn whom aside from the open letters to the pub
lie and to Adams.
But courageous prosecutor Will Remy had
said that the grand jury of this county would inves
tigate and each day he has been on the job with
those he called to his assistance.
The Times played something of a part for it
was The Times which discovered evidence that
Stephenson had documents photographed after his
conviction
It was The Times which pointed to the partner
of Stephenson, Julian, as probably knowing
something about these documents.
1t was The Times which followed Julian his
first visit to the prison where he given access
to Stephenson which had been denied all others, ex
cept the Federal Maroney, whose visit is still
to be explained if it can be-.
Let it be remembered that there journeyed at
that time with Julian lawyer Kipnger, who
seems always and ever to be on hand when the law
is trying to reach the truth.
Let it be recalled that four weeks this Julian
was missing, so completely gone that his wife de-
clared she had no knowledge of his whereabouts.
And then he came back and once again, as the
grand jury tried to question him, there Kplinger
at his side when he made his pitiful plea that per-
haps to answer any question would incrminate him
He is sent to talk to Stephenson and once
again this Eiplnger is at the prison always ahead
of the law always on the job 1t is not on record
that Kiprnger is trying to aid in uncovering those
two boxes which it is now known intrusted to
his care by the girl to whom Stephenson gave them
There it stands today.
But it is well to remember these circumstances
and never to forget:
That there are documents which Stephenson had
photographed.
That witnesses disappeared easily and readily
an rem cd away from the jury for unexplained
80 been definitely shown that Stephen
son lad ooxcs which contain something he values
80 highly that he does not even intrust them to
his friends singly but safeguards against betrayal.
That for five days official Indiana made no effort
to protest that Stephenson lied when he said
be could prove graft and corruption
That witness has appealed to the court in
protest against answering any question concerning
hese boxes because he feared that he himself might
be tried for crimes.
Sometimes circumstances are more convincing
than documents.
1t is well to remember these circumstances and
to recie them to your neighbors who will represent
you in the Legislature.
For the fact to be settled is not whether
evidence be hidden but whether there was
truth behind those letters which this life termer
sent his cell when he wrote that he could prove
by documents, that there had been corruption and
graft