The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-04-27
The Case of Walb

WdID VINO Is on MS way TO a TeQerdl prison,
spend a moment or so in pity for the State of
Indiana.
There is a different picture in this State to-
day than was presented two years ago when
Walb was acting as the spokesman, manager
and general director for the campaign which
sent James Eli Watson and Arthur Robinson
to the United States Senate.
This newspaper has had something to do
with changing that picture. 1t also believes
that the attitude of the voters Of this State
has been changed
1t has helped to show how they have been
betrayed and misled and deluded by as ruthless
band Of political pirates as ever scuttled any
ship Of state.
This newspaper had something to do with
the exposure of Walb and first printed the
story of the forged noteE Mn the La Grange bank
and Walb connection with it. That story was
printed at time when political pressure was
being used to cover up the crime itself and
to raise funds for the bankrupt company which
Walb headed from the big benefciaries of the
Republican machine, an effort which continued
almost up to the hour Of Walb s Indictment
1t may be said in all truth that the printing
Of the story stopped the scheme to thwart
justice.
Two years ago walb was the leader in the
campaign Of suppression, distortion and coer-
cion which was used to elect Watson and
Robinson.
1t was he who spoke for both Of these can
didates and who bIandIy charged in their be-
half that the international bankers were flood
ing the State with money to accomplish their
defeat
1t was Walb who declared that there was
nothing on the part of any Of the Republican
leaders to hide, making the statement only
after he was forced to do so by COL Theodore
Roosevelt
1t was Walb who was consulted by Watson
and Robinson and who raised the funds and
spent them in their behalf
It was Walb who tried to blacken those who
opposed the machine Of which he was the en-
gineer, who planned to frame" innocent men,
who used his position in endeavors to send the
critics and opponents of the machine to jail
The jury which heard his case evidently be-
lieved the old banker who forged notes in
Wab's interest that Walb had finally asked
him to accept the entire responsibility for the
loot;ng of that bank because he had influence
enough in high places to secure light sentence
That plea ran true to form 1t is the essence
of the mach ne ethics 1t is the method by
which the machine rules.
j What is the history Of Walb?
The people are interested only in his politi-
cal activities And his rise to power was pos
sble only through alliances with two men,
The first OF these men, of course, is Senator
James E. Watson
But it was only through D. c. Stephenson
and the Khan that he retained his power lie
directed the party in 1924 which elected Jack
son, who escaped prison by pleading the statute
of limitations.
1t was Walb, working for and with Watson
and Robinson who at the helm of the party
during its dark and dismal years.
There will be sympathy, of course, for any
man who goes to prison. There will be SYM
pathy for his family
But there should be little pity, too, for
Indiana. She has suffered much from the
hands of WaIb and the group of which he was
spokesman and chief manipulation. She has
suffered from the humiliation thrust upon her
and perhaps the sending of Walb to a prison
cell for lootng bank may serve to remind
the voters on May that, if they wish to
have decent conditions in the State, if they wish
their funds in banks to be safe, il their prop
erty and lives are to be protected, it may BIS
well to get rid Of the influences which created
a Walb.
The new deal has started. This step was
and honest voters Of the party which Walb
so recently headed to finish the job.