The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-08-22
Will Silence Suffice?

Ill O1l6IlCG NuulCCi
II is inconceivable that Governor Jackson
can continue his silence in regard to the very
definite charge made by this newspaper that he,
when Secretary of State, went to the office OF
Governor McCray, then under indictment and
offered him $4,000 for attorney fees and
immuni tyin return for the privilege Of placing
Coffin man in office as prosecutor OF this
county.
Other newspapers, without regard to party
affiliations, have declared that the Governor
must vindicate himself or resign.
The papers of his own party have declared
that the charge made by The Times and the
frank challenge Of the editor of this newspa-
per, responsible institution, can not be
ignored.
The policy of silence is not new to the Gov
ernor. It will be remembered that he was
silent last fall when witnesses were before the
grand jury testifying that D. G. Stephenson,
former grand dragon Of the Khan and political
boss, had photographs made of $4,000 check
given to Ed Jackson.
While the Governor was silent, his friends,
hackers and associates were not. They de-
clared that there was no check They demanded
that the check itself and not a photograph of
check be produced.
Then The Times produced the original
check, showing the Endorsement of Jackson.
When The Times asked him about this
check, the Governor declared that he had moth
ing to say. Later he broke his silence and
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one of the special prosecutors of the first grand
jury who was paid from the Governors con-
tingent fund.- gave out the explanation that this
$4,000 check was payment for horse which
he had sold to the former Klan leader.
That explanation came after the leaders of
the machine which runs government and
politics in this State had for months declared
that there were no checks and that Stephenson
was blackmailer> and a buffer when he de-
clared that he had evidence of evil things in
politics.
How long will the rank and file Of the Re
publican party accept silence from the Gov
ernol concerning this later and graver in
cident?
The Times believes that the vast majority
of all good citizens do not desire to elevate men
to high places who indulge in such methods of
controlling public Offices
The office of prosecutor is valuable
weapon in the hands Of political boss and no
Of the local machine who was made all power
full by Stephenson, is exactly an idealist.
The high office Of Governor must forever
stand to youth for the ideals of government 1t
should inspire the young to thoughts of honor.
1t should be bestowed as reward for fidelity
to the basic principles of honor. 1t should come
as mark of respect 1t should and must be
the goal for which young men may aspire, an
honor to be won through record which con-
tains no secret manipulations, no dealings with
the greedy and the crafty.
That is the ideal of the Republican voters
and of all citizens. 1t so happens that Ed Jack
son holds his office under the label of Repub-
icanism and by the gift of Republican voters.
They haveA duty to perform if the Gov
crnor sees no duty for himself
Their duty is to unlock those walls of sill
ence and to force from the Governor at least a
denial Otherwise they will suspect, and that
would be bad, that the Governor does not deny
because he does not dare to face the proof
Perhaps simple method of securing an
answer from the Governor would be an appeal
by voters that their members Of the Legsla-
ture, who have power to impeach demand that
the Governor answer.
A few letters to these legislators, especial
ly the members of the Lower House, might
bring results.
A vindcation, resignation or an impeach-
ment.
These are the three open courses and the
only courses. Which will the Governor choose
Today Tn Boston