The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-09-09
One More Reason Why Mr..
Underwood Will Decide to
Run for Senate
HOBSON COHORTS
ALREADY ACTIVE
Understood Musgrove Is Soon to Issue
Statement Calling Attention to
Ryan's Contribution to Under
wood Campaign Fund

The formal statement issued through
The Age-Herald yesterday morning BY
Senator Bankhcad in which it was rep
resented that in reference to the Ala
hama senatorial muddle." the repub-
leans were prepared to observe party
lines and the democrats were applying
10 the seventeenth amendment construc-
ticns of personal opinions was taken to
mean that in the estimation of best
posted politicians in Washington, Henry
d. Clayton, appointed by the governor
viii not be seated.
Inasmuch as it has always been re-
garded as certain that Oscar W. Under
wood. leader of the party, would not be-
come a candidate for the Senate in the
event that Mr. Clayton was seated. the
statement OF Senator Bankhead is con
strued to mean that another possible OH
stacle in the way of the Underwood can
didacy was practically removed. AS 1t IS,
it is generally believed now that following
the passage of the tariff legislation, Mr..
Underwood will declare himself candl-
date for the Senate.
There has nos been raised IN Alabama
single voice carrying an expression of
opinion to the end that there is a possi-
bility of Mr.. trrderwood's defeat.
Both Would Not Run
H. the event that Mr.. Underwood be-
comes a candidate, 1t is not believed that
Mr.. Clayton will run before the people
Although Mr.. Clayton is of unquestioned
strength, Of such strength that it is be-
lieved he could with comparative ease de
feat Congressman Richmond Pearson
Hobson in u single handed campaign it
is considered certain that with Under
wood in the field. ne could not be success
full.
Friends OF the two distinguished Ala
bamans attribute two reasons why Mr..
Clayton viii, according to the general be-
lief, refrain from opposing Mr.. Under
wood. The first of these is the esteem in
which Mr.. Clayton holds Mr.. Underwood.
and the second, the fact that Mr. Clay
ton would realize the improba bility of his
victory with Underwood in the field.
Mr. Clayton's risk in such a, campaign
would be momentous. He has repre-
scented the Third congressional district
for many years and may return, it is
generally believed. as long as he desires.
He is recognized as of the strong
men and real leaders in Congress, ana
is chairman of the second greatest COM
Inittee of the House, that Of the judi
ciary.
With the probability OF the loss of these
honors staring him in the face, 1t is De-
lieved that IN addition to reasons Of
Friendship, Mr. Clayton will decline to
oppose Mr.. Underwood in case the Ninth
district congressman decides TO enter the
race.
Preparations to Check Boom
From what could be gathered in the
Hobson camp last night, there seem to
be preparations under way to check the
Underwood boom in its incpiency, or 10
prepare to resist the popular wave in
favor of the distinguished leader of the
party In the event that he should become
a candidate.
1t is said that l.. B. Musgrove Mr. Hob
sons campaign manager. will issue
statement in the near future dealing with
Congressman Underwood and that in the
statement the names of Senator Bank
head and Thomas f. Ryan will appear.
1t is possible that reference will be
made to the fact that Mr.. Ryan contrib
rted to the campaign fund of Mr. Under
wood when the Alabamian was candi-
date for the presidential nomination. 1t
is also understood that in the statement
reference will be made to the relative
standing in the regard of congressman
from other states of Congressman Tn
derwood and Congressman Hobson.
Mr.. Hobson rs in Alabama at the pros
ent time waging his campaign for the
senatorial seat made vacant by the death
of Senator Johnston. He was in Bir
minsham last night and Will today begin
a tour of the Sixth district with a corps
of government experts.