The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-08-04
Silence Loses Dignity

silence Loses U1gLl1Cy
Each and every day since his return, Gov
ernor Ed Jackson has been asked to make some
comment upon the published charge made by
The Times more than ten days ago.
That charge was definite and unqualified. 1t
was stated in such plain words and language
that it was easily understood by the people OF
this State.
The Times stated that on Dec. 8, 1923, there
was conference in the office of Ed Jackson,
then Secretary of State.
At that conference were present Ed Jack
son, who was to become Governor, and is Gov
ernor; George Coffin, the political boss OF this
county and the foundation of the whole pres
ent Republican machine, and one other who
was furnishing funds to the jackson candi-
dacy for Governor then in the making.
The Times stated that Jackson left that
conference and went to the Office OF Warren T.
McCray, then Governor. At that time McCray
was under indictment in the Marion County
courts His son-in-law, William'P. Evans, was
about to resign the prosecutorshlp OF this
county. Evans had announced that he would
Remy, to the place.
The Times charged that Ed jackson made
the straight offer to McCray that there would
be furnished $4,000 to assist in his defense and
that he would not be convicted in the courts,
if he would not name Remy but would select
a man chosen by Coffin.
The Times stated plainly and openly that
McCray replied that he had lost his money,
would probably lose his office and might lose
his liberty, as he did lose it, but that he would
keep his self-respect.
The people of this State might have ex-
pected that the Governor would make at least
some statement in response to this charge,
which was reprinted in every newspaper Of the
Nation.
Even his friends had right to expect that
there would be prompt denial.
James P. Noel, attorney for McCray, in an
open letter to the Indianapolis News after re-
fusing to confirm or deny that the same offer
was later given to him by D. c. Stephenson,
said that he "should expect to be called upon
to give evidence inSome forum
But. each and every day, in response to
questions by representatives of The Times and
Of various press associations, jackson has said
that he has nothing to say.
If the charge were false, The Times under
stands fully and completely it's own respon-
sibility.
Every Republican newspaper which has
made comment upon this matter, and grow
ing number of Republican newspapers are
commenting these days, have demanded that
the Governor speak.
The Anderson Herald, always a supporter
Of the Republican ticket in elections, openly
demands that he Governor either deny or re-
sign his place as Governor.
These papers understand as do the people,
that the statute of limitations may make prose-
cution for crime impossible if crime was in
volved in this transaction, but they are un-
willing that that same law shall run in the
court of public opinion.
Ii that charge was true, and each days 81
lence must 60 far to convince the people that
what The Times printed was true, then there
must be a different action if the Governor re-
fuses to speak.
Will the Republican members Of the Legis
lature who last winter, at a party caucus,
forced all members to vote against investiga-
ton, now refuse to actf
Whoever links the adjective " dignifed" to
silence under these conditions has little re-
gard for the fitness Of things
The Times knows that it reflect a public
sediment when it demands now, and every day,
something other than silence.
When will the Legislature unlock lips"
that now refuse to speak? It should begin
soon. The people are impatient. They want
action, not evasion and will accept no subter-
fuge,v no eowardice