The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-11-16
UNDERWOOD SPEAKS
TO A PACKED HOUSE
AT NEW DECATUR
Senatorial Candidate Given
Enthusiastic Reception.
Introduced by Promi-
nent PrOhibitiOnist

Decatur, November 15.-(speeInI.)
Oscar W. Underwood spoke to a packed
house at the Masonic theatre, New De-
catur, tonight. Many people left, not
being able TO get even standing room.
The theatre was filled with men and
women hour before the speaking q
commenced.
Mr.. Underwood was introduced by
Capt. Sam Blackwell. ex-mayor of New
Decatur, and the recognized prohibi-
tion leader of this county for many
years. He denied in most emphatic
terms that he had forsaken the pro-
hibition cause by supporting Mr.. Tn
derwood as some had charged
He said Mr.. Underwood had sup
ported every prohibition measure in
Congress and that the salvation of
the democratic party three years hence
depended largely upon the election
of MIR Underwood to the Senate at
this time to carry out democratic
pledges. He was loudly applauded.
Applause Deafening
Mr.. Underwood arose amidst n deaf
ening applause and he was compelled
to stand several minutes before quiet
could be had. The house was with
him by a large majority, there We're
many cries of Underwood Under
wood
Il should say that ] was not sur
prised when my distinguished oppon-
ent made the charge against me that
am the tool OF the whisky trust and
of Wall street because he had made
similar charges against every man
who ever ran against him including
Senator Josston, senator Bankhead
and others" said Underwood
He challenged any man to get up
and say he believed him the tool OF
Wall street and the whisky interest,
and the challenge was unaccepted.
Then" added Mr.. Underwood, 'ff
you won't make the charge against me
here, don't make it behind my back
l stand on the liquor question where
President Wilson and Secretary Bryan
stand today"
He said as leader of the House he
could have defeated the Webb anti-ship-
ping bill by bringing up other bills and
occupying the time before Congress ad-
journed, but fe favored the bill, because
1t was democratic; that it was in the line
of self government. He said the prohibi-
tion question had nothing to do with this
race as an amendment TO the national
constitution for nation wide prohibition
would have to be adopted by vote of
the state and that sufficient number
OF states during the next six years would
not favor it to make it a law.
Tariff Bill Discussed
lie said the tariff bill would result in
one of the greatest rellefs for the peo-
pie of any legislation of recent years,
but that 1t would take some little time
to feel the real effects of II. To some
extent he reviewed his record in Congress
for the past 10 years.
Mr. Underwood was somewhat hoarse,
having spoken constantly for several
days past in this section of the state,
sometimes making two and three speeches
a day. Judging from the applause and
the cheering the crowd here tonight was
entirely with him. 4 brass band. em-
ployed by the Underwood clubs of the
Decaturs, paraded before the speaking.
Captain Hobson speaks here Monday
night. and 1t is reported tonight that ex-
Governor Patterson of Tennessee will
also be here Monday night in Captain
Hobson's behalf.