The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-02-04
The Hand of Coffin

explanation of Councilman Otis Bartholomew
for the actions of the Republican members
of the council in trying to get rid Of Mayor l..
Ert Slack.
Not the gamblers who have been disturbed
after years Of at least toleration but the or
ganization Republicans dictated the move and
it was designed, not to- obtain better city gov
ernment but Republican" administration.
His exhibits are even more interesting
two petitions, both headed by George v Coffin.
The signers are those who play the Coffin game
of politics or have received favors from him
in the way Of Offices.
That makes it very clear. There is deep
er purpose than protecting the gamblers.
There is determination to seize the city adj
ministration, which under Slack is showing
some consideration for the rights of all citizens
without regard to party politics, and use it for
what?
The decent citizens of indianapolis should
awake to the fact that there is something more
important at stake than whether Slack holds
the office of mayor or turns it over to some
one else.
The question at issue is whether this city
is going back to the hands Of Coffin, who die
tated the Duvall election and ruled it's i'll
starred destiny
1t is question Of whether the city gov
ernment with its power to tax, its power to
levy tribute, its power to enforce laws, is to
be turned over to the political manipulations
Of the head Of discredited political organ
ization.
1t is question of whether this city is to
have it's chance to forget the bad days gone
by and go ahead with program of building
1t is a question of whether the business
men of this city are to be allowed to do bust
ness under decent business conditions, or be at
the mercy of men who think only in terms of
political power and all that such power implies
Why is there anxiety to get control of the
city jobs and especially of the police force?
There are primaries ahead and an cleo
ton By giving favors, it is quite possible to
obtain not only legal votes but illegal votes
The control Of the police can be used to prevent
frauds or protect frauds and the elections in
this city in the past have not been free from
suspicion.
Bartholomew deserves thanks for giving to
the public the inspiration for his activities as
president of the council.
He has laid bare the conspiracy He has
made public the real purpose behind the SIN
lister move to keep the city in turmoil, to block
amy movements for growth 1t is that Coffin
may again rule,
This newspaper holds no brief for Mayor
Slack, except as he proves his worth by good
deeds. 1t has no interest in either a Republican
or Democratic success. 1t has a very deep
Interest in an Indianapolis success, in the tri-
sumph of the decent citizen, in victory over
the forces Of corruption, fraud and pillage
1t is important, however, to call attention
TO the fact that the attack upon Slack is
mot based upon any charge that he has misused
his powers Of office
There is no word Of criticism against his
official acts. There is no charge that he does
things for the profit of his friends or of him
self. There is no charge that he so has ar
ranged his official family as to be able to com
init frauds al elections. There is not even
the suggestion that he has any purpose to
misuse his powers for the advancement Of the
political party with which he may be allied
Inc only reason given frankly by Coffin
is that he wants "Republican" admnistra-
ton. That is not the whole truth, for it is
doubtful whether Coffin can be said to repre-
sent Republican organization.
He does head an organization that sails
under the Republican banner, but those who
vote that ticket from principle are humili-
ated by his leadership.
duty. The decent people have duty.
They should express themselves Immediate
ly and emphatcally against this latest effort
to kidnap the city government.
1t is time for government by orderly pro
cesses, under decent direction The time of
rule by mobs and gangs should be ended
Human Nature Does ChanOe