The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-12-10
No Real Problem

difficulty comes from the party committee
which is asking for suggestions.
The voters of the State, without regard to
party lines, are indicating some things which
they do not want in government.
Only the most timid or the blind could fail
understand that the revolt in this State is
not against the few weak, faithless officials, but
against the forces and influences which placed
them in power and Office.
The Republican party is practically in the
hands of receiver because of its moral bank
ruptcy and lack Of real leadership. ~
Those who have been prominent and who
are responsible, either through direct control
or complacency, and acquiescence, are in
panic.
The morale of it's organization is low and
will 60 lower as the weeks pass and further
evidence of misuse Of power is presented in
courts and elsewhere.
In this situation it remains to be seen
whether the Democratic party has the courage
and the virility to offer program and pledge
which will satisfy the thousands of disguised
citizens who want real and thorough renova-
ton Of Indiana affairs,
If the leaders in the Democratic party de-
eide that they wish to offend no one and rely
upon riding into power through dissatisfaction
with things Republican, they will undoubtedly
discover in November that they are exactly
where they are at present--on the outside,
largely because they have offered no real rea-
son for entering into the Promised Land
1t does not require any unusual power of
observation to discover the source of the Re-
publican debacle in this State.
That party sold itself to two very pernicious
influences and went into power by appeals to
hates and prejudices, it's leaders and officials
profting by this betrayal.
"A striking example of the real rulership
was furnished in this city when former Mayor
John L. Duvall,. "a part Of the machine and the
reigning dynasty, admitted that he went under
peremptory orders to Washington and con-
feyred with one Hiram W. Evans, the head of
the Ku-Klllx Khan, as to what men he would
name to offices in this city.
Duvall is gone The people revolted against
this direct rule from an Invisible Empire.
Surely the Democratic party should have
no difficulty in deciding that it must pledge
itself and its nominees to freedom from Hiram
Evans and the force he represents.
If it fails to name Evans and his forces, it
cannot hardly expect those who became dis
gusted with the Republicans who sent their
Duvall to get orders for Indiana to turn to
them for relief.
The people now have a very fair apprecia-
ton Of what they obtained from the Anti
Saloon5League along with dry laws.
They know that with this organization came
the effort to control Legislatures and courts, to
play political power against the constitution,
to introduce terrorism that is no less I'M
American because it is devoted to cause that
has wide support.
The people are tired of bossism and secret
control Of government
They are tired of being ruled by blocs and
groups.
They are tired Of secret bargains
1t requires no courage to denounce Stephen
son in his cell and the iniquities Of which he
was part.
The men that Stephenson put into office will
undoubtedly do that. They will be most eager
to promise freedom from his influence
Will the Democratic party have the courage
to denounce Evans who is present menace?
Will the candidates who ask for office on
that ticket have the courage to demounce him
and his influence in Indana!<
Will the Democratic party have the courage
and the wisdom to become democratic in reality
and to name as candidates men who have some
understanding Of what the names of Jefferson
and Andrew Jackson really mean in historyi
Unquestionaby the party that pussyfoots
and lodges will find writing platform diff
ficulty. For next year the people will demand
at least some show Of courage in their candi-
dates and in their political parties.
TO Control the River