Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-12-12
|HOBSON CR|nClSES
LEADER UNDERWOOD
Injects Alabama Politics Into
Discussion of the Pro-
hibition Question.
Colloquy Between Rivals for U 5
Senate Creates Uproar on Floor
and in Galleries.

With the galleries of the House filled
yesterday afternoon with women wearing
w. c. r. u ribbons of white. and men
of the Anti-Saloon League wearing the
stainless flag buttons of their organiza-
ton, Representative Richmond Pearson
Hobson of Alabama, author of the pro-
posal that the Constitution be amended to
provide nationwide prohibition took the
opportunity to attack his political riva.,
Representative Underwood of Alabama,
by charging that the majority leader is
working for the liquor interests. The
uproar following extended from the floor
to the galleries, and shouts from the
visiting throngs commingled with the din
upon the floor. while Representative
Moon, temporary speaker, endeavored to
restore order.
Representative Hobson had at last sue
ceeded in getting about an hour to intro
duce the petitions and memorials which
have accumulated this week from the
anti-liquor forces assembled here.
Discusses Alabama Politics.
In presenting them ne referred to the
economic and scientific side of the liquor
question, but jumped into Alabama
pOtilICS-Se1ldtOIidi pOHliCS, III WIHCu lie
and Mr. Underwood are now interested
with these words:
Il know that there are men in my
party who differ with me. and I think
our party should consider this question
now carefully at this, the opening stage.
We have great leaders who have taken
different views; a democratic leader, q
great Aiabaman recently announced at
Dothan. Ala, in effect. that II prohibition
continues to be injected into democratic
politics, either prohibition will be ground
into dust Sc the democratic party
will die. If misquote the gentleman he
is present. l hope he will correct me. The
report Of the speech practically announces
that, and / refer to 1t here because the
gentleman referred to being the floor
leader of the majority of this House, in
sense became the spokesman of the dem
ocratic party.
My friends. / do not take second place
TO any man In love of his party; certainly
not to any man who thinks that mis-
party's life lies in the hands Of the liquor
interests. But ct me tell you-fOr we
might as well draw the line--if the demo-
cratic party can only live by joining the
liquor interests, to debauch the American
people, then in Gods name let it die
Gallery Crowds Cheer.
Representative Hobson evinced great
excitement as he said these words, and
his fists were shaking almost in the very
faces of the men near him. while the
gallery crowds roared. cheered and
stamped feet 1t was many seconds be-
fore the noise quieted. but as Representa-
tive Underwood arose, both republicans
and democrats on the floor applauded
him.
I regret that the gentleman from Ala
bana, he said. I'm presenting the pc
tition of the people to Congress in the
splendid Grafton that he is delivering
should have drawn itno his speech par
tai statement Of mine that misinterprets
what 1 did say"
Mr.. Hobson replied that he thought he
had been justified in his remarks, and
that he had correctly quoted Mr.. Under
wood, suggesting that the latter be given
AL the time ne wanted to interpret his
remarks to the House Cheers came
from the gallery and Mr.. Underwood
again arose.
MI. Underwood's Rejoinder.
4 am not going to detain this House
now" he said. 1.-The gentleman from
Alabama has made a partial statement
that did not reflect my views
i do not think that the floor of this
house. with public business before us, is
the proper place for the gentleman and
myself to Grag our personal differences.
l occupy the position of the leader or his
party in this House. and / cannot. &C.
cupyInG that position. engage iii a per-
sonal controversy with the gentleman
from Alabama, as il might work injury
to the party.
When the gentleman attempts To in
Ject a personal issue here he INJURIES
MS own cause IN the estimation of many
OF his own people. l hope for the balance
OF the time that we are engaged in per-
sonal political conflict that he will let 1t
be fought out in the fields OF politics and
let US devote our time here to discussion
OF pubic business without injecting into
1t our personal differences
Mr.. HobSon declared that the issue had
become national question; that the SEN