The Indianapolis times., 1926-11-16
TO THE BOTTOM

TO THE BOTTOM
It can hardly be charged that the suit filed by
Corporation Counsel Rucher is political le-as was
done before the election whenever any dared to
whisper that there had been graft and corruption
His charge is plain, simple and direct
He has charged, in suit at law, that there was
conspiracy under which utility magnates sought to
control the government of this State through con-
trbutions Of money to the campaign of the successful
candidate for the governorship.
He has charged that the conspiracy was success
u and that the verdcts and decisions of appointees
who friendly to the corporations would justify
them to their stockholders, or in other words, we're
exceedingly favorable the corporations controlling
utility projects.
When Tom Adams first relayed the letters Of
D. C. Stephenson from his prison cell, the cry went
Up that it was politics and Adams was charged with
eing disappointed politician seeking to defeat the
Republican party.
That was the only answer For the event is too
recent to be forgotten. The people still recall that
for five days the official power of Indiana was de-
voted entirely to keeping any person from Interview
ing Stephenson and that he was locked away from
six State Senators in whose name admission had
been demanded.
The people still remember that the attitude
changed slightly after Federal agent, Maroney
found easy access to Stephenson In hts cell
And it remembers that the business partner of
Stephenson disappeared for four weeks, away from
his wife and family and secluded himself that his
wife did not know his whereabouts
It has yet to learn from Julian any explanation
OF this, at least unusual portion of his life.
It has yet to discover what power could urge
him to this act or how it happened that he was al
lowed to see Stephenson when every other citizen of
the State Was barred.
And now 1t has before It this open charge, more
sensational than any made by Adams in behalf of
Stephenson and it comes from the legal representa-
tive of this city.
The appointment of Mr.. Rucker to this position
can hardly be laid to the doors Of the enemies of
the Republican party, of the mayor OF the boss Of
this county or of the Governor.
He secured it with the approval of the political
leaders of his party, and surely with the consent of
every he has named part of this conspiracy.
So the cry of political hss win hardly
this charge of conspiracy.
1t names a definite sum-but even II It did not
any such price, contains other elements which
make 1t serious and Important.
Has this commission under Its present organza-
ton, favored the corporation of Indiana at the
pense of the taxpayers?
There is one element Of this charge which
be easily proved.
The people have only to 1ook the record
and discover for themselves the true situation.
How many permits asked for by competitors OF
the street railway in this city were refused by this
commission and later granted to the company?
What has happened to telephone rates when the
gigantic monopoly in this line demanded increases?
What has happened when utilities in other cities
sought larger and greater valuations upon
their properties?
a
pointments on that commission unfounded,
would the decisions of the commission be any differ
ent than those rendered?
Has this commission acted in a manner which
would justify the belief that its personnel die
tated to by those who sought undue and unjustifed
profits?
This strikes deep into the pocketbooks of the
people and the interests of the State
The control OF these utilities has an important
bearing upon the success or failure of every other
enterprise.
The rates charged hit at the earning power of
industries and the spending power of workers
It is fortunate that Mr.. Rucker delayed his SEN
sational suit until after election.
Now there be question of motive. II
quires rather strong courage to make the charge.
1t relieves the people from any doubt to whether
their votes might be sought through misrepresenta
tions and false appeals to passion
For that reason, and for the continued welfare
of every interest in the State, this thing must be
probed to the verN bottom
It is not question of furnishing men. It is
question of discovering whether this commission has
failed to protect the people and has favored public
utility at the expense Of the people.
If 1t has, the Legislature has real duty-which
is the abolition of the commission but the estab
shment of that will represent the people.
If it has protected the people in their rights the
members have every right to vindication. They
should be the first to demand the necessary inquiry
by the Legislature If they don't the people will.