Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 157, Indianapolis, Marion County, 7 October 1926 — Page 1

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VOLUME 37—NUMBER 157

PROSECUTOR CALLS FOR EVIDENCE UPON STEPHENSON GRAFT CHARGES

SO THE PEOPLE MAY KNOW

Indiana faces a crisis which it cannot evade. Burdened as it has been in the past with scandals which have oftpn made its name a byward, there is now impending a greater one. The man who was once the ruler of this State, the head of an invisible empire and government which ruled the rulers, declares that ne can furnish documentary proof of graft, corruption of elections, of bribery of Legislatures—even of influencing verdicts of juries. He offers to give that proof if he is permitted to see a group of Republican editors —and a lawyer. That the name of D. C. Stephenson should again rise to mock and shame the Stale is lamentable. But it would be more lamentable if no effort were made to obtain and make public any documents he may have or force him to say that he had deliberately lied in an attempt to escape his cell. The law gives to him the right to appeal from the verdict of murder for which he is serving a life sentence. His open charge that he is being kept in prison as a result of a conspiracy to seal his lips and protect the men he placed in the seats of power and might is grave. Unfortunately circumstances lend color to the charge that those forme*- satellites and followers would not be sorry to have those lips sealed. The refusal of Governor Ed Jackson to order promptly and instantly that these Republican editors and six State Senators be permitted to grill this convict and obtain his story and his proof is shaming the State. His endeavor to pdss responsibility to the trustees of that prison for the refusal is specious and beside the point. The people would have .applauded a Governor who at once answered such a challenge by a demand that the charge be probed. They will not applaud one who stands silent and places his office in the attitude of. fearing such a probe. As far as the statement of the prison warden that there is a rule of long standing against permitting any prisoner tv be seen by newspaper men. stands the statement of Edward Fogarty, for fourteen years warden of that very prison and removed only a few weeks before the arrival of Stephenson as a prisoner, that never in that time had there been such a rule and never a denial of permission to a prisoner who wished to tell his story to the world. The people may decide which one to believe. The Times has no interest in the appeal of D. C. Stephenson, except that he obtain the rights which are accorded to all persons undcr s the Constitution. . It saw no loss to society when he was s.ent to that prison cell to spend the remainder of his life. It did see a menace in his continued freedom—not as a killer but as the invisible head of an invisible government which gave too much of evil to the State. The fact remains that Stephenson, and he alone, could prove, if any one can prove, the many stories of corruption and misrule which existed duying nis reign. His career is well remembered. His offices were sought out by the politically ambitious. He was the friend, social and otherwise, of those now in high places. He did give orders which were followed in the Legislature. Men asking for offices secured it when he favored them. He was able to dispense patronage and power. | There were rumors of the very corruption which Stephenson now 'says hr- can prove. Perhaps the charge may be false. But it was booted about the streets that vast sums were spent and fraudulent votes cast in the 1924 elections. Fie says he will show how $200,000 went for these purposes and who got it. There were rumors of graft in the Legislature, of money paid to kill measures and to pass others, of demands for tribute from this very boss. It is true, beyond doubt, that many boasted of his friendship, grew rich upon his bounty, rode with him on his private yacht, went with him on journeys and affectionately called him “the Old Man' —this man not yet 40. And with these facts can Indiana stand for the eyes of the nation pointed in her direction with the questions as to why any one should hesitate a moment to inquire into what proof this man mliy have? Here in Indiana, perhaps we might understand. We might take it for granted. We might accept. But we cannot stand this advertisement or in any way permit the State to be convicted by circumstantial evidence of moral apathy. Why not go into that prison and force him to deliver the evidence of his own corruption and name his accomplices and prove his charges? Who is there that believes that any public good can be served by silence and evasion?

‘TO HELL WITH OPINION’ Guard and State Prison Comes Right Out With Motto When Reporter Asks to See D. C.

By Garland Asheraft Times Staff Corrcsoondcnt MICHIGAN CITY, Iml., Oct. 7. "To hell with the public opinion. We’re running this prison and not the people or the newspapers.” Deputy Warden H. D. Claudy of ffie Indiana State Prison, where D. C. Stephenson, ex-klan politician, who now wants to “talk” is kept, was speaking. A reporter caused the outburst by asking to see Stephenson. The bars of secrecy which for weeks have prevented the former Klan chieftain and political dictator from airing a two year's regime of political graft In Indiana, were

