The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-10-17
An Excuse or An Alibi?


The reason given by Governor Jackson or>refus-
ing to call special session of the Legislature is in
teresting rather than convincing.
1t is interesting because of its omissions and that
lack of frankness which the governor has so often
displayed important matters.
1t lacks conviction because the reason assigned is
utterly at variance with such expressions Of public
opinion as have been made not only in indianapolis
but in other parts of the State.
The governor says that he has received many let
tiers of protest against the holding of special session
at this time but he refuses to make public the
of a single signer to these protests.
Surely the people of the State are entitled to know
the of those who do not wish this session and
who have appealed to him to prevent it.
Can be that those who made this protest are too
cowardy to take public stand?
Or is it that the governor fears that were the
of these signers to be public they would
in themselves furnish Statewide and imperative
reason for such a session.
The Governor assumes much when he says that
there is to believe that no member of the leg
slature would vote differently now than he did few
months ago.
He assumes that the members of the Legislature
who voted to prevent the people of Indianapolis
until the term of Mayor Duvan should have expired
in 1880 would vote to keep in Office man under SEN
tence to Jail and convicted by jury Of corruption in
obtaining that office
BY that assumption the governor indicates every
member of the Legislature who voted for this most
vicious law of being not only corrupt but the willful
protector Of corruption He indicates every member
who cast vote for this law of being so degraded in
Loo ~, of
to all shame that they would deliberately stand at the
side of corruptonist in an assault upon
ment.
It Is a rather grave and serious charge which the
governor makes against the legislators when he non
chalanty assumes that they have not changed their
minds. 1t is fair inference to likewise assume that
were Governor Jackson faced with the duty Of signing
or vetoing that measure today he would again
sign it and saddle upon the people Of Indianapolis
as mayor, the man who now stands in the shadow of
the cell.
The governor says that the cost of special SEES
sion which would be borne by the people of the whole
State is too great and he throws in as an additional
excuse the fact that special election would have
to be held in senatorial district
He forgets that it is costing the people Of Indian
apolis directly in taxes, and indirectly through the
tremendous loss of business which comes from its
shame thousands Of dollars to every dollar it would
take to right the wrong perperated by the Legislature
and approved by him.
In defense of that Legislature let it be said con-
fdently that there are enough honest men in that
body who would oday vote very differently not only
upon the measure which shackles Indianapolis but
upon at least one other matter than they did in tho
regular session if they were given an opportunity
Does the Governor believe that 1t would be possible
today for the leaders and lobbyists to force the Re.
publican members into party caucus and make
suppression of the secrets of the BLACK boxes" a
party measure.
Does the Governor believe that any force or power
could prevent that Legislature if given chance to
repent from probing not only the crimes which have
been investigated by grand juries but the equally in
famous political scandals of which proof is now avail
able
The demand for special session came from sixty
thousand men and women, who voted to adopt q
new form of government which they hope will for
ever prevent recurrence of present conditions.
1t was presented by men who stand for HONESTY
integrity and decency
1t came from men and womerf whose motives are
not open to question.
1t was based plea for justice, it was urged as
public necessity.
IL was designed TO save indianapolis from shame
humiliation and chaos
The answer of the governor can not be accepted
he must reverse himself the people will interpret his
explanation of refusal not as reasons not even az
excuses. but as pure manufactured "alibi"
Don't marry trombone players, girls; they always
let things slide,
1ton toI I'M
ing probably was depending upon his poetic license
Sometimes girls diary turns out to be SCRAP