The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-15
S[AYDEN TALKS
 OF UNDERWOOD Texans Statements Rally ing Behind Alabamian IS SECOND CHOICE
States That Nearly All Clark, Wilson and Harmon Supporters Will Flock To Underwood After
 First Few Ballots
By WALTER HARPER

Washington, April 14-(S (Special.)- The availability {. of Majority Leader Oscar Underwood for the democratic presidential nomination Is being con ceeded daily by members of Congress who have been identified with the fol- lowings of other candidates. Today Representative Slayden of Texas, pri- marily Harman man. gave out an interview in which he speaks of a pos sibility of compromise on the Ala bama statesman. More statements from Texans who have been consid- cred as firmly fixed in their support of other democratic presidential as- pirants indicating leaning to Under wood are expected to follow.
 Turn To Underwood
 Those democrats who have been at tached 10 the Wilson, procession are more likely to turn to Underwood in the event of-the rejection of their first choice than they are to accept Clark and if 1t shall be seen that Harmon Is out of the race, the Harmonites will enlist with the growing Underwood army.
 One of the most ardent Wilson men in the Texas delegation Is Representa- tive William R. Smith, but despite his attitude MT Smith has admitted to se- eral questioners that he considers Os- car Underwood one of the best equipped men for the democratic standard bearer. MT. Smith has not ment to this effect, but his opinion on this point cannot be a secret, as 1t has been imparted to more than three persons.
 Slayden's Statement
 MT. Slayden's statement follows:
 "I am a democrat and hope for the success of my party. When Governor Harmon was reelected by majority of more than 100. .000, l said, and have frequently said since, that I regarded him as the most available man to nominate. l believe now that he can be elected. Beyond a doubt he can carry Ohio and New York, and peo- pie who are politically wise in Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware, Indiana, Missouri and Connecticut say that he can get the electoral votes of those states also. Add these oNthe southern states and he will have votes to spare. The northwest l do not figure on, nor even such states as Colorado. MODtdnd ana NeNdOa mat are more often democratic than the reverse.
 Support Underwood
 Until lately I have not thought that Underwood could secure the support of the states I have named. But I have changed my mind. Many northern men in and out of Congress are declaring their readiness to support the Alabama man. When I asked one If Underwood's southern birth and residence would initiate against him he said, You southern people have been coming in at the back gate and eating in the kitchen so long that you have forgot ten that you have a right to enter through the front door and sit at the first table He said positively that 1t would not hurt him.
 Now 1t does appear that at least we can seriously consider putting the south on the political map of the union. If we had a southern man in the White House we might say, Now, Indeed, is the union restored
 "Underwood's friends think he is the man to do the trick and certainly the Illinois rejection of Wilson seems to offer an opportunity"