The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14
SURE TOINDORSE MR. UNDERWOOD
 FOR PRESIDENCY That Regarded as Certain by the State Convention at
 Montgomery NO CONSIDERATION OF THE LIQUOR QUESTION Main Purpose of Convention Selecting Delegates to Baltimore-Mal-
 lory May Be Permanent
 Chairman


 the eve of the assembling of the state April r, so hazy is the situation that only one thing is regarded as certain the indorsement of Oscar ". Underwood for President of the United States. Talk of all other matters is of vague nature, none of the delegates being willing to venture any definite suggestions as to probable actions by the convention.
 So far as can be learned from political leaders, there will be every effort made to prevent friction between party fac tions. and any attempt to bring the liquor question, administration issues and state politics into the convention will doubt less meet with failure. There is none who believe that an effort will not be made to introduce these questions, but sentiment is largely opposed to any kind of fight being made on the floor of the convention, and it is believed that the desire to preserve harmony will be so strong that the delegates as a ma jority will refrain from expressions on state issues.
 The main purpose of the convention is oSASNNAOAA democratic convention. These delegates will be instructed for Underwood, and it is doubtful If there will be any talk re- garding a second choice. While it is known that there are two political fac tions in the state who would have a second choice were Underwood not in the race, neither of these factions will make any move to show their hand in the convention. The delegates will go to the national1 convention with but one instruc- tion-the advocacy of underwood-and they will adhere to the wishes of the democratic party in Alabama to the end. No Consideration of Liquor Question
 Public sentiment in regard to the dis | cusson of the liquor question on the floor of the convention has crystalized into 1 strong opposition, both prohibitionists and local optionists strenuously denying that any issue or fight will be made on this subject Delegates maintain that the con- vention will not be the proper place for the discussion of such a subject as that body will not be supposed to consider any other than national questions.
 Opposition to the consideration of all other state questions Is equally as strong as that which has crystalized against the discussion of prohibition. 1t is not be- leved that any resolution will be passed either indorslng or condemning Cover nor ONeaTs administration. So far as has been learned, the majority of the delegates are friendly to the governor, and it is practically certain that if any attack is made on the administration it will receive a rebuke from q good ma jority of the delegates.
 There has been some talk to the ef- feet that an attack may be made upon the state demoSratic committee, but this l has been largely discredited. While there was strong opposition throughout the state to the action of the committee in Birmingham in regard to the selection of delegates to the state convention, it is not believed that this will be the occasion of any active fight against the committee, particularly as opposition to the executive committees plan was ex pressed by various county executive com mittees throughout the state.
 Mallory Permanent Chairman
 It is generally conceded that Congress- man Henry D. Clayton of Eufaula will be selected as temporary chairman of the convention. His candidacy has been advocated by his friends for several weeks with every indication that he will be the selection or lne SIdle ue4uotidAii NolH- mittee for this office.
 It has also been established beyond any great doubt that H. s. D. Mallory of Selma will be the choice of the con vention for permanent chairman. His candidacy for this office is being as strongly advocated as that of Henry D. Clayton for temporary chairman
 No programme has yet been arranged, | so far as can be learned, but the sug- htrf leaders that Governor O'Neal will be 1 appointed chairman of the committee on permanent organization, and that this | committee will recommend Mallory for permanent presiding officer
 In this event the chief executive would ] according to the opinion of political seers, introduce to the convention his opponent for the nomination to the office of gov ernor
 Double Delegation
 rumor that has circulated in polit- ical circles during the past few days is that the state may send to the na- tional democratic convention double delegation. While this is regarded highly improbable, the suggestion has received some consideration, and strong effort may be made to send to the national convention IS delegates, each having a half vote.
 It Is said that this double delega- tion idea has been followed in the past by several states, Missouri or Missis sippi being two that has practiced this method. Just what good could be ac- complished by the Inauguration of that plan by this state has not been clearly pointed out, except stronger in- dicaticn of Underwod sentiment in this state.
 Those who advocate the plan assert their belief that this would be the re- suit. claiming that IS delegates, each having one-half a vote would be bet ter able to show to the convention the sentiment of the people "at home tha nj e-half that number of delegates While this plan may be followed, there has been little positive talk on the sub ject until the last few days, and it is doubtful if the state convention would give it's indorsement to the suggestion l
 Interest in Local Delegation
 There is considerable interest among politicians of this city regarding the local delegation to the national con- vention. The delegates to the state convention from Montgomery county i composed the most representative men | of the community, and 1t is anticipated | them to represent the state a the na-I tional convention. Among those who | have been mentioned as Montgomery delegate to the national convention are Thomas w Martin. Gen. Robert F. | Ligon. J. Kirkman Jackson, Gen. Bibb | Graves and others.
 For delegate from the state at large | Maj. w. ". Screws Is being prominent | ly mentioned. Men who live in Mont l