The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-10-25
GET ALL THE FACTS

directed by suppression and distortions away from
all the facts that are now known in regard to the
Stephenson scandal
There are those who shout in relief when Sen,
ator Reed, coming to probe charges of widespread
graft made by Chairman Clyde Walb, refused to go
beyond the limits Of his authority and probe the
Stephenson charges
They would like to have the public believe that
because Senator Reed did not reveal this corruption
that there was corruption.
e- It may be well to keep In mind that Reed came
for one purpose which he stated In clear and concise
language to VIZ. Walb Reed told him that he came
toaind what truth lay behind his letter to Senator
Borah, in which he had declared that there was evil
dence everywhere OF money In every precinct being
spent to debauch this election against Senators Wat
son and Robinson.
He called to the attention of Walb that had II
not been for that letter. he would have had bust
ness in Indiana
y He recalled to Walb that his explanation was
that he had not intended to charge the money had
been spent but that there had been vast numbers OF
pamphlets circulated arguments for the League
of Nations.
:. And just as Reed left he gave Walb once more
his chance to show ono penny OF corruption and
fBalb gave none,
Remember this, II there be those who say that
Reed discovered no evidence Of corruption. What
really happened was that he had found nothing to
prove the Wab charge OF corruption and had not in
anyway attempted to test the truth Of the Stephenson
charges
lss There are those who are gleefUl when Stephen
son. under life science and under the advice of a
Iawyer who hurried to the prison with his former
business partner who has been missing for two
weeks, refused to give up any documents
They would have the public believe that be-
cause Stephenson like tortured rat, cries that his
40 oIo
of corruption untrue.
ss They would have the public overlook the fact
that grand jury under the direction Of Prosecutor
Remy, is still in session. still looking for evidence
and evidently the trail that there is reason
believe that it must discovered ground.
work fer further search,
y These are the things the persons interested In
hiding any facts beneath Stephensops charges have
done and attempting, through their publicity
agencies to twist into vindication
" Just that the people may get all the picture
and not forget the circumstantal evidence surround
ing this affair, let these things be recalled:
That for five days after Stephenson had reayed
from his prison CELL by letters which he admits
writing, the claim that he could prove by docu-
mentary evidence corruption a huge scale in the
election of 1924, in the Legislature Of the next year
in which he had almost unlimited power among
officials whom he had placed in power there was
Silence in all of1cialdom
He charged that those he had lifted to eminence
were now intent forever sealing his lips in cell,
Thomas Adams the vincennes publisher, asked
Governor Jackson to permit responsible newspaper
men and six State Senators to whom he had told his
story, to visit Stephenson in his cell and get the
truth.
For five days The Times asked the Governor for
such permit and it was refused or the excuse that
the trustees of the prison. who appointees of the
Governor, had the sole authority,
That board of trustees met in hurried session at
the bedside OF sick member and solemny passed
asresolution endorsing the refusal of Warden DAILY
TO permit any such interview
For five days not State official not a beneficiary
Of the Stephenson regime in this State and of his
power lifted voice in demand for any inquiry OF
any kind
The first halfhearted promise of any investiga.
ton came only after Col Theodore Roosevelt brought
to the State to plead for Republican candidates
forced from Chairman Walb and Governor Jackson
an expression favorable to inquiry. So complete
was the change of program that 1t was hours later
when the senior Senator of this State revised his
early interview the subject in which he called it
Trivial matter"
II Then came the visit of Jack Maroney, Fed
era detective, to Stephenson and a great taking of
heart That Maroney visit and its purpose is vet to
be fully explained.
The local grand Jury began its probe under Prose
cutor Remy who called to his aid Ralph Kane and
20 which Attorney General Gilliom offered his aid
and brought In the services of former Judge Gauss
What 1t has developed Is, of course secret What
1t. may develop remains to be seen. It is still at
work.
But The Times has printed statements from
those later called as witnesses which definitely as
serted that Stephenson in his CELL after his convic-
ton, had documents which he sent out to be photo.
graphed.
1t has been shown that Stephenson placed such
value upon them that he careful to preserve their
contents should the originals be lost.
rs 1t has been shown that the former partner Of
Stephenson, engaged in business with him and
trusted by him, hurriedy went to Michigan City
to sec Stephenson in company with the lawyer who
was on the ground when the grand jury sent its rep
resentatives on Saturday to interview him. and that
from that day the family Of this business man has
been Unable To of hia nuha