The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-06-14

BY RAY T. TUCKER
Brig. Gen. Lincoln G. Andrews
woes. were by now numerous land
burdensorne, although he had been
in Office as dry chief less than a
year
Nor we're they lightened by the
presidential call-down which he re-
ceived through Mr.. Mellon for hay
ing the audacity to tell a group OF
New York City ministers some plain
truths about his lack of active en-
couragement or assistance.
General Andrews admission that
he was not receiving cooperation
from the Department of Justice was
pretty plain speaking. But to get
the full significance, it is necessary
to consider the obstacles" described
by Emory r. Buckner, Federal dis
trict attorney in New York City, and
Endorsed by Andrews.
Sargent Takes Rap
1t was only natural that Coolidge
should protest For the head OF
the Department of Justice Is John
Garibaldi Sargent of Vermont, per-
sonal friend and appointee Of Cal
vim Coolidge.
The outspoken Buckner, in criti-
cising Federal enforcement, did not
spare Sargent.
Buckner said he had discussed
the intolerable situation in New
York with zone Of the highest Of
flcials having to do with prohibition
enforcement" but had received no
encouragement or support.
On the contrary, continued Buck
ner, this official had said it was
never intended that the Federal
Government should enforce the law,
and that it would be beneath its
dignity to do So"
So Mellon was instructed to re-
buke the dry chief. The latter was
informed that he must not go
around the country talking about
his TROUBLES and difficulties" 1t
was recommended that he under
take his task as soldier would
without protest Or criticism.
Crusade Is Big Zero
There was truth, however, in An
drews' and Buckner's charges that
the Department of Justice was
giving virtually no cooperation. All
the elaborate plans for linking the
personnel of the prohibition and
justice departments in a grand,
united crusade against the boot
leggers had come to nothing.
The policy of the department OF
justice under Sargent was to "sit
tight" and that included enforce
ment of the dry laws.
Mrs. Mabel Wilebrandt, Sargent's
assistant in charge of liquor viola
tons, once spoke out boldly about
the nmber of district attorneys who
were making % effort to press pro-
hibition cases. Her thanks was the
hostility of every Republican poll
tician from Maine to Mexico.
AS part of the campaign to aid
Andrews, she circulated trusted Off
Gals of the department throughout
the country, to ascertain what Off
Gals in both departments were hon.
est, aggressive and effective. Her
replies revealed that about 40 per
cent were either inefficient or cor
rupt.
Buckner Gets Disguised
Buckner was one United States
district attorney who entered
whole heartedly into the fight. He
soon grew disguised, and said so
And all he got for his pains was an
argument with Wayne B. Wheeler
But these frank criticisms of the
administrations indifference were
having their effect In a remark
able outburst, the Board of Tenn
perance, Prohibition and Public
Morals of the Methodist Church de-
nounced the administrations ten
dency. to retain wet" synpathizers
in Office for partisan reasons.
Next: Andrews Resigns in Dis
gust.