New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1920-07-16
SHIELDS REFUSES TO
VOTE FOR THE LEAGUE

VOTE FOR THE LEAGUE
Knoxville, Tenn.-Senator Shields
has replied to the demand OF the
Tennessee Democratic state conven-
ton that in the future he vote for
the adoption of the league of ma
tions and the treaty of peace with
out amendments or reservations. This
he refuses to do upon the ground
that it would be reasonable. His
statement in part follows:
81 believe in the great principles
of representative government. re-
cognize my absolute responsibility
to the people of Tennessee. l have
the greatest confidence in their COM
bned wisdom and their loyalty to
their government. When possible
under the obligation of my oath Of
office, will always conform to their
views and execute their will. ! firm
ly believe in the great and funda-
mental principles of the Democratic
party, OF which | have been a men,
ber all my life, and it will always
be a plea sure to be governed by its
expressed will consistent with the
vital interests and Constitution Of
our government. to which | owe my
first duty and allegiance.
I ~ believe that when a candidate
for office makes promises or CON-
mits himself upon issues presented
in an election. primary or general,
in which he is chosen he should
honestly and faithfully comply with
them. or retire from office. But
when questions arise after his cleo
ton he must form his own conclu
sions, exercise his independent judg-
ment and have the courage to stand
by and defend them. When great
issues are presented In the United
States Senate, senators must act up
on their deliberate judgment.
THE condemnation of a conven
ton of my party, regardless OF
whether il was representative or fair
ly conducted. frankly admit IS pain
full to me, although ! know that this
was the chief object of those pro-
noting it, and my admissio will be
the sum OF their qualification. What
say is not intended to be offensive
to the convention as a whole or to
any fair and impartial member OF
the Democratic party. love my state
and the great party which controls
il more than words can express.
have cause for my affection. 1t has
honored me more highly than any
living Tennesseeap. have trusted
the people and they have trusted me
| have never appealed to them il
vain. have, for a period of twenty
years of public service, kept faitf
with them and served them to the
best of my ability. will never, in.
tent onally, violate or abuse theii
confidence.
when the treaty was presented
TO the Senate, I gave it long. deliber
ate and conscientious study, fully
impressed with its great importance
to my country. l brought to beal
upon it all the ability ! possessed anC
all the learning and experience
had acquired in the practice of my
profes sion, for 20 years service upor
the highest court of my state, fol
ten years and in the United State
Senate for six years. / felt my full
responsibility. | believed that tn,
: people of great and proud stat
wanted their senator to form con
clusions of his own and have cour
age to express and defend them lik
the great senators whom ] have tn
honor to follow, did not believ'
they wanted me to be a supine an,
colorless camp-follower.
! i came to the conclusion that tn
provisions of the covenant violate,
the Constitution of the United State
which had sworn to support an,
, defend, and contravened policies an,
, traditional interests of our grea
/ country.
IL found that, under the color O
I league of nations, the United State
/. would be committed to the most stu
/ pendous entangling alliance eve
!. dreamed OF with Great Britain an
= some thirty other nations, binding
, to guarantee their existing pol tics
. independence and territorial integrit
4 for all time and pledging the wealt
: and the young manhood Of our coun
: try to make this guarantee good.
!. with great astonishment ! foun
, that there were no provisions for tn
o benefit Of the United States and n
!. consideration for all these tremendou
:. concessions and obligations.
/. with these convictions could nc
E but oppose the United States becom
ing a member of the league. Their
has been no change in the situation
If ! were to reverse my vote,
: would not only stultify myself, br
be unworthy of the confidence {
the people and of the great office
u hold. cannot allow conventions c
= my own party. state or national, I
u compel NE to violate my oath {
: office or support measure which
$ believe conflicts with the Con stitt
tion of the United States, or to do
i thing which I believe to be but Ii
i tie short of treason. They cannt
y absolve me from the obligations {
my oath of office, or release me fro
|" my duty and allegiance to my cour
! try.
:. And I cannot yield to the pos
i ton of some that / should resie
e and let another take my place WI
!, would do what I consider a surrend,
u of the sovereignty and independent
> of the American people. That wou
indeed be treason.s
e HEALTH SEEKER COMMITS
g1mH1nE MEAD TArQ (fT