The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-03
Underwood In Congress

honored with place on the rules com mittee of the House of Representa- tives, and while member of that im- portant committee he was a demo- cratic whip-the efficient chief deputy, so to speak, of the democratic leader. AS a whip he distinguished himself and the excellent party service which he rendered then was quickly recog- nized. No man on the floor today is more familiar with the rules than Mr. Underwood, while as an adroit parlia- mentarian he has few equals on either side. In his quiet but forceful way he has taken an active, intelligent and patriotic part in all far-reaching legis- lation of national bearing.
 On the ways and means committee, the work of which must always affect more directly the Birmingham district than that of any other committee, MT. Underwood has proved of the highest value. He has equipped himself thoroughly by obserya- tions and study in all matters per taining to the tariff, one of the most complex questions in that most com plex of all abstract sciences, political economy. He has not only a broad knowledge of the theory of tariff tax ation as a problem in political science, but better still he knows the tariff on it's practical side
 When the democrats again control the House, as they are almost sure to do in the next Congress, MT. Under wood by reason of his experience, fit- ness and long service, will have first rate chance for the speakership; but should that supreme legislative honor go to another, the representative of pointed chairman of the ways and means committed And as previously pointed out, even if the unexpected should happen and the republicans retain control of the House MT. Under wood would still have a place on the ways and means committee, where he would render invaluable service in pro- tecting the interests of our manufac- turers. for no matter which party be in control revision is to come in the Sixty-first Congress.
 Now, as to MT. Underwood's record in doing things" for his district, it is one of which his friends are justly proud and one which the public can not fail to appreciate. He worked with Congressman John H. Bankhead-now
 Alabama's senior senator-earnestly and with great efficiency in getting the open Warrior He had a soil survey made of Perry, Blount and Bibb. He initiated the tobacco growing industry in Perry-a new branch of agriculture in Alabama of enormous possibilities. He caused to be established in this state the rural free delivery and has since given it such close attention that its development, especially in his dis trict, has been rapid and in the highest degree beneficent. He has secured an appropriation for handsome govern ment building at Bessemer and has as- surance of an appropriation for post office building at Ensley. He has se- cured appropriations for insreasing the clerical force in the Birmingham post office and enlarging the floor space of the postoffice. He has caused Birming ham to be made a weather station and he secured the appropriation for the beautiful and perfectly equipped Heights. He is sending to Jefferson county a government engineer, who is an expert in road making, to aid the board of revenue with his advice in building good roads. And he has made it possible for Birmingham to secure sub-treasury.
 Had it not been for Underwood's membership on the ways and means committee and his alertness and his influence Atlanta would have got this coveted sub-tfeasury plum and "gone with it.' Owing to the squabble the treasury department decided to hold the matter in abeyance. The longer it is delayed the better will be Birming- hams chance, for every year the req sons why this city should have sub- treasury become more apparent When the government does decide to estab- fish sub-treasury Birmingham will be selected as the place for it, provided, MT. Underwood is member of Con gress at the time.
 While the foregoing is only partial