The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-02-24


Let no one be misled into thinking that the
fight at Muncie is the battle between an editor
and judge.
Let no one be misled into any thought
that it is a fight between newspapers and the.
judiciary
I: 1t is fight for free speech and for free
dom OF the press, and is more important to the
man or woman who buys newspaper to read
than it eyer can be to any editor or publisher
We have had free press in this country
SO long that it is almost beyond imagination to
picture a country which does not have it.
There are only two, at present, in which
It does not exist.
In Russia the bolshevists, embarklng on
career Of executions and bloodshed, OF sup
preston of the masses by the sinister force OF
soyietism suppressed all newspapers which
did not reflect their view.
The other country is Italy, ruled by
Mussolini When he seized power through his
armies and their castor oil he knew that to
wholly suppress revolt against fascist he must
keep the people in ignorance So he, most
prudently, destroyed issues Of newspapers
which criticised him, jailed the editors who
wrote them, applied his force to keep the peo-
pie in ignorance of everything except what
he wanted to tell them.
The guarantee of freedom of the press to
any censorship, unawed by any power, was
written into the constitution by Thomas JEFF
ferson.
That same guarantee is written into the
Constitution of Indiana and every other State,
No State would be admitted to the Union which
did not give such guarantee of Freedom and
Liberty.
That guarantee does not mean that any
one may SANDER and libel and defame There
are laws to curb such practices
But the remedy is given under the law,
not through arbitrary power
The seizure of newsboys and the confsca-
ton of their newspapers at Muncie is some
thing new in America. 1t has never been
tried before. No other judge except Dearth
has ever claimed the power to take away prop
erty without trial and hearing, to suppress
a newspaper by the police.
Others have tried to suppress at times
through that coveted power Of punishment for
contempt They have gone long way along
the road in so subtle manner that they did
not alarm.
In this State there is decision that under
certain circumstances the truth may be no de
Tense against such punishment.
That decision is revolving but it may be
law 1t will only result, perhaps, in courageous
editors showing more skill when they determine
that judges need criticism and that injustice
in courts be curbcd by exposure
But tie final issue of, suppression of the
press is now presented in it's bold nakedness.
Tie question at issue is simple:
Shall judges be permitted to order issues
Of newspapers which crticise them to be con-
fiscated and destroyed, without hearing,
without jury and without trial.
IL that power is to be given to judges,
what becomes Of the Constitution and what
defense has any community against injustice
and tyranny9
The Times once more today insists that the
Legislature under its oath, owes solemn duty
to this State to impeach judge who dares to
assert such power and did assert it.
If you believe that you will be better pro-
tected with free press, telephone your legs
lator to act.