The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-07-23
WHY SUCH INFLuENcE9

The question is often asked: How
did ]. Parks Morley secure such ar
influence on Senator shields" Their
close connection in politics. we be-
lieve. does not antedate 1913. when
Judge Shields became a candidate
for United States senator. Worley
had been a member of tho lower
house in the legislature and was ap-
pointed by Comptroller Frank Dibrell
as revenue agent. He belonged to
the regular faction OF the democratic
party and Judge Shields was the
leader of the independent faction.
Senator Worley was the campaign
manager for Gen. l.. d. Tyson in the
prelimnaries of the joint sessions
But before the close Of the contest he
had become the principal adherent
of Judge Shields and the latter's sue
cess was attributed partly to his in
fiuence on certain republican men,
bers of the legislature. But after
Judge Shields became senator the
twain parted for some reason. Wor-
ley had asked for appointment to the
position OF marshal. He was turned
down and Capt Jack Thompson, of
Rhea county. who had been an inde-
pendent member OF the legislature,
was appointed. When Judge Shields
was a candidate for denomination
Worley went to Washington and had
a conference with him. Soon there
after Morley organized the upper
counties of East Tennessee for
Shields and he was renominated.
So 1t Is. we witness the incident
which has surprised the state. De-
spite the outspoken protest of some
Of his best friends the senator has
made the recommendation and Sc
cured the appointment. He has GER
tainly shown his power as the polit-
ical leader of the state and he has
also. II must frankly be said, indi- /
Gated his courage. though the state is |
amazed at his selection and the bold
ness with which he has acted.
Without one word of explanation
ever having been vouchsafed as to
the truth or falsity OF the charges
made against Worley in connection
with the reassessment of property,
Judge Shields has boldly stood for
him. Furthermore, he has compelled
the leading office holders of the state
to line UP for his choice. Senator
Mcclellan accompanied him to the de-
of justice and Joined in the
Gov. Roberts oc-
,upied similar attitude. Chief Jus
Ice Lansden, of the supreme court,
ndorsed Worley. Other supreme
judges Endorsed him. Now federal
is to be filled soon, and
promotions made.
IL Is said that members of the
louse of representatives also in
lorsed him. The whole democratic
POLITICAL machine seems to De tarred ,
With the same stick.
Under the system by which fed
raj patronage is dispensed there
GEMS no relief. The senator's ap-
ear to own certain offices. Usually 6
hey pick out men against whom no /
bjection could be raised. But SEN Q
tor Shields is being criticized by a
hose who were formerly his best
riends. The morning paper here has +
ONE plain words to say. We con- o
1t on its fearlessness. At t
MS time of toadying and trucking. 2
hen few will speak out, 1t is for Il
innate that there are some who will v
OF stand silently by when such an b
ppointment is made. We hope it 4
nay be developed that Mr.. Worley
as some satisfactory explanation of a
he back assessments he made while "
evenue agent, which were SO strong a
criticised by the report of Senator n
Villains, when the matter was in a
lvestigated, A man who is to en- E
'rce the law should not be known Is
lawbreaker himself. II he has el
cen wrongfully accused we ought to p
now 1t and dismiss the subject. a