The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-04-14
Luesse and the Law

Something more than year ago. Luesse, leader Of
the unemployed in this CITY, was sent to the penal
farm. He is still there. The Governor and trustees
OF the institution refuse to listen to the pleas of
servatve business men, ministers and other citizens
for his release.
The history Of the Luesse case is significant, be-
cause in 1t is record injustice and tyranny that
is Of much more importance than any dislike of
Luesse and his activities What happens to Luesse
Is Of Importance only to himself What happens to
American safeguards of liberty very important,
especially in these days of discomfort.
Luesse had made himself obnoxious in his radical
demands for jobs for the voorhees,. He had led
parades He had made demands for work or unem-
ployment insurance He had protested against evic-
tons for failure to pay rent.
Very often he clashed with censorious police but
was never convicted of crime. Somehow his activities
annoyed the police by being within the law.
Then came day when he gathered with other
unemployed, at scene of eviction. What happened
there is matter of questionable doubt Even under
the worst possible construction events Luesse in
terfered with constables who were tossing furniture
into the street
He denies any such activities. He said that he
only used the incident as a text for sermon on
economic injustice delivered the spot.
Luesse was taken to the police court. He was
sentenced by unfrendy judge to sixty days in jail
That was the limit of punishment which this minor
judge thought should be given.
Luesse appealed to the criminal court where in
burst of fury and unbrided language the Judge
sentenced him to year in the penal farm and levied
a fine of $500. This was the chasm between the
police court and the criminal the question of
penalties.
Lack of funds prevented an appeal to higher
courts, such as open TO clever and greedy GRIM
inals. Luesse went to the farm.
He has served his year. He can not pay the fine
of $500 He must stay there at the rate of 81 day.
or 500 days, because he lacks money.
The Governor and the trustees have set aside fines
levied on those who have committed crimes which
have shocked the consciences of men and women
Mercy has been given TO volators of women to
thieves to forgers to confidence men, to bootleggers
to purveyors of vice. But there is no lessening of
the shackles which keep this unmportant man in a
cell.
The facts present the memorable conclusion that
Luesse is being held in prison not for what he did
but for what he is That is bad precedent There
may be new officials in political upheavaIs who will
not like the men who are now keeping Luesse in JAIL
Luesse, out of prison. could do little to disturb
society," Inside, he furnishes continuing cause of
discomfort
Certain it is that his being sent away has not
given work to those who listened to his speeches It
has not stopped but rather increased, the radical
utterances upon the street
The conservative forces of this community should
endeavor to convince an obstinate and opinionated
Governor that occasional justice will not decrease
respect for law or loyalty to American institutions