The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-10-09
THE LIONS SKIN


markable story.
And then look at the demands of Senator James
Eli Watson and Senator Arthur Robinson for real
probe of graft, corruption and bribery in Indiana
Six days ago wholesale charges of corruption and
bribery and graft were made by the chairman of
the executive committee Of the Republican Editorial
Association.
He said, and matter of news 1t was printed
because he is a responsible publisher In trusted
position, that the former dragon of the Khan in In
diana is now ready to confess and name his accom-
plices and his subordnates.
Those charges said that there would be furnished
documentary evidence of these great and grave pub
J lie wrongs.
This paper then addressed to the two senators
from Indiana and to the chairman of the Republican
party in Indiana an open letter asking them to use
their influence with the Governor of this State to
provide an investigation of these charges, to make
every inquiry in order to free this State, which has
suffered too much from indefinite charges of cor
ruption from the ignominy which rests upon it.
We are tired of magazine writer's who dared
without rebuke or answer calling the Empire of
Ukant
We we're tired and restless under such bits of
clever writing as came from former sons of this
State and printed in the most conservative mag
azines asking "have faith in Indiana"
All that The Times asked that these two
ask the Governor of this State to permit an open
and free investigation by six State Senators
Not much to ask, it?
What happened?
The rest is history.
These Senators were silent Not made
public statement suggesting that charges of
graft and corruption be investigated.
Watson was silent. Robinson talked about the
tariff. Walb hid
ADdt han Xynr tUOO nh mis-
of them was admitted by the mayor of this city to
be genuine. 1t showed desire to pacate and fawn
upon the convict who then ruled this State and city
The other was pronounced forgery. The Times
gave that Interpretation.
Nothing had happened. No responsible party had
made stand for free and impartial investigation.
Then miracle happened. The son of man
who hated fraud and corruption and betrayal came
to this State.
Theodore Roosevelt, who bears ilustrious
name had been advertised as a speaker at political
meeting
The Governor of this State was to introduce him.
Chairman Walb to be upon the platform.
AS the price of his appearance before the multi
tudes who reverence his father, he demanded that
there be a denunciaton of corruption and pledge
to investigate
Until that hour Watson had been impervious and
Robinson adamant.
The Governor made half hearted appeal for
inquiry. 1t half hearted that the carbuncle
upon the neck of Roosevelt swelled rapidly that
in the evening he could not again appear in the
company of Jackson and Robinson.
But st Watson from his distant city and
Ro ihsOn fresh from his farewell greetings to Roose
81 last responded to the open letter printed in
he lines, ard sol into tne record against graft
and corruption.
This much is gained.
There is still this to be accomplished
The people must have from these Senators and
from Walb some for the five days of silence
when the people shocked and ashamed and dis
mayed by the fact that dared to challenge
the voice of Stephenson who promised to confess
his own political sins and implicate others
There is still this to be answered.
Why were five days allowed to eapse before some
former intimate and friend and associate and political
and social friend of Stephenson dared to ask for an
inquiry.
There is still more to be had. For the people now
will not be content with inquiry in the hands of
former friends of this convicted murderer.
Every one knows the power which once was his
Every one knows that he uttered no idle boast when
he said in the words of French King that he was
the law in Indiana. He was.
The people want to know from the Governor
Of this State just how he proposes to have this in
vestigation carried out.
Courage is admirable At last we have a promise
that there will be an inquiry
We have belated promise from the attorney
general who is admirable in his slowness to anger
that he is beyond suspicion that he will act when
some one brings him evidence
We have the same pledge from the prosecutor of
this county.
What we yet have to hear is that there will be
an effort to discover and find this evidence
We have yet to hear that any one proposes to
permit the evidence which Stephenson says he has
to be presented to jury which is not controlled by
those Stephenson placed in Office
Is it all to end in offer to let those he accuses
try themselves?
Well old Aesop wise guy He knew some
thing when he put a lions skin upon an ass.
CONCERNING OUR POCKET
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