The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-10-20
LEST WE FORGET

LEST WE FORGET
Now that the Reed senatorial committee has
witnesses to Chicago to probe into Indiana
election crookedness. it may be well to recall to
public attention again. the circumstances and
conditions and official attitudes that have bearing
apon not only this but the Adams charges.
Before the Reed committee decided to probe the
Walb charge of Wholesale corruption by "nterna
tional bankers" there but one vigorous and &C.
tive body which had showed anything but policy
of obstruction. The grand jury under the direction
of Prosecutor Will Remy who called to his aid the
highly esteemed Ralph Kane, is the only official body
which has shown any inclination to do more than
interfere and smother and obstruct.
1t requires unusual courage for Prosecutor Remy,
who has shown courage before, to face this task.
For months he has not had investigator whom
he could trust, not officer attached to his court
by the police could be depended to unearth
evidence.
The charges he probes grave that they in
cude the high and the mighty and the high and the
mighty had shown more real zeal for vindicaton
It was task from which any man, especially
candidate for office who depends upon some degree
of fairness from his party organization, might well
shrink.
Aside from this query, handicapped and function
ing nnder difficulties, official has aided in secur-
Iig any real inquiry.
from the prison cell of the former political dictator
of the State, the maker of officials, the director OF
destinies the betrayer trusting thousands,
effort was directed to keeping any person save his
keepers from talking to Stephenson
Governor Jackson repeatedly refused requests for
an appeal to Warden DAILY to let newspaper men en-
ter that prison and see this prisoner.
The prison trustees hastily met and soemnly
passed resolution endorsing the policy of DAILY,
policy which the former warden says never existed
before Stephenson became prisoner. And DAILY
kept guard upon the man whose letters said he
wanted to talk and could produce documentary evil
dence Of grave crimes
Not man who was thus placed under suspicion
demanded vindcation. Not a who might have
been in position to do the things charged made an
appeal for exoneration.
Then came Colonel Roosevelt to this State and
the forced change attitude the part of the Gov
ernor who promised he would name committee of
outstanding citizens to conduct inquiry. He has
never named a committee He has taken it for
granted peculiarly, that all the crimes must have
been committed in Marion County, matter which
may DE significant.
Day after day The Times made it's demand for
inquiry and appeal produced witnesses who stated
that they had seen documents in the hands of Ste
phenson which had been photographed in order that
he might have some evidence IL the originals we're
missing, documents whseh other witnesses say he
referred to with threats and boasts that they would
free him.
And then came Clyde walb, political master of
the machine which stephenson created He blurted
his charge of wholesale corruption with money
Il every precinct for the purpose of debauching a
:ction.
Did Walb ask for an inquiry by the Reed COM
rlittee of his charges? The Times promptly asked
Sim to join in a demand and he refused.
Did Senator Watson Senator Robinson ask
rejection from this wholesale corruption from the
egally constituted body Nof the Senate created to
urnish just such protection? "
Neither of them spoke. There came, second hand,
a statement that Watson had believed the Senate
committee was limited to 1926 in its explorations,
Just the sort of statement that might be we'll cacu-
lated to allay any fears the part of those whose
1924 activities would lead them to a desire for
secrecy.
And Robinson has uttered word-yet.
This is no political battle nor political fight 1t
is a crusade to protect the integrity of Indiana and
.rotect it's name and fame.
The Reed committee and the Local grand jury
are at work. These charges must be either proved
or publicity exposed false
IN Walb has proof of his charge the people are
entitled to know And the clews to the Stephenson
charges must be followed to the limit.
And whatever is the verdict, be it said to the
lasting dscredit of official Indiana, and the present
head of the Republican organization, that they have
never aided in any way by word or act in this effort
to redeem Indiana from either its misrule its
i'll fame.