The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-07-28
Is Silence the Answer?

When the Republican members of the last Leg1s-
atrre voted to make silence and suppression parry
policy they had, of course the excuse that the spe
cial prosecutors before the Marion county grand
Jury had said that no evidence against any STATE
officials had been found.
Thew had that as a defense against criticism OF
their votes to defeat party measure the reso-
luton to investigate stephensonism.
Those who had been in the previous session might
have smiled to themselves. But they did have an
excuse.
Now it would seem that they would take some
steps to correct their record and rescue their parry
from the position in which they placed It,
Certainly the Legislature has duty that begins
where that of the grand jury ends
The criminal laws are abrogated by the statute of
limitations. It is possible for crimes TO become mere
interesting and embarrassing incidents by the mere
passing Of time.
But the statute of limitations has never run in
the court of public opinion and never has IL run
against the demands of Americansm for clean gov
eminent.
It must be something of a disappointment to the
members of the LEGISLATURE that Governor Ed Jackson
seems to REQUIRE or so he is quoted more details OF
the statement printed in The Times that on Dec 3,
1928. he carried to the Office of Warren T. McCray,
then Governor an offer of $4,000 for attorneys fees
and promise of immunity in Marion County in re-
turn for the naming Of prosecuting attorney CHOSEN
by George G. Coffin.
If The Times knew exactly what details the Gov
ernor REQUIRES it would attempt to secure them for
him.
So far the Governor seems to be the only citizen
of the State who insists upon further details or facts
The Times had believed that the story contained
enough of detail to demand at least prompt denial
and in that thought asked the Governor about the
matter before single line was printed.
Certainly the Legislature has hardly the excuse
that it would require more details on any of the
statements and stories which have emanated from
official quarters since the finding of the Stephenson
black boxes.
The Republican members whose votes were de-
livered in party caucus must surely be interested
now
For the people know and must know not only the
contents of any document which may prove crime,
if any such there be- but everything which
from the hidden documents of the former dragon,
and political Dictator
1t is unthinkable that the entire Republican men,
bershp of the Legislature is ready to let their
ord in this matter stand as fnalH
There can be no greater emergency in this State
than the redemption of the good name Of Indiana
The Legislature can do that very thing if it de-
cides either with without the consent of Governor
Jackson to assemble for that purpose
It should meet at once and ask the special prose-
cutors for the correspondence the Cancelled checks
the documents found by them in Stephenson's black
box which may refer to matters beyond their juris-
diction because of the passing of time.
For The Times is quite ready to assure these
members and any who may be interested in protect
ing the name of the party of Lincoln from the dis
grace placed upon it by those who stole its livery
that the memory Of the citizens has limitations by
statute.
There has been too much silence, too much eva
sion, too much suppression.
1t may be dstasteful, perhaps embarrassing, job.
But the time has to clean up this State and
set it right before the world