The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-01-26
Those Who knitted Under
wood Might Have Trou-
BILE in Confirmation
STATE DELEGATIONS
TO HAVE MUCH POWER
Wilson Has Everyone Guessing as to
His plans But Is Expected to
Rely Much on Senators
and Congressman
by HUGH w. ROBERTS


The birth of clubs of Original Wilson
raen' in Alabama. Missouri, Ohio, and
other states which at the Baltimore con-
vention presented candidates for the
nomination, has attracted
attention and provoked rsore
amusement in Washington. The report
that in Montgomery sometime ago
there occurred a meeting of certain
prominent citizens the object of which
was to provide methods for the dispen-
sation of federal patronage in that state
has reached the city, and has not failed
to cause a smile or a laugh wherever
heard.
The Original Wilson men," IL ths
opinion of members of Congress counts
for anything, are destined to be disap-
pointed. For it is held here that il
President-elect Wilson should heed The
call of those who, contrary to the vii
of the people of their states, in sly
manner and covert fashion. supported Mr.
Wilson, the President -to-be will find 1t a
matter of exceeding difficulty to have his
appointees confirmed in the Senate
Attitude of Wilson
Mr. Wilson has not made known his
Plans in regard to anything. 1t is taken
for granted, however. that he Will make
no appointment in any state without con-
snlting the representatives of that state.
For instance. it is believed in Washing
ten. that before the President-elect nomi-
mates any man for Federal appointn j.
in Alabama, he will consult Congressman
Underwood, the leader of the party, and
Senators Bankhead and Johnston.
Those close to Wilson, those who
claim to know the man, contend that he
does not look with especial favor on
the original Wilson mem in those states
which had presidential candidates. These
men hold that Mr.. Wilson, despite his
PROFESSIONAL temperament, is so big in
mental view that he thinks the men in
Alabama who supported Underwood in
accordance with the instruction of the
people expressed in primary, acted prop
erly. and not those, who. for some un-
toward reasons, outwardly and visibly
supported Underwood. and quietly and
covertly sought to knife him.
Dispensation of Patronage
AS stated above. Mr.. Wilson has not
intimated how he will dispense the pa
1t is believed, however. that
from Alabama agree among themselves,
and that when the delegation presents its
to him. he will approve If.
and send It In for confirmation.
Should this plan be adopted. the dele
cation would divide among it's friends
the 10 biggest plums In such manner that
each member of the delegation would
have some word in the settlement OF tho
various contests. The postofftces would
be filed by the congressman save those
In Jasper and Birmingham. Senator
IL the above plan Is followed.
would have the right to name the post
offices OF his home city. Jasper. aid
Senator Johnston would name the post
of Birmingham,
This plan has been followed by pre-
ceding presidents and IL Is believed In
official circles that IL will be adhered
to by Wison--this despite the fact that
Wilson has not uttered a word, or by IN
made a promise.
Leaders Are Guessing
AS a matter OF fact, Mr., Wilson has
everybody in Washington, be he gem
ator or a congressman or simply an APP
plicant for office. guessing And strange
to say each of the big guns is looking
with certain suspicion on each other
Each knows that Wilson has told him
nothing and each fears that the Presi-
1ent-eIect has not been so reticent with
the others.
1t is the consensus of opinion, however
That Wilson has given no intimation of
ais plans in regard to patronage or the
.abinet, unless he has whispered into
he ear of Bryan an invitation as a
result of which the Nebraskan will serve
IS Secretary of State.
As rule, those who will be aces in
he deck following the inauguration of
he new President are restraining their
'eyerish anxiety in mastery fashion.
1utwardly everyone is calm, despite the
inward furnace which is beainns red
lot. The applicants for cabinet posi-
ions are pulling wires every day. but
are meeting with little satisfaction. AS
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