The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-07-21
COMPLAINT BY
STEVE BARES
AID TO MAYOR
DuvaII Solicited Support and
Received 1t, Says Court
Document.
HELD 100000 LIBEL
Agreement to Confer With
Ex-Dragon on Policies,
Appointments Alleged.

D. G. Stephenson, in a croSs-com-
plant filed in Superior Court One
today, charged that Mayor John L.
Duvall sought his support when Du-
vail was a candidate for Republican
nomination for mayor in 1924.
The oross-complaint was filed in
Duvall's suit for 81 100000 on al
legged libel, against Stephenson and
several newspapers.
1t is the first signed document to
be made by the former Khan dragon
since he was placed in prison for
life in Michigan City for the MUIR
der Of Miss Madge Oberholtzer,
yocng Indianapolis woman.
Charges He Is LibeIed
Stephenson's ross-complaint
stated that charges against Duvall
are true, and that Duvall, in alleg-
ing they are false, has maligned
and libeled Stephenson. He de-
mands $1,000,O00 damages from the
mayor for the injuring to his name
and reputation.
In the complaint, Stephenson sets
out that he lived in Indianapolis for
several years and that "he was
closely identified with certain OF
the political organizations existing
in the CITY,"
During the year 1924, the cross
defendant, John L. Duvall, being
DESTROYS of becoming a candidate
for nomination for mayor. APP
preached this said -complain-
ant and solicited his active support
in the candidacy of the said cross
defendant" 1t is set out.
Agreement Is Detailed
Negotiations we're entered into
and as result the said John L. Du-
vail promised and agreed with this
said cross-complainajnt that II said
cross-complainant would support
the candidacy Of the said Duvall
for said nomination and election. in
return. If said John L. Duvall was
elected, that as such mayor he
would make no appointments TO the
board of public works without the
Endorsement and approval of this
said cross-complaint. and that as
mayor he would appoint or cause
to be appointed certain men TO off,
cial positions In the said city Of In
dianapolis, such men TO be selected,
and named by the said cross-com-
plainant herein, and that said Du-
vail further agreed that at all times
he would consult with this said
cross accomplishment concerning the
policy to be adopted by said mayor
In the administration of his saiol
Office, and the appointments which
he should be called upon from time
to time to make in his official ca
pacity.
THAT subsequent to said negotia-
tons, and confirming the agree
ments reached in said negotiations.
that said Duvall executed and deliv-
cred to this ross-complainant cer-
tain written documents.
Says He Backed DuvalI
ross-complainant further AYERS
that pursuant to his agreement and
understanding with the said cross
defendant, that he actively did sup
port the candidacy Of the said John
L. Duvall and that he made contri-
buttons to funds to be used in
bringing about the nomination and
election Of said roSs-defendant.
and that he solicited funds from
other persons for said purposes"
The complaint alleged that Duvail
filed the libel suit with "the further
malicious intent and purpose Of dis
tracing public attention from
charges which we're at the said time
being printed concerning the cross
defendant herein"
Stephenson asks that II steps are
taken to dismiss the suit that his
cross-complaint be allowed to stand
and that the case be brought to is
sue before the court.