The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-14
Committeeman Tells of Gen. eral Interest Shown in
 Underwood
THINKS PARTY WILL
 HAVE UNITED FRONT
Believes Bryan Will Be Found Shoul- der to Shoulder With Others in Supporting the
 Party Nominee

in Supporting the
 Party Nominee
 "It is a. fact that oscar ". Underwood has splendid opportunity of securing the presidential nomination." stated James Weatherly. Alabama's representative on the national democratic executive com mittee, who returned from Washington yesterday.
 And it is also true that the members of the committee were unanimous in the expression of their belief that the year 1 1912 has in store for democracy glorious I victory There is every indication that all the points of difference which exist today among the several leaders of tho party will be smoothed away, and that the nominee will receive the enthusiastic support of every democrat. not even ex- cluding William Jennings Bryan"
 That every action taken by the com mittee will enhance the opportunity of the party was an expression of the na- tional committeeman. He declared hin- self delighted that the convention will be held in Baltimore
 Strength of UnderwoOd
 After mingllng with the great democrats of the nation, and with the representa- tives of the party from every state in the union, MT. Weathery admits a strong belief that Underwood will be nominated
 "Mr. Underwood is strong in that he ,1fa Of body who has expressed himself said MT. Weatherly. Everybody is an ardent admirer of the Alabamian. No one, save Mir. Bryan. has ever raised his voice in criticism.
 ''Mr Underwood as a matter of fact is the leader of the democratic party the predominant political party, of the United States. He is the master of all masters of the tariff that which is to prove the issue in the campaign, ana that which has proved the issue in ev- cry preceding campaign which resulted in democratic victory
 "For these and other reasons, con cluded Mr Weatherly, '1 am convinced bevond a shadow of doubt that Under wood has just as fine an opportunity of securing the nomination for the presi- dency as any other democrat who mas received popular mention
 Bryan Is Strong
 Alabama's national committeeman is of the opinion that the great chance with which the democracy is confront ed this year will not be marred by bitter bickerings over minor questions He does not believe, in other words, l that William Jennings Bryan, in case if is denied him to dictate the nominee, will precipitate rebellion within the ranks.
 l "Bryan is still strong. very strong" stated MT. Weatherly. He is man of wonderful personality. When he en- tered the committee room, holding q proxy, he was enthusiastically received with great applause: l had talk with | the Nebraskan, and l am convinced that there will be no further attempt on his part to bring abou, split in the party, even if there has already been such an attempt, which is matter of dispute.
 q also had conversation with Wood row Wilson and was struck with his suavity and his polish. He undoubted- Iy possesses great strength, and I be- lieve that he will prove the man for Underwood to defeat in the convention | In speaking of his spectacular initia- ton, Mr. Weatherly said "The report over the Associated Press to the ef- I feet that a vote was taken as to wheth- | CT or not the committee should, by for mal vote approve the action of the or ganization which commissioned me, was in error MT. Bryan. contending that the committee has the right to fill its own vacancies, appealed from the de- cision of the chalr when his motion 1 that be not confirmed was ruled out of | order But before a vote was taken the fight of the two claimants from Pennsylvania was precipitated, and Bryan expressed willingness that both points be settled by one vote
 In reference to the Pennsylvania matter, Bryan in his effort to displaoe Colonel Guffey. who. according to the charge, is not dyed in the wool demo- crat, was defeated He was supported by only l2 other committeeman, and of the 13 votes cast against Guffey mine was one.
 Fight for Baltimore
 "The fight for the convention on the part of the citizens of Baltimore was l splendid, and could not have resulted in anything but victory. Baltimore lit- | erature, bound in volumes, was scat tered promiscously throughout the com mittee room, and one could not stand a moment on the outside without hear ing the arguments of the boosters.
 The fight before the convention was spectacular, with Baltimore in the leao Six men spoke for the Maryland me tropolis and we were entertained witt outbursts of oratory in which humor expressions of a fine spirit Of patriot ism and eloquence played conspicuous parts.
 The final speaker was Senator Rainer. As he concluded, he tossed 2 certified check for s100,000 in tho hands of the committee telling us tc do with that what we pleased, that more of the same variety was stored tl,nt