The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-06-29
Let Him Talk


Once more D. c. Stephenson maker OF Cover
nors and once the dictator of government in Indiana
has declared that he is ready to tell about the cor
ruption of politics in this State.
That he could reveal such secrets is easily be-
lievaaie.
There was time when his word was, as he boast
ed the law in this State.
There was a time when he stalked through the
Republican State convention, revolver strapped to
his SIDE debating every nomination OF that conven-
ton with the single exception of that of Arthur Gill
liom now the Attorney General.
There was time when it was common knowledge
that his word was powerful in the Legislature
than that of any other and when in executive
and administrative offices his Endorsement for jobs
found immediate response
1t is also common knowledge that since last Sep
TENDER when he first Struggled out his threat to pro-
duce documentary evidence of his political crimes
there has been a persistent effort on the part of
oficialdo INTO prevent him from talking.
1t is true that he was once before the grand jury
of this county and so it is reported refused to say
anything.
He might be excused for not taking advantage of
such an opportunity, he had not changed his
mind after one mysterious visit to that prison.
For it must be remembered that the grand jury
before which he appeared branded itself in its final
report when it called attention to unusual conditions
which had existed within its own body.
His latest threat comes on the eve of a meeting
of the prison trustees to consider his application for
temporary parole
That appeal of Stephenson made some very
e@a Of mis-
charges that he is being abused.
The State Board of Charities was asked to make
an investigation. That board followed the same
policy which every official body in this State has
pursued in regard to this unusual prisoner.
1t conducted its inquiries in secret and its report
will be made public at the Stephenson hearing.
The contents of that report of course, already
known to those most interested 1t may be predicted
with perfect safety that it will say that Stephenson
has not been mistreated.
Were there nothing but the word of Stephenson
to support his statements that he could tell OF
corruption we're he just the ordinary prisoner who
was yelling to obtain audience and sympathy per-
haps there would be no need of any attention to
his declaration.
But the people of this State are convinced that
Stephenson could tell if his lips were unsealed.
They know that there went before the same grand
made statements that they had seen many docu-
ments to which the first Stephenson letter referred
One of his lawyers, respected member OF the
bar, openly declared that he had seen these docu-
ments
A photographer and his wife, reputable citizens
declared that they had made copies of certain ncrml-
mating documents which he had in his possession
when he was in the Noblesville jail.
From that grand jury witnesses fed Some left
the State quickly and remained away The battle OF
the public uneven one
So it will not do to dismiss lightly as mere bravado
his statement that he could and will talk.
1t may be possible that that hour, which those
who knew Stephenson predicted would come has now
arrived and that he is ready to talk and to tell
Does any one believe that he could not talk If
he wished? Does any believe that he does not
hold secrets of deals with those in power and Office
which the public should know?