The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-05-24
What Is Your Answer?


Official literature in the archives of the State is the
letter of Attorney General Arthur L. Gilliom de-
manding that Governor Jackson urge an amendment
to the laws which at present prompt the use VI
whisky as a medicine.
He has raised a question in a dramatic manner
which must be answered.
He has asserted his right as father to save the
life of his son without becoming criminal
He has demanded from the Governor that ne
urge that all citizens be permitted to do legaiy "d
the Governor did illegally when the wife OF the Gov
ernor faced death and the sought by physicians
could only be obtained by violating the laws OIL the
State.
He has demanded that the law no longer at
tempt to restrict science that it take It's rutheSo
hand from the profession devoted to healing and to
the saving of human life
He has demanded, above all that men be per-
mitted to retain both their seh respect anu 'i
respect for law.
He has raised the question as to whether men
IN mower shall be honest with the people or be
hypocritical
He has said that what in high position do
in crisis, illegally and surreptlt1ously' snan DC
permitted all to do openly
Gilljom is one of the very few men in this
State in any official position who can afford to raise
this question of hypocritcal dry legislation enacted
under the lash and whip of fanatical AntfSaloon
League without his own motives being questioned
Gom so it happens, is of the very few
who need no prohibition laws to protect them
selves from the evils of alcohol, who need never be
accused of being personally wet and officially dry
Gilom in his official prosecution of liquor vio
1ators has been nsistent and persistent. He has
insisted on law enforcement. 1t is probable that
he believes in sane prohibition laws. Personally
he is known as one of the very few of1cials VINO
never sneak into back rooms at banquets TO take
surreptitious drink of bootleg. His record is that
of 100 per cent teetotalism.
When he asks that the law take its strong
hand from the skill of the physician and permit the
doctor to use his knowledge without fear OF prosecu
ton there is no suspicion that he represents those
who might wish to misuse any such exemption from
the bone dry laws.
His personal experience has made him rebel
against any law that strikes at his own sefrespect
1t may be taken for granted, despite the fact
that Governor Jackson refuses to make any state
ment whatever that Gilliom was sure of his facts
when he declared that you and procured the need
ed whisky from friends"
1t is unfortunate that frankness stops with Gil
lom
1t would be better for Indiana if hypocrisy were
ended and men who secretly violate the dry law
and officially indorse that law were to either
reform their habits vote as they drink
In order to save the lives of his sons, Attorney
General Gilliom was compelled to either personally
violate or have friend violate four sections of the
state law any one of which would subject him to
Imprisonment fine.
Since it is openly stated that the Governor pro-
cured whisky from his friends, it may be taken as
fact that he is in exactly the same position
There can be but of two courses.
Those believe that the law as it stands is
a good law and should be enforced should demand
that Attorney General Gilliom and Governor Jack
son be sent Jail for saving the lives of their dear
ones, or the law should be changed SO that no
other father or husband should be forced to violate
law under similar conditions.
Those who believe in the present law and who
condemn those who use whisky even to save human
life now have their chance to show their real sin
certify.
Attorney General Gilliom openly and frankly adj
mits breaking the law He is not man who hides.
He would probably admit the charge in open court.
Those who so believe should demand today that
he be arrested for the violation of this law. He
seeks no special protection because of his Office. He
asks only that the law be such as to force no man
to become criminal to life.
The professional dry leaders who have success
fully prevented amendment to the law should
now demand that it be enforced Their power over
legislators and prosecuting attorneys has been abso
Lutte. They should have difficulty in getting a
warrant.
And if you we're on jury, would you vote to
send Arthur Gilliom to Jail?
If not why not join him in appeal to Gov
ernor Jackson to do as Gilliom asks him to do
permit every father who may have such a problem,
Il
death to be a law-abiding citizen, not secret and
shamed violator of the law.
Where do you stand?
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