The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-09-25
SHIELDS DODCrS
VOTE I Ct
Tennessee,S Seniof !. enator
Holds Balance over
in Great CT, i.
CLAIMED BY BOTH SIDES
(RY John ID. ERWIN.l

Washington, Sept. 25.-(Special.) y
The big, dramatic moment is near at
hand in the league of nations fight
in the senate. The Johnson amend
ment which in effect kills the league
of nations and forces the resubmis-
sion of the treaty to the peace con-
ference, is likely to come up in the
senate any day. Administration lead
ers admit that the whole situation
pivots on, the outcome of this vote.
A careful poll of the situation by
the leaders shows that Senator
Shields will probably hold in his
hands the fate of the league covenant
and the treaty. The poll shows As
votes for the Johnson amendment
and At against. Senator Shields is
not taken into account in this poll,
as both sides are hopeful of his sup
port.
Sidestepped Vote.
While he supported the Johnson
amendment in committee his side
stepping of the first important vote
in the league of nations fight in the
senate yesterday has encouraged the
league forces to think he may recon
slider his attitude. The first test vote
came Tuesday afternoon, when the
lCt6 uC odppOI tcl lpltu W lOICt
immediate consideration of the Fall
Stetes shall hold no memberships on
any of the commissions or commit
tees growing out of the treaty.
Senator Shields lodged this vote.
He was in his Office in the senate
office building while the opponents
and proponents of the league fairly
held their breath during the rollcall
in this initial skirmish. The Ten
nessee senator was not paired and
his failure to participate caused sur
prise on both sides of the chamber.
Mastering Strength.
The johnson amendment may come
up any day Both sides are muster
ing their utmost strength for this
test, which will in reality decide the
fate of the league. The opponents
of the league have deferred the vote
temporarily until they could be GER
tain of their ability to pass the John
son amendment. Last night they were
certain of 4S votes.
TO make 1T safe they must have
40. They have counted on Senator
Shields up to this time, but there
have been disquieting rumors fol-
lowing his laying out" on the test
vote Tuesday and he is not included
in the 4S assured votes of the anti
leaguers. Strong pressure is being
brought to bear on the Tennessee
senator. He is the object of the So
licitude of all elements in the fight
Both sides are claiming him.
though it is apparent that neither is
sure of receiving his help. If Shields
votes with the league forces the vote
will stand, according to present cal
culations, As and 4S, and Vice Prcsi-
dent Marshalls vote, which will be
against the Johnson amendment, will
kill it.
The outcome will mean that Presi-
dent Wilson and the league forces
have won the most crucial test. They
will have easier sailing thereafter
and it is likely that the anti-admin-
istration strength will disintegrate.
There is a chance for big poll
tics" IN the situation. For a long
time Senator Shields has been bid
ing his time to even up with the ad-
ministration for its failure to recog-
nlZe him in certain patronage mat
ters. He could not ask for a better
opportunity to even the score than
is presented now The whole situa-
tion is in his hands. There will be
powerful pressure from each side. 1t
is already being exerted. Shields re-
naming away from the senate Tues
day is one indication of that.
Every politician connected with the
administration is on the job. Shields
has an opportunity to effect a rap
prochement with the administration
or by aligning himself definitely with
its enemies, to bring down it's bitter
condemnation.
Flood of Letters.
A flood of letters and kilograms is
reaching Shields office from Tennes-
see. He is not considered a candi-
date for reelection and he is in a
position to ignore both threats and
entreaties. His final attitude will be
awaited with the keenest anxiety in
the senate.
N Il N 4.