The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-05

To the Editor of The Age-Herald
 Without apology I desire to say that, though a minister of the gospel, I am pro- foundly interested in all that concerns the public. Men and measures of the time are studies of interest and often of sin cere concern.
 Our leading statesman. the Hon. Oscar w. Underwood, has reached conditions in his career which have brought into national conspicuousness his power The occasion for this development was as nec- eseary to MT. Underwood as it always is to any one, and when it arose he met 1t to his full credit, as well as to that of the people whom he represents. No man is known till he is tried. Most men fail wholly, or in part, and those who sur vive the ordeal are those whom the people are delighted to honor.
 MT. Underwood has stood in the glare Of the most searching light, and has re- vealed nelement of character in which he excels, which element is that of his steadiness of poise under the most per- riexing and annoying conditions. The re- tention of his self collection, while the sbiest of the opposition have studiously sought to confuse and distract him, is really study of fascinating interest. Bombarded by shrewd and perplexing questions which would unsteady most men, Mr. Underwood has met all with serenity that is remarkable, and when oc- casion demands makes reply with re- freshing tranquility This Is the pivot on which turns his success as splendid leader.
 But back of this is that which makes possible this refreshing coolness. He is sure of his ground before he commits himself. He knows in advance that whereof he speaks before he takes the floor It is a true maxim in all militant matters never to underestimate ones en- einies. Mir. Underwood has always not only apprehended a proposition in ad- vance, but has comprehended it. He is in full possession of all the facts before hand, and is not only forewarned but forearmed. His steadiness Of judicial tenn per restraints him from committing him. self to any cause without being sure of his footing. This gives confidence in ones self, and confidence begets collection.
 But lying back still behind the clements clready named is the initial source of all else. He is diligent and indefatig- able student and worker His staid tenn rerament fortifies him against fret and chafe, and he husbands his forces in dili- gent preparation for that which is to come. He is evidently not afraid nor in- disposed to work, is able to do So ef- Actively because of his physical under rcop and his temperamental power, and best of all, yearns to do so These com bined give us the orbit of Hr. Under wc ods character. It is a rare combina- ton of forces, and as embodied in MT. Underwood necessarily make him a man of unusual mark. While all this Is true, he is not lacking in the militant mood,
 He is aggressive, as all know, but it Is a wise aggression propelled by an invincibie calmness of spirit. TTIhis makes him a man to be dreaded by the opposition, He coully drives his way along, smiling mean While, and surrounding himself with an atmosphere through which none can break.
 MT. Underwood is still comparativeIv Q young man. That he should be able to bear himself with such marked eoua- nimity amidst the scenes through which he is passing, is itself an indication of