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clamped down with redoubled force today. Warden Daly was "not in,” according to functionaries about the Kate. Early in the week Daly said: “Nobody but Stephenson’s own attorney (Turn to Page 14) NEW ARREST IN FAMED HAAG CASE Man Said to Have Told Woman He Was One of Bandits. Alleged to have told a woman shortly after the shooting of Wilkinson Haag at the Green Mill barbecue, May 17, that he was one of the bandits who killed Haag, drug company official, a man, 30, living in the 2200 block on North Capitol Ave., was in city prison today on a vagraney charge. The man, held under high bond, was arrested late Wednesday. ■Detectives have refused to say whether or not he has admitted the statements accredited to him before his arrest. "I have shaved off my mustache, and they will never be able to identify me,” the man is alleged to have told his friend. According to reports, he later said he was having his auto, similar to the one used in the hold-up, repainted. HOURLY TEMPERATURES 6 a. m 43 10 a. m...... 51 7 a. in 44 11 a. m 54 8 a. m 4 7 12 (noon) .... 55 0 a, m 50

ADAMS 10 MAKE ONE MORE PLEA Plans Further Steps if Jackson Does Not Remove Stephenson ‘Gag.’ Another appeal to Governor Jackson to let D. C. Stephenson talk in State prison will lie made by Thomas Adams. Vincennes editor, before carrying the courts his crusade to secure a probe of the graft charges made by Stephenson. As evidence of the fear of Steph ensori that he may suffer violence a tetter to Court Asher, his former lieutenant and aviator, was made plain. “Send me a lawyer quick," was the appeal of Stephenson in this letter. “I have tired all my old lawyers. I will give tip the blank contracts and the canceled checks, notes and everything. But I may not be able to write many mote letters or get them through. “Vou know what can happen to one in rny position." Aduins waited today to watch the effect of the photographic copies of the letter signed by Mayor John L. Duvall sent to Stephenson, which he (Turn to l*age 13)

FI SKIES FOR ST. LOUIS FINALE IN WORLD SERIES

Probable Line-ups Today

At St. Louts. 1:30 NEW YORK ST. LOUIS. Combs, cl Duuthit. cf Koenig. hh South worth, rs Ruth. If Hornsby. 2b Meugel, rs Bottomley, lb Gehrig, lb L. Bell, fib Lazzrn, 2b Hafev. If Dugan 3b O'Farrell, c Severeld. c Tlievenow. as Penno(,k. u Sherdel. p By Henry Farrel! United Press Stuff Correso'mdent ST. LOUIS, Oct. 7.—Perfect basebull weather greeted this afternoon’s world series finale as far as this city is concerned. The crushing defeat the New York Yankees handed the St. Louis Cardinals, Wednesday, made it Impossible for the series to end here and the two clubs will leave on si>ecial trains immediately after the game today for New York, where play will be resumed Saturday. The Yankees pulled up to a tie when they won by a score of 1(1 to 3, a game in which Babe Ruth gave the greatest exhibition of hitting ever seen in u world’s series game or few other games. The victory not only put the Yankees back into the running for the championship, but increased their morale. They strongly believe that as Ruth plays, they play, and that as Ruth hits, they hit. And Ruth Wednesday hit three home runs. St. Louis, with a faith in the Cardinals that approaches fanaticism, was slightly concerned about the chances of their heroes in the remaining games. The Yanks were an even choice in the betting. It was considered almost certain that Rogers Hornsby will use Wee Willie Sherdel again and that Herbie Pennooky/who pitched superbly in the first game, would draw the Yank assignment.

Correspondents on Firing Line in City Indianapolis bore somo resemblance to the “western front” today. A young army of “war correspondents” gathered here. Some of the country's greatest newspapers have sent staff correspondents to tVie city to cover the Adams quiz into Stephensonism in government. The Chicago Tribune has Orville Dwyer and Philip Kinsley here. Sam Blair is here for the Chicago HeraldExaminer and Albert F. Baenziger for the Chicago American. The Cleveland Times sent Robert Selt zer and the Baltimore Sun has here W. A. S. Douglas, the man who got the famous “poison squad” interview from Mrs. Vivian Tracy Wheatcraft, vice chairman of the Republican State committee. The New York World is represented by Dudley Nlchol and the Cleveland Press sent Garland Ashcraft into Indiana. The Cincinnati Enquirer is specially represented. The Chicago Tribune and HeraldExaminer both used eight-column headlines upon the story this morning. The Cincinnati Enquirer gave it a leading position. Eastern writers are filing hundreds of words by tele graph.

