Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-10-26
Has Hard Fight on His Hands
for Primary Nomination
for Senate.
REFUSAL TO WAGE STUMP
CAMPAIGN HURTS CHANCES
Victory Generally Predicted Outside
Alabama, But Outlook in State
Is Different.
. oecisl Dispatch 10 The Star.


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. October 25-Not
wen the rousing reception given Repre-
sentative .. W. Underwood. chairman OF
The ways and means committee of the
House rendered by the citizens of Birm-
ingham with many others in the state
On his return Friday to his home town,
has discouraged the following of Capt.
Richmond Pearson Hobson in his race
or the United States Senate in the
democratic primary next spring. Few
men have been given enthusiastic a
reception as Mr.. Underwood. He was
welcomed by the representative element
IF this section. What effect this will
lave on his senatorial campaign re-
mains TO be seen.
Faces a Hard Fight.
Strange as it may seem. Underwood.
with one of the most brilliant records
for constructive achievement which has
been made i'll Congress for several de-
cades. has hard fight to win the SEN
atorial prize. The situation presents a
remarkable aspect to people outside the
state. Recognizing UnderwoodS ability
and accomplishments, practically all the
newspapers OF influence outside of Ala
bama express confidence OF his success
for senator. and do not regard Hobson S
aspirations III a serious light. Demo-
Gratis outside of Alabama are almost a
unit for Underwood on his merits.
Inside the state. however. whence come
the Votes. it is admitted by many of the
best political observers that If Under
wood wins it will be only after a vigor-
Gus fight. While Hobson's recent at
tacks on Underwood. whom he charged
with being dummy in the hands of
Wall street and the liquor interests.
have weakened him with many business
men who think for themselves, these
tactics have made a strong appeal in
maiiy rural districts of the state where
prohibition il set up as the issue in every
political campaign. and has gained a
willing ear among many who follow that
paganda blindly.
Hobson Strong in Country.
Hobson's strength lies largely in his
remarkable success as II campaigner. He
can cover more ground. make more
speeches and arouse more enthusiasm
among ruralites than any man in the
state. His campaign was strongly organ
ICED before Underwood announced his
candidacy. He Will pursue Il persistent
wi,irlwi,id canvass, and take every
advantage OF UnderwoodS absence.
Underwood has announced that he will
stay the job at Washington. leaving
his claims in the hands of his friends.
Sbrcwed political observers admit that if
this program is adhered to the ways
and means chairman. despite his splendid
record in Congress. will have hard
fight, and that IL is doubtful il he can
overcome the force of his adversary
personal canvass.
At this time the situation presents it.
self as one of everybody outside the
state for Underwood. but a sharp di-
vision between the business interests OF
the state for Underwood and the rural
voters of stray prohibition views quite
largely for IIobson.
Underwood Will Not Stump.
1t is predicted that if Underwood would
come home and make a vigorous speak
ing campaign he would strengthen him.
self sufficiently to win in the primary
Ue has refused TO DO this, and there lies
the element of uncertainty. His election
to the Senate under these circumstances.
while advocated with unanimity outside
the state and almost unanimously pre-
dicted by the newspapers OF the country,
is looked upon as doubtful by the most
astlte political observers of Alabama.
who realize the Importance attached to
personal campaign methods. II would not
ed unless he changes his mind and meets
The 'hurrsth boys are very strong i'm
AlabaIna. and they arc already demand
Ing to see the color of Underwoods eyes.