The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-09-10
Giving the Light


ing that there is any sense of gladness or re-
ioicing over the turning to the courts for
decision what has been mainly the work OF
this newspaper.
Rather there is relief that very unwel-
come, very distasteful, very arduous but
very necessary work has been accomplished.
This newspaper is never glad to see any
man, and especially any man who has been
entrusted with the confidence of his fellows
brought to the prisoners dock
1t would be far happier if it could, in
good conscience, praise all men, applaud
their efforts wreathe them with even more
of public confidence.
1t would much prefer to sing praises than
utter philippics.
It would rather cheer than jeer.
It feels, as must all men, the sharp pang
of regret that talents and ability and pur-
pose are sometimes twisted and distorted.
1t looks, as do all others, to that Utopian
day when there will be competition in the
cardinal virtues and such love of fellowmen
in all hearts than none will take the devious
paths to fame and fortune.
But it so happens that this newspaper
believes in America and all that America
meant to those who declared that men shall
rule themselves.
And because it believes in America and
in self government it chose as its motto
those words of the immortal Dante, "Give
the people light and they will find their own
way" and it could not desert the pledge it
gave to it's readers when it dedicated itself
to this high purpose.
The grand jury has written into its in
dictment of the highest officer of this State
the declaration that the crime it charges was
concealed by a conspiracy until the Times
made it public on the 25th day of July,
matter of six weeks ago.
The only light that a newspaper can
give is truth, and facts. And in nation that
rests upon the intelligent ballot of its citi-
zens, this newspaper believes that it is in
duty and conscience bound to give the facts
and truths and to find for them whatever
facts may be important to them in their pub
lie affairs.
This particular case is now in the hands
of the courts.
Undoubtedly Governor Jackson will be
quite as anxious as are all other citizens
that there be that speedy trial which is
guaranteed to all persons accused of crime.
The readers of this newspaper are
entitled to know, however, that in de-
votion to it's ideal, it has been the
agency which has brought to light all
the facts which are now kno5gn to either
public or prosecutors of those dark chapters
of political corruption which began in the
organization of prejudice and hate by the
INSCRIPTIONS and through which the Gov
eminent of State was taken from the peo-
pie through the drugging of intelligence and
of conscience.
The Times, at the very start, warned of
what would happen. The only result was to
invite the hatred Of the men and women who
now realize how they were used and mis-
led. Those who should have Joined in the
warning were either terrorized or indif-
ferent.
When the very foundations of all gov
eminent were threatened, there were few to
give battle.
And so the Government went away from
the people and was lodged with those who
would deal with Stephenson and the COLLINS
and the wizards and the crew of men who
saw their chance for power and money by
appeals to passion and to hate.
When Stephenson, in his prison cell, look
ing out upon the men he had placed in power,
impatient for the release that did not come
wrote that he had documents by which he
could prove political corruption, the Times
believed that the answer should be the truth
and not silence.
It was appalled, that any official who
might be under suspicion did not demand
that he produce his documents.
1t was inquisitive when instead of indig-
nant denials, week passed which was de-
voted to keeping this prisoner who had been
political dictator away from any one who
might be interested in having him produce
his proof.