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, OCT. 7, 1926

The Mayor Says He Wrote This:

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But, This One He Denies:

„Indianapolis,lndiana, ! FeT). 12th I^s I . In return for the politioal support of D.C,Stephenson,in the event th tI wa elected Kayor of Indianapolis,lnd} I promise not to appoint w. w or. as p. member of the Board of Public Works with out they first ; vo and o er.dors:nent of D,C.Stephenson. I also a~£T6c and promise to appoint Claud-t V/orley as Chief o: Police rul• Stl Illenck as a Captain, s ' Si tried by me this 12th, Pay of Fe*0.1?25. Y\ > r

‘LET STEPHENSON TALK, ’ PLEA OF OBERHOLTZERS

R.v Eldora Field Let Stephenson talk. Let the man who was found guilty of the murder of their daughter bare “the network of crime which existed when he was the ‘law in Indiana.’ ” This is the plea of Mr. and Mrs. George Oberholtzer, 5802 University Ave., whose daughter, Madge, Stephenson is accused of luring to her death. “If Stephenson is bluffing, in the name of law and justice, his bluff should be called," said Mr. Oberholtzer. In the light of a fading October day, the parents sat by the window of t’-eir Irvington home —the home they planned and built several years ago, because Mi Ige, their one little girl, had grown into womanhood and "wanted things nice.” “Now the Others” “Our girl is gone now—forever,” said Mrs. Oberholtzer. “We made our fight to bring Stephenson to justice, not only for her sake, but in the hope that it would help am perhaps save other girls. All the time, we knew there were others associated with him, just as deep dyed in crime as he.” “Yes, and we truly believe that tlv-se guilty ones will be smoked out. The network of crime that existed when this man Stephenson was the "law in Indiana” will be

brought into the fight of public inspection—” her husband broke in. “Yes, and when he admits that he was at one time the Taw in Indianu’ he told the truth for once in his life,” said Mrs. Oberholtzer. “These late developments show that the guilty ones are fighting among themselves. That’s where the fight belongs among themselves. They’ll eventually expose each other—it’s inevitable." "Whatever contributes to their exposure is a public benefactor,” her husband said. “I want, to express my admiration for the brave activity and stand that The Indianapolis Times has taken. The Times is making a tremendous contribution to the law-abiding citizens of Indiana in this matter. Those tarred with the same brush as the ‘Old Man* must be trembling in their shoes." “Let Him Explain” “By every law of justice and good reasoning, Stephenson should be allowed to explain what he says that he wants to,” Oberholtzer continued. “He’s been disappointed, angered, by the fact that those witli whom he was once associated have not come to his rescue. He’s cracking a whin now. He figures that this is the psychological time —just before election. Too. the last of November the year is up for an appeal. He’s got to crack his whip now or never.” “Yes, he’s not only been making

chairs in Michigan City," Mrs. Oberholtzer observed thoughtfully. “That crafty brain of his has been working every minute. I don’t believe he'll tell what he knows, though—not fully. He’s just threatening, in the hope of prying up the fid. Time may be a great healer, but no passing of time will ever make me feel that that man should ever be allowed the light of freedom in the least,” and the gray-haired woman’s eyes strayed sadly out into the dusk of the gathering twilight. “Others as Guilty” "Oh nobody knows —that man—the agony he caused us,” the mother said softly. “But just so, we know that there were others as guilty as he.” "With every good citizen of Indiana, we hope that the lid will be pried off—that Stephenson will be allowed to talk. That ‘he corruption hiding behind office and power right thi3 minute, shall be brought to light,” said her husband. “It may mean the penitentiary foa number, but law is law. Stephenson's bluff should he called, or his information be obtained W m those six Senators met with Thomas Adams—three Republicans, three Democrats, why could’nt they have been able to obtain the truth? It’s ridiculous that truth should be so throttled. It's ridiculous and criminal. Let the T)ld Man’ talk.”

Entered as Second Clhsh Matter ftt Postoffice, Indianapolis. Published Daily Except Sunday.

EXTRA

Bulletin Promising a complete investigation of corruptino charges involving Marion County and Indianapolis city officials bared by the newest developments in the Stephenson case, Prosecutor Will H. Remy this afternoon asked that documentary evdience in the case be presented him. Remy’s statement: There has been a number of grave assertions in recent newspaper articles which if true demand an immediate investigation. Some of them concern the State at large and others are directed at Marion County and the ci tyof Indianapolis. “So far as Marion County is concerned I feel thta the sooner these matters are presented to the proper authorities the better. “If the charges are true tlie people have a right to the facts. If they are false those accused ought to be vindicated. “My office stands ready to do its full duty. Thus far no evidence has been presented to me. “ If any documentary evidence exists to suslain these charges I now ask that it be presented and I further ask the cooperation of the people to the end that a fair investigation may he conducted and the facts brought to light. “Let us approach this investigation, if there is to be one. not as partieans. but as citizens, and let the chips fall where they will.” “ I II give SSOO to anyone who can produce an original copy of that,” declared Mayor Duvall. lie held in his hand a photograph of what purported to be an agreement dated Feb. 12, 11)27), by him, not to appoint anyone upon the hoard of works until they received the indorsement of D. C. Stephenson, now serving a life sentence in the Michigan City penitentiary for the murder of Madge Oberholtzer, of Indianapolis. “That is a falsehood and I don’t want that thing printed e* a truth,’’ said Duvall. Admits Writing Letter. “But. this,” he continued, examining a photograph of a letter in his own handwriting upon the stationery of a bank of which lie was chairman of the board, to D. C. Stephenson, saying he would become a candidate for county treasurer if Ed Ramsay withdrew from the Republican ticket, “is all right. I wrote that.”

