The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-09-07
Out in the Open


Governor McCray in the naming Of Marion
County prosecutor has brought the entire
matter out into the open.
The Times charged definitely that there
was an offer of money for the defense of Nc
Cray and promise of immunity before juries
: if McCray would name selection of George
Coffin.
The Governors letter, stating in general
terms that the charge is untrue, says that he,
offered the name of Mcdonald at the sugges-
ton of Bishop Fout, high official of the Anti
Saloon League.
The plain inference, OF course is that the
Governor did nothing beyond trying to please
the bishop, as was his right.
1t is undoubtedly true that Bishop Fout
did try to help member Of his church and
did make such suggestion to Ed Jackson,
\ then secretary of State
But that explanation unless it be inferred
that this was all that Jackson did in regard
to an attempt to influence the Governor in
this appointment, is not relevant to the issue.
The letter of the Governor is important in
one aspect aside from his general denial.
He for the first time places legal con-
clusion upon what was charged by The Times.
He SAYS The Times charged that he had tried
to bride McCray The Times, let it be
stated did not endeavor to decide what the
law would call certain acts which it charged
had been committed by Jackson after con-
ference with George Coffin and one other. 1t
IS the Governor, good lawyer, who says that
heSe acts would be bribery.
Neither The Times nor the people want a
controversy 1t does no good for the Gov
ernor to declare that The Times lied or for The
Times to stick to it's statement that it is ready
to prove the truth.
It may be significant that the Indianapolis
Star, known as the staunch defender of all
things Republican and especially friendly to
the Governor, says that his letter to the editor
Of The Times is unsatisfactory
1t prints today what may be taken as the
Republican view of that letter when it says
editorially:
LET US HAVE REAL DENIAL
Another unsatisfactory chapter has been added to
Indanas unsavory political mess. Governor Jackson
issues statement denying the charge that while
secretary
McCray to appoint Mr. Mcdonald prosecuting attor-
ney of Marion County. Unfortunately the statement
is not clear and definite. 1t Is general denial but
says nothing specifically about the charge OF an offer
Of $4,000 for attorneys fees and immunity from con-
viction. The Governor expresses the opinion that
in his position is not called upon to enter denias
Ordinarily this might be true In this case the charge
is SO serious and has been made insistently for
weeks that it calls for plain language about which
there can be no question.
It is no longer the time for words It is
time for action and quick, speedy, decisive
action.
Indiana has already suffered too long from
its smothering Of political scandals. 1t has
suffered because there have been official sup
preston and official interference with investi
cations
It has remained for The Times to furnish
the evidence which has been produced and for
The Times alone to follow the trail given when
D. G. Stephenson tried to threaten officials,
whom he had elected with exposure, if he
was not released
The State is suffering but there can be no
relief until the whole matter is dragged out
publicly, before some proper tribunal with all
Indiana listening in and getting the facts.
Inc eulIOr OIL Ills paper mas IOudV fepleu
to the Governor with an offer which stakes
his own liberty upon the truth of the McCray
story.
The editor of this paper does not wish to
go to jail AS matter of fact, he does not
expect to-
But he does hope that there will be an end
to all these matters and that the people will
know the truth and if there be guilt that the
guilty will be held up to the public for such
condemnation as they deserve.
There should be no chance that at the end
Of grand jury inquiries citizensI could say
that it was impossible to punish because the
statute Of limitations has run. That is a
SANDER to the State. 1t is situation which
the Governor can end.
There is in this county an organized body
Of men in the grand jury which has power to
act.
His own official organ says that the Gov