The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-24
Senatorial Issue Becomes
Quiescent as Result of
the Attitude in
Washington
BRUSHES BETWEEN
O'NEAL AND HOBSON
Exchange of Statements About Nor
ris Hotel Conversation Have
Been Subject of Some
Live Reading

Live Reading
The so-called senatorial nuddle is in a
state of "statu ouo," and will probably
remain in that state for some days to
come. It was first reported out of WASH
ington that the question of whether OF
not the appointment of Henry D. Clay
ton was constitutional will not be an
swered until after the passage of the
tariff legislation. This report, IL true.
indicates that the democrats are certain
that the Underwood bill will be enacted
into law. despite the close margin by
which at the present time. the democrats
rule in the Senate.
1t has later been reported, however that
the Alabama case" may be considered
Wednesday night. A qnietus on the reign
of excitement In Alabama has occurred,
and Capt Richmoad Pearson Hobson, who
since the death of Senator Johnston had
been conducting his campaign in Ala
bama, has returned to Washington.
O'Neal-Hobson Issue
In regard to the senatorial situation, the
livest feature after the appointment of
Mr.. Clayton has been the exchange of
compliments between Governor O'Neal
and Captain Ifobson. Following the ap-
pointment of Mr.. Clayton, Captain Hob
son, in a formad card. criticised the chief
executive for refraning from calling a
special election. and charged that the APP
pointment was made as result of a con-
spiracy to prevent his own election. The
governor in reply stated that Captain
Hobson had advised him that he had the
right to make a temporary appointment.
that he had so advised the governor. The
governor again replied, still contending
that Hobson had so advised.
Captain Hobson prepared his third card
and returned to Washington, having been
called back to duty after a whirlwind cam
paign of two weeks. Although the gov
ernor has left the state, that the next in
ming at the bat is his will in all prob
ability be generally recognized.
An Interesting Deduction
Interesting excerpts from letters OF
Hobson and the governor follows:
Through The Age-Herald Captain Hob
son, on the morning of August 12, in way
of denying a report. had the following to
say:
ANY such rumor, Mr.. Editor, as far as
I am concerned. was and is entirely er-
roneous. The quoted paragraph, coupled
with what follows. also conveys the inn
preston that my friends were in the
midst of a political scramble that took
place yesterday over the appointment of
senator. I took no part in any such un-
seemly or ghoulish scramble, neither did
my friends for me-"
Last Sunday morning Governor ONeal,
in The Age-Herald, was quoted as follows:
Il left Montgomery for Birmingham last
Saturday night to attend Senator John
ston's funeral. and arrived in Birming-
ham at midnight. The following morning
went down to breakfast at 3 o'clock,
and. the first man met in the lobby was
Captain Hobson. Captain Hobson said he
wished to confer with me for a few min
utes with reference to the senatorial sit
uation. l told him that ! was going TO
breakfast, but that I would be glad to
talk with him before doing so'
Sought Governor Out
Tuesday morning Captain Hobson, in Is
suing a reply to the statement of the
governor printed Sunday had the follow
ing to say:
Hearing that certain sinister interests
would endeavor to dissuade him 0he gov
ernor), I sought him out for the express
purpose of reiterating my approval of his
decision. In my conversation with him |
insisted from the start that the proper
plan was a. special election"
Friday morning Governor ONeal, in his
reply to Captain Hobson, threw the fol-
lowing additional light on the situation:
Captain Hobson was the first gentleman
who accosted me after reached the lobby
of the Morris hotel on Sunday morning on
my way to breakfast and requested an
immediate interview. I informed him that
had not eaten breakfast, but that if the
business was urgent would see him at
once. and accordingly retired to some
seats in a secluded portion of the lobby
Captain Hobson asked me at once If
intended to call an election to fill the un-
expired term of Senator Johnston"
Reference to Underwood
There has been speculation as to
whether or not Congressman Underwood
would be senatorial candidate in the
special election, should one be called. Mr.
Underwood has written that he would not
enter a special election, but that he might
become a candidate in the general elec-
ton.
The general presumption is that should
Mr.. Clayton be seated under the authority
of his present credentials, or should he
be successful In the event of special
election, Mr.. Underwood would not be a
candidate in the general election. 1t Is
believed, however, that should Hobson be
successful in a special election he would
be opposed in the general election by the
leader OF the party
1t is taken for granted in Alabama that
Mr. Heflin in view OF the fact that MI.
CLAYTON will be a candidate should spe-
cial election be called will not <eavor TO
secure the place himself.
LETTERS TO EDITOR