The Parisian. (Paris, Tenn.) 1907-1962, 1918-06-21
OPPOSITION TO
SENATOR SHIELDS
BY II. M. Doak.

to rid theearth of Prussian domina-
ton, a senatorial primary is to choose
a senator to succeed Hon. John X.
Shields. The popular view is that
he ought to succeed himself. No
sound reason, or one that will stand
d moments analysis, why he should
rot has yet been set out.
Judge Shields was practicing law
at Knoxville when he was elected
TO serve on the supreme bench of
Tennessee. None in the State stood
higher as man or as lawyer. No
Judge ever left the bench with a
clearer record for high Judicial at
tanments or with more of public re-
spect for him as a man. Because
Of his great ability, and especially
for his profound knowledge of con-
stitutional law, he was chosen to rep
resent Tennessee in the senate Of the
United States.
He is now a candidate to succeed
himself after years of service at
trying time in which he has 50 faith
fully discharged his duties that no
criticism of any public act of his is
heard. His senatorial record is be-
fore the public. The senate jour-
nal and the proceedings of that body
SHOW how he has discharged his du-
ties how he has voted upon public
measures, and what laws of public
Importance he has advocated.
That record shows that he has been
warm, constant and consistent sup
porter of the administration in the
one matter of present Importance to
the people of Americe and to the peo-
pie of Tennessee. His broad, prac-
teal knowledge of constitutional law
has been of greatest value at cru
cial moments respecting measures of
the utmost importance, comforting,
charging and defining the powers Of
the President. 1t was of vital impor-
lance that such measures shuld be
enacted. of supreme moment that
they should be kept free from con-
stitutionsl objections. Just here
Senator Shields was invaluable. He
is known, trusted and relied upon by
the administration in it's vast work
aimed at the destruction of German
oligarchical military power for now
and forever
So far as observation, reading and
hearing goes, but one public opinion
prevails in Tennessee: That this is
not time for politics-nor time for
personal and private ambitions-that
Senator Shields should be retained in
the senate because he has done, is do
ing and may be trusted to go on do
ing his duty as senator upon all
llines-especially upon the supremed
and only line of the slightest pres
ent Importance. This view is along
the line of President Wilsn's no.
ton that politics should be adjourned
To this view but very slight dissent
has been heard.
There is a present note of dis
cord. In some quarters are heard
whispered objections to the re-elec-
ton of Senator Shields. Just why,
for what precise reason, is probably
Only known to those who sound tine
daily note of dissent and of discrdbt
cord. Thatthe reason-whatever it
is-grows out of past politics is, in
certain that it is not based upon any
question of public policy, past pres
ent or future. 1t cannot be founded
opinion as to the great measure af-
fecting the State of Tennessee or its
people, or the people of the United
States.
Up to this time the only argument
used by those who oppose the nomi-
nation of Senator Shields seems to
rest upon some matter of naturaliza-
tion-or of non-naturalization With
respect to the particular question Of
naturalization or non-naturaliza
tion-Senator Shields, solid and eff
cient supporter of the administration
in all its war measures, seems to have
been exactly in accord with the at
torney-general of Mr. Wilson's ad-
ministration-at least in so far as
Senator Shields has had anything to
do with it-or has had time to think
about it. 1t is probable that he has
rot lost many nights sleep over it.
The Attorney Generals view of
the especial matter of naturalization,
which is urged as bar to Senator
Shields return to the Senate-ap-
pears to have been in accord with
judicial precedents and decisions in
naturalization cases. 1t seems that
Senator Shields has been so unmind-
full of his duty as to agree with Attor-
ney General and the law books.