The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-02
COUNTRY ADM|RES OSCAR UNDERWOOD Will Not Sacrifice Principle
 to Expediency GOV. O'NEAL RETURNS Believes Underwood Has Excellent Chance for Nomination - Criti- cises Rooevelt's Speech at
 Columbus
GOV. O'NEAL RETURNS

Montgomery, March 1.-(Special)-"S So far as I have been able to ascertain, Oscar W. Underwood is regarded by the country at large as a man who will not sacrifice principle to expediency. He stands as the champion of the people, a conservative, safe and sound leader, and believe he has an excellent chance to secure the democratic nomination for President of the United States"
 These are the words of Governor O'Neal who has just returned from trip through the east, where he visited New York, Baltimore, Washington and other cities.
 Democrats We'll Prepared
 Not only does Governor O'Neal believe that Underwood stands a good chance to secure the democratic nomination, but he is also convinced that the democratic party is better prepared to carry the next presidential election than at any time since the days of Cleveland.
 According to the chief executive of Alabama there are two, important issues to come before the people in the next presidential election. and these are trusts and tariff reduction.
 'The republican party" says Governor O'Neal, stands for monopoly, the ascend ancy of trusts. The democratic party represents the people, and stands for a reduction of the tariff schedule. Oscar Underwood is recognized as a man who has fought against tariff, and his bills have been vetoed by President Taft. If he and Taft are the opposing candi- dates, then the question will be whether the people want as their champion a man who has at heart their interest or wheth- CT they want a rule of monoply, con tinuation of trust domination"
 Strong Sentiment for Underwood
 In speaking further of Underwood's chances to secure the nomination, Gov ernor ONeal said that he found on his trip a very strong sentiment in favor Of the distinguished Alabamian. Some of the most prominent politicians and public men, according to the chief executive, were inclined to the belief that the time Is not ripe for any pronounced hght Tor Underwood, thinking that he will have better chances by waiting until some of the important issues before the country have been exploited.
 In discussing Roosevet's announcement that he would accept the nomination of the republican party if it were tendered him, Governor O'Neal said:
 No Sensation in New York
 q was in New York at the time Roose- welt announced. and so far as l could tell from talking to men, both in public and private life. his declaration for the an- and there was no sensation
 The governor criticised Roosevelts Co., lunbus speech, declaring that the sentiments he expressed were in advocacy of a social democracy. He believes that Roosevelt, if nominated will stand abso- lutely no chance of election. thinking that the country at large wound combine to defeat any exponent of such radical the ories and doctrines as are advocated by the ex-President.
 Roosevelt Entirely Progressive
 ''I used to regard Woodrow Wilson as progressive" said Governor O'Neal, but in comparison with Roosevelt he is flat footed conservative"
 The governor is more convinced than ever that the democrats have a fine chance of victory in the next presidential election, declaring that he thinks they will elect the next President. whether they nominate Underwood, Wilson, Har-