The letter was written two years ago. Both photographs were made public by Thomas Adams, Vincennes publisher, who is head of a committee of Republican editors investigating the period during which Stef phenson was “the law” in Indiana. Prosecutor William H. Remy said ! that he would immediately look into | tlie photographs. Later Duvall said he would lay the matter of the patronage pledge letter before Prosecutor Remy with a request that an investigation be made to determine whether persons responsible for it could be criminally prosecuted. What Duvall Denies The photograph which Duvall says is a falsehood bears this text: Indianapolis, Itid., Feb. 12. 1925. In return for the political support of I). C. Stephenson, in the event that I am elected mayor of Indianapolis, Did., I promise not to appoint any person as a member of the board of public works without they first have the indorsement of D. C. Stephenson. I also agree to appoint Claude \\ orley as Chief of Police and Earl Kienek as a captain. Signed h.v me this 12th day of February, 1925. (In writing) ,1. L. Duvall. The letter in Duvall's handwriting which Duvall says he wrote, reads: D. C. Stephenson, Dear Steve: I was talking with your friend just now in regard to Ramsay getting off the ticket. If this done 1 will, if the candidate for treasurer, go down the line with you and the boys and do all 1 can for the success of our ticket this fall. With best regards I am as ever, yours truly, .1, L. Duvall. “Yes, I'll give SSOO to anyone who can produce an original of that photograph,” continued the mayor, indicating again the reputed pledge to name Stephenson men on the board of works, Claude Worley, chief of police, and Earl Klenck as a cap tain. Where Did They Get It? “I wonder where they got such a thing as that. Why, look at that signature That’s a stamp.” Claude Worley now is inspector of detectives. It was insistently rumored before Duvall finally an nounced his appointments that Worley was to be the chief. However, Worley was made an inspector of police and continued in that capacity | until a few months ago when he was | transferred to head the detective department. going over the veteran ! Jerry Kinney, once chief of police, a nationally known detective, who now is a detective captain. Klenck Indicted Karl Klenck was one of Stephen son's bodyguards and handy men (Turn to Page 15)

Forecast Fair tonight and probably Friday; rising temperature Friday.

TWO CENTS

COUNIMEN SEE COFFIN BEFORE PROBE SESSION A few minutes before 1 p. m. Wednesday, the time scheduled for consideration of assertions that city officials were involved in the ramifications of the Stephenson scandal, members of the city council's “investigating” committee were in conference with George V. Coffin, Republican County boss who was a close associate of D. C. Stephenson, it became known today. The councilmen were to view data gathered by Thomas Adams, chairman of the Republican State Editorial Association committee, asso ciation with Stephenson, concerning city oiffclals: The councilmen were President Boynton J. Moore, Walter R. Dorsett, chairman of the “investigating committee, and Otis E. Bartholomew However, the three councilmen denied they were with Coffin. Flee From Reporter The three councilmen, learning that they were followed by a news paper reporter, fled from the Republican county headquarters on the fourth floor of the Knights of Pythias Bldg, by an unfrequented exit. Earlier in the morning Moore had conferred with Mayor Duvall at the latter's office in the city hail. Following tills conference, Duvall is said to have asked whether photostatic copies of documents are considered evidence in courts of justice. Worley There Following the conference with councilmen, Coffin and Inspector of Detectives Claude Worley left the building together. Gathered in G. O. P. headquarters at the time of the conference were many city officials, including Joseph C. Buchanan, Coffin henchman in the 1925 Legislature and now city smoke inspector; George Woodward, streets superintendnet, and other lesser political lights. Mayor Duvall today was busy con ferring with other politicians. Among his callers was Todd Young, who managed the primary candidacy of Senator Arthur R. Robinson in Mar-, ion County. Charles (Judge) Orbison, national vice president of the who is one of the chief sponsors of Senator James E. Watson, called breathlessly at the office of Police Chief Claude F. Johnson. A policeman who had been talking to Johnson was dismissed post haste. There followed a conference of twenty minutes. Then Johnson and Orbison rushed to a police automobile. “Eve got to go to the city hall right away," Johnson informed a reporter.