The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-08-05
When Necessary

when N6CoSSd1y
Governor Ed jackson now says that ne Will
have statement to make concerning the artlcle
nuhlished in The Times eleven days ago, when
necessary.
Up to date the Governor sees no neces-
sity for any comment upon that article. Yet
# was regarded very seriously by every news
naner in the Nation and by all the Republican
newspapers in the State.
It was a rather important article, IN the
belief of The Times.
It was written in very simple language SO
that everyone could understand. IL was not
involved. 1t left nothing in doubt
That article said that on Dec. 8, 1923, Ed
jackson, then Secretary Of State, was IN con-
ference in his office with George V. Coffin, the
political boss of this country. 1t stated that
they made arrangements to receive $lo'ooo
from a source from which they expected to re-
ceive and were receiving funds for his candl-
dacv for the governorship, which he eventual
ly obtained
IT stated that jackson left the conference
and walked over to the office of Warren L. Nc
$4,000 which McCray badly needed for his
defense on indictments then pending IN Marion
County. and promise Of immunity from con-
viction.
The ouid pro quo was the naming Of
prosecuting attorney to succeed William T.
Evans. son-in-law of McCray, who was
resigning.
The Times fully understands that this
happened more than two years ago and that
any crime, if the facts constitute crime, is
now forgiven by the statute of limitations.
Quite unreasonably, perhaps every Re-
publican paper which has made any comment
upon the matter insists that the statute of
limitations ought not to work in the court OF
public opinion and that if The Times can prove
the charges the Governor should resign or the
Legislature impeach.
Some Of the papers have suggested, much
more reasonably, that the editor of The Times
should be in jail if The Times could not prove
its statement of facts and these papers, always
supporters of the Republican party, have point
ed out to the Governor very easy way in
which he could vindicate himself
So The Times, in the face, Of all comment
and discussion, is wondering just when it will
become necessary for the Governor to make
statement.
His assurance that he is willing to make
one when necessary suggests that conditions
should be created to make it necessary.
There are various ways in which added fac
tors could create this necessity. The Legisla-
ture could assembly upon its own initiative, if
it believed with the Republican papers that
there should be denial or resignation.
Or the State Republican committee if it
is guided by the party newspapers, might rea-
sonably ECHO the demand of the party organs,
and impress upon the Governor that the time
for "dignifed silence" has ended.
Perhaps gathering Of Republican editors
who have voiced their opinions in their
columns might take the initiative
The columns of The Times have been open
to the Governor. Before the article was print
ed one Of it's representatives went to Mackinac,
where jackson was then comforting with other
Governors, told him the essential facts and
asked for an explanation. His answer on that
day and on every day since has been II have
nothing to say"
Perhaps there is no necessity for any state
ment. The Governor may be correct. And
then again. there may be very grave need
for some statement, somewhere and some
place.