The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-08-16

The council impeachment charges
against Mayor DuvaE and City
Controller William G. Buser accuse
the two of conspiracy to enrich
themselves and others at the ex-
pense of the city.
Duva1l, Buser, and others I'M
known to the council, the charges
declare, procured the election of
Duvall as mayor to promote at
the city's loss the welfare of the
families of said Duvall and Buser
by appointments to city positions
of their relations and associates
without qualifications for said po-
sitions."
The two also conspired 1t Is,
charged, to build up a personal
party machine through their po-
sitions and to neglect the business
of the city for personal gain.
List Fourteen Acts
The articles of impeachment list
fourteen specific "acts and omis-
sions" the two are alleged to have
performed or caused to be per-
formed" Each of the fourteen Spe-
cific charges details a number of
alleged "acts" of the conspiracy.
The first four are based on al
legged criminal acts charged in the
afidavits filed in Criminal Court
accusing Duvall and Buser with
conspiracy to commit felony in
connection with Duvall's campaign
expense fund statement and Duvall
with perjury, making a false state
ment, and four corrupt practice act
violations.
The first impeachment charge is
that Duval and Buser conspired to
make false statement of campaign
expenses. emitting a S14,500 cam
paign contribution from William H.
Armitage. city hall boss during
Mayor Shank's administration. II
alleges Duvall promised Armitage
might name the city engineer and
two men to the board of works.
In accordance with the conspir-
acy, it is alleged, Duvall appointed
Buser city controller as soon as he
took office. Therefore the two OBJ
tanned their Offices 'in violation of
law and by fraud" it is charged.
Promise to Armitage
On or about May /, 1927, the first
charge also sets forth, Duvall again
promised Armitage selection of city
engineer and two board of works
members if Armitage would bribe OF
secure the bribing of William Achey
grand juror, to vote against indict-
ment of Duvall, Buser and other city
officials.
Armitage made the bride offer, il
is charged. 1t being discovered. il
is alleged, Duvall did not make the
Armitage appointments, but did
name Charles Clark, foreman of the
jury of which Achey was a member
city hall custodian.
The first section of the charges
also declares that Duvall and Buser
did unlawfully cause and permit
the city engineer and other officials
to favor asphalt paving interests
and to refuse to pave streets with
cement as requested by residents.
1t declares the board of works
composed of Roy G. Shaneberger
Oren S. Hack and Lem Trotter, OBJ
jected to the plans to favor the as
phalt interests for the enrichment
of Armitage, asphalt agent. and the
mayor and Buser persisted and
caused the board to resign in body
60 List Is Lengthy
The second charge contains a
long list of other alleged prediction
promises not set forth in Duvall's
campaign expense statement sworn
to before Buser as a notary public
The statement, it charges, did not
include Duvall's promises to:
IN return for a $500 campaign
contribution name William H. Free
man to the board OF works.
Name George s. Elliott, former
Khan cyclops, city purchasing agent
Name George Snider to board of
safety.
Name John F. Rainier recreation
director.
Permit the Rev. George S. Hen
ninger east Tenth st. M. E.
Church PASTOR and Marion Coun-
ty Khan No. political committee to
name IS per cent of city ap-
pointees.
Make Harvey Bedford park SUI
perintendent and give him an auto
mobile.
Not appoint Roman Catholics To