The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-10-05
UNASHAMED. UNAFRAID.


markabe courage and courage is most admlraole
trait Of character.
Or perhaps it shows something else, not so
admirable.
Indiana has been badly advertised in the past
few years 1t has been heralded the home or
tyranny.
One of it's Governors is now resident OF
southern city at the urgent invitation OF the Federa
Government.
And then came Stephenson the man who rose
to magnificent heights of power and eminence;
dictator who could boss legislators who nominated
governors and from feon's cell could dictate the
appointment of United States Senator.
And It is Stephenson who occupies the at
tention of the editors who have proudly borne at
their mastheads expression of fidelity to the party
of Lincoln of Harrison, of Grant, of Mckinley, of
Roosevelt and of Coolidge.
And their gorge at the theft of the livery OF
their party by very selfish group of selfish men
and they decided to rid the State of the disgrace
that had been put upon them.
No drawer set of men ever wrote than these
Republican editors who decided to make a new
fight for freedom-freedom Of their party from its
domination its corruption, its network Of graft
They have found that Stephenson, in his cell,
a convict and disgraced, is ready to confess
That he finds himself the victim of his own
Frankenstein is not unusual He might have eX-
pected that had he studied either history or fiction
Thomas Adams is a reputable editor. For many
years he served his party, faithfully. And today
he charges that the Republican machine he calls
it a "Walb machine" and names it for the head of
the State committee, is today ntmidatng, threat
ening terrorizng the free press of the State in
endeavor to keep this convict, who once made
Senators and who made a Governor, from telling
the foul story of graft of purchased votes of stuffed
ballot boxes, of easy money.
There lies the gravity of the situation.
Who is it that dares to face anything that D. C.
Stephenson convicted of the murder of girl would
dare to say?
Might it be remarked that the for refusing
to permit an interview with Stephenson is at least
specious when contrasted with the gravity Of the
charges?
When, ever, did Governor dare to say that be-
cause he never nterfered with the head of depart
ment he would not now order, at once, that this
be brought from his cell and forced to tell if
reluctant all that is charged in his of graft
and corruption?
Who can fear from anything that Stephenson
might say2
Memory may be short. But it is remembered and
in recollection that Stephenson was the pal, the
friend and the conhdante of those in power.
There was time, not so many months ago, that
the great of this State went humbly to the throne
of this man who betrayed and msled every
and woman who responded to his clarion call for
America
The junior Senator of this State, candidate
for election is listed in the courts of this county
as his attorney in petty lawsuits.
That might indicate degree of intimacy
Men send only their best friends to defend petty
matters.
When confronted with crisis, they might select
lawyers their merits
How did George Coffin become power in Marion
County? The answer is plain. He worked with
Stephenson. His minors still the followers Of
Stephenson, not the mised followers of the hooded
order which he headed.
1t is a matter Of common knowledge that Coffin
could never have risen to his emnence had he not
traded and bargained and trafficked with this man.
There you
What are the charges which are hurled as a
challenge to decency in this State by Tom Adams
the veteran editor, in the of Stephenson and
which he offers to prove by confession of this man?
That two years ago than 100000 spent
debauch the elections Of this State stuff ballot
boxes to overthrow the will Of the people by spurious
votes and fraudulent counts
That the Legislature was corrupted and that for
the defeat of one measure at least $4,000 was dis
tributed among members of that body.
That courts have obeyed his will and that juries
nave Deen SeleCIeu give not on law ana
justice, but at the nod of super power" which,
in his freedom, Stephenson himself.
That graft is rampant and has been rampant, that
the government itself has fallen into such low estate
that it longer represents citizens, but is twisted
and contorted to serve the purposes of machine.
That is in the background the unhoy bargain
made by seekers of high places.
What becomes Of that bargain which Watson
made for the support of Coffin in for support
throughout the State of his machine and without
which neither Watson Robinson would have had
such easy sailing?
What would this tell, if the doors of his
grave opened and he be allowed to'talk; of the
gifts of automobiles of his purchase of clothing, of
the vast sums he loaned" to those who now rule
and SIMULTANEOUSLY preach Sundays to real
Christians?
In view of the situation take off your hats in
admiration to the Governor of this State.
Here is of courage. For he dares to tell
you that this may not be SEEN Were he
into ic hard ohoh1a tbatb o