The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-05-20
STARK CUSTER
IN Vote PROBE
IS DEMANDED
Grand Jury Asks New Chief
in Quiz of Alleged
Election Frauds.

Climaxing a political feud of long
standing, the Marion county grand
jury today demanded the custer of
Judson L. Stark, prosecutor. as di-
rector of probe into primary cleo
ton fraud.
Carrying typewriter declara-
ton, the jury today filed unexpect-
eddy into criminal court to present
Judge James A. Collins with a re-
quest that a special prosecutor be
named to relieve Stark of any en-
barraSsment" in conduct Of the
probe.
The request was made after jurors
had interrupted Stark'S questioning
of election witnesses in the morn
ing session.
To Act Wednesday
Collins indicated he will act
Wednesday on the request. 1t reads
as follows:
IN view Of the fact that the
prosecutor, Mr.. Stark, was a sue
cessful candidate in this primary
and so a part of the ticket up for
election in the fall, we think it is
fair and ethical to relieve him from
any possible embarrassment or pres
sure in the matter of pressing this
probe.
THE grand jury requests that a
special prosecutor be appointed to
attend the grand jury in this in
vestigation proceeding"
The paper was signed by grand
jurors Charles G. Fitch, foreman;
j. M. Beggs, o. F. Milliser, R. j.
O'Reilly, A. B.. Click and George
Niebergall.
Regarded by many as a gesture
to remove any delay in the probe,
the request of the jury is recognized
as being regulated by outside forces.
Stark Refused Collins
Several weeks ago Collins, defeat
ed candidate for the denomination,
attempted to force Stark to remove
Vinson H. Manifold as grand jury
deputy prosecutor. Stark declined
to recognize Collins demand.
Stark and Collins then entered
into open warfare.
Start of the jury probe into cleo
ton fraud two weeks ago saw re-
newal of Collins attempt to diSplace
Manifold. Stark retaliated by TAX
ing personal charge of the investi-
CATION, and excluding Manifold
from the jury chambers during
questioning Of witnesses.
Fitch is prominent figure in the
fight. He is jury foreman and men,
Der of an election board during the
primary, who, it is known, is
friendly to Collins.
The custer request is said to have
been drawn by Fitch.
Stark was irate on learning of the
jury'S action.
The report says am in an
embarrassing position. want it
known I am not in the least
embarrassed, nor are any of my
deputies.
They Don't Want Me
"This is a surprise to me-" Stark
told Collins, ''but guess they don't
want me any more"
Collins answered with the asser-
ton, but this is the jury's request -
Il will be glad to prosecute any
body who stole votes for or against
me, even if am nominated" stark
told Collins.
AS the jurors returned to their
chambers Stark was with them, in
tent upon spending the remainder
of the session in questioning wit
nesses who had been subpenaed.
With the custer petition, the grand
Jury also filed a demand election
records be impounded before the
grand jury. This includes poll
books, tally sheets and recapitula-
ton sheets held by election COM
missioner under guard at the court
house.
Charges that fraud was per-
petrated on an extensive scale in
the tabuIating of Democratic votes
for Judge of probate court and pros
ecutor, are made in recount petit
tons on file today in circuit court
through actions by Municipal Judge
Thomas E. Garvin, defeated candi-
date for the probate bench, and
Raymond F. Murray, one Of three
losers in the race for prosecutor.
The action is seen as the back
ground of a criminal court fight
started Monday by Mrs. Claudia B.
Ripley, AZ East Thirty-Sixth street,
who petitioned for the impounding
of election ballots and records into
the custody of Collins. Mrs. Ripley
alleges that evidence Of fraud may
be obtained through judicial inspec-
ton of primary records.
Mrs. Ripley, wife Of John w. Rip
ley, former assistant fire chief, was
active In campaigning for Judge
Garvin. it is known.
Hearing arguments on Mrs. Rip
Iey's petition Monday, Collins indf-
Gated her request viii not be
granted. but deferred . ruling until
WednaSdav