The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1914-10-08

suited in committee being appointed
to prepare a communication to be sent
to both Gov Hooper and Gen. Rye
The public is familiar with the ques-
tions asked and the answers received.
Gen. Rye answered all the ques-
tions in the affirmative, but on the re-
moYal law he was, 1 considered some
what indefinite. Gov. Hooper answer
ed all the questions in the affirmative,
pointing out that search and seizure
law should be safe guarded In view
of the platforms and the answers to
our questions, and after the opening
speeches of the respective candidates
strongly declaring for the retention of
the anti-liquor laws and favoring leg
islation for their more effective en-
forcement, it was very apparent to
me that the Anti-Saloon league should
remain neutral in the governors race.
/ felt that our activities sould be di-
rected toward assisting in the elction
of the right kind of men to the legisla-
ture. l knew that neither of the can
didates for governor, no matter which
one might be elected, could enact
needed legislation with hostile legis-
lature.
Everywhere the Anti-Saloon league
representatives went, the question was
asked: What position does the
league occupy in the governors racer?
Friends of the league who were sup
porting Gov Hooper, and others who
were supporting Gen. Rye, We're asking
the same question. All were entitled
to an open and frank answer of the
leagues attitude, in keeping with It's
former declarations. In order that
the position of the organization might
be thoroughly understood by all
friends, l felt that a declaration of
neutrality should be announced. TO
do this would, to my mind, enable us
to do very much more effective work
dates for the legislature irrespective
of party or faction should be pledged
if possible, to support law-enforce-
ment legislation regardless of who
might be elected governor In view
of the fundamental principles of the
league as non-partisan organization,
l do not believe that | would have
my authority as superin-
tendent to have announced a position
of neutrality for the league in the
governors race. But l felt that the
matter was of sufficient Importance to
warrant the calling of the state exc
cutive committee After conference
with the chairman of the executive
we decided to call the com
mittee, we decided to call the commit
tee, and accordingly issued a call for
the committee to meet Sept. "a
"At the melting of the committee,
after a full discussion of the situation,
it appeared that the committee was al
most unanimous in the opinion that
the league should remain neutral in
The governors race. But when the
question of issuing statement of the
league position and it's reasons for so
ioing came up for consideration, a
majority of the committee was oppos-
I'd to any declaration being made and
acted accordingly.
after this action of the committee, |
n declining to make public state
nent of neutrality, which to my mind |
We were under obligations to do, in
,rder to effectively establish the
eague's claim of on-partisanship |
Ind after a careful and prayerful con
/ could see no other course
wherein could act conscientiously |
,ut to sever my official connection
With the league. The principles of
he league, as understand them, are
Is sacred to me as the gospel. felt
hat l could no longer conscientiously
make the claim that was represent
ng a partisan organization. 1t
S matter of conscience with me and
me of keeping faith with the friends
# the league in all parties"
/