The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-12-11
GARRETT MAY
FIND TROUBLE
New Developments Do Not
Look as Good for Con-
firmation.
AGGRESSIVE FACTOR
Removal From House Would
Weaken Democratic Activ-
tiles in That Body.
(6Y JOHN D. ERWINO
lWashlnuton Correspondent \

NWdoNlVntON SOTTebponOent.O
Washington, Dec. 11.-There are in.
dications that the nomination Of Finis
Garrett for federal judge Of Wes
Tennessee may fail of confirmation
Both Senator Shields and Scnat b.,
Mcclellan are working actively to Sc
cure the approval of the republican
senator's on the Judiciary committee
and Just where the opposition is com
Ing from 1t not known. Senator Mel
son, chairman of the committee, who
has heretofore told CARROTS friends
that he would have no trouble. Is OF
the opinion it is not so optimistic to-
day as 1t has been heretofore
Senators Now Fear Opposition.
Senators who have discussed the
matter with the chairman are begin
ming to fear opposition from rcnuh-
lican quarters. or course n Garrett
is not confirmed there win hc no ap-
pointment, as there is no chance for
any other democrat. and the place
would not be filled until spring. Law
yers from Memphis are urging that
the confirmation take place without
delay. Judge Mccall died last Aug.
and the federal docket at Memphis
is said to be in deplorable condl-
ton, due to the long delay in making
the appointment
Public utility corporations of
Shelby county. realizing that the fed
eral cases will not be reached for
months, are seeking transfer of most
OF their litigation to the federal court,
and the congestion is said to be get
ting worse every day. The ends Of
Justice demand quick action to ex-
pedite adjudication OF some very i'm
portant matters now before the court.
Some republican leaders in the sem
ate have expressed intention OF liv-
Ing up to the precedent which per-
mits members of congress TO he con-
firmed without question. Garrett Is
popular in both branches of con-
'gress. and. moreover. there is feel
Ing that house republicans will be
glad to see him given any appoint
ment which will remove him MS an
opponent in house debates. Tho Ten
nessean has the reputation OF being
one OF the most resourccful democrats
in the house. and. with many other
prominent house democrats listed ms
casualties in the November battle and
removed from the scene of action. he
would be more than ever an out
standing figure in the debates and In
parliamentary battles.
May Have Deep Motive.
With Champ Clark defeated nnd
Garrett retiring. Representative
Claude Kitchin will attempt to Shout
der the burden Of leadership, but the
North Carolinian is not in physical
condition to do his best Senator Nc
Kellar stated today that although he
had made n fight for John y. Martin,
OF Memphis, for the place. he would
vote for CARROTS confirmation. 81
did everything humanity possible TO
secure the nomination by President
Wilson of Mr., Martin" said he 81
wrote the president as strongly as
knew how in the beginning. I got
him strongly recommended hv tho de-
partment of Justice. Recently I wrote
the president asking II his health
permitted for n personal interview TO
urge Mr.. Martin. | received letter
from Mr.. Tumulty saying the prCsi-
dent was not physically able TO sec
me.
my information is that tho presi
dent appointed Mr.. Garrett because OF
Mr.. CARROTS strong aid In the past
OF all tho presidents policies in the
house, and that he regards II -
personal appointment. There was no
possible objection to Mr.. Martin, pro-
fessional or otherwise. The president
took the position that he desired per-
sonally 10 appoint Mr.. Garrett.
II served in the house with Mr.
Garrett. He is n man of distinguished
ability, is a splendid democrat, has
been my friend, and OF course ehall
vote for his confirmation"
Senator Shields is also understood
TO be entirely favorable. to CARROTS
confirmation.