The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-06
Thinks Would be a Serious
Blow to Retire Under
wood or Clayton
SURE THAT HOBSON
CANNOT BE ELECTED
States That He Has Been Very Re-
liably Informed J. Thomas Heflin
Will Enter the Race-Re-
turns to Montgomery

Extreme regret was expressed yester-
day by Gov. Emmett oNeal over develop
ments in the Alabama senatorial situa-
ton. He was here yesterday as the
guest of w. p. G. Harding, president of
the First National bank The governor
left yesterday afternoon for Montgomery
ON train two hours behind time.
He complimented very highly the an
nouncement made yesterday morning by
Congressman O. W. Underwood of his
candidacy for the Senate. He did not
make any statement about the man he
will support, but as stated heretofore
the governor is for Henry d. Clayton, his
appointee for the unexpired term of the
late Senator Joseph Johnston.
Governor O'Neal said he was here try
ing to lease 80 acres of coal land which
is about eight miles from town. He said
he did not come here to hear Gypsy Smith
preach, as the states business was too
exacting for such trip, yet he did try to
get into the tabernacle, but was unable
to do SO on account of the tremendous
crowd. The governor said he did not con-
fer with Mr.. Harding in reference to the
states finances. or any other topics of
administration, but discussed general ar
fairs with his banker friend of Birming-
ham.
Liked Underwood Statement
- thought the statement of Congress-
man Underwood very modest and we'll
tempered" said Governor O'Neal. II am
very sorry indeed to see our friends get
ting mixed up on the sena torship. 1t
would be very serious blow to this state
If either Mr.. Underwood or Mr.. Clayton
were retired from Congress. They head
the two most important committees in
the Congress and have brought much
dignity upon this commonwealth. I do
not believe that all the entries have been
announced | was talking to Ollie James
of Kentucky in Washington a few days
ago. He told me that J. Thomas Heflin
was seriously thinking of making the
race, and 1 believe Mr.. James is the
closest friend Mr.. Hef1in has in Washing
ton. Mr.. Heflin is very able man and
decidedly more useful than Hobson. If
the race is three cornered and neither Mr.
Underwood or Mr.. Clayton or Mr. Hob
son secures a majority, l believe the
race or run off will be between Mr.. I'm
derwood and Mr.. CLAYTON. 7 do not think
that the people of this state will elect
Hobson. III such thing were to happen
| would be tempted to believe that the
people of Alabama were incapable of self
government l would be willing to return
to the convention plan or boss rule Hob
son, however is an indefatigable cam
paigner and that counts for something
with great many.
Alabama Situation
In connection with the senatorial sit
uation in this state. it may be expected
that Mr.. Underwood and Mr.. CLAYTON
both will be home soon. Governor O'Neal
said yesterday that Mr.. Clayton told him
recently in Washington that he would
be here soon. j. Thomas Hefin is now
in the state and the governor was told
yesterday by Harvey w. Laird that Mr..
Helm would be here during the next few
days. Captain Hobson is campaigning
now in south Alabama. while Mr. I'm
derwood is expected home after short
rest in Atlantic City.
As soon as Mr.. Underwood reaches
home, 1t was announced again yesterday
by Henry r. Howe of the district con-
gressional committee. a meeting will be
called of that committee. The acting
chairman said he did not anticipate that
any change would be made in plans that
have already been made which were that
Nh. Underwood was to be here before
any caal was issued or meeting held Mr..
Howe, who Is acting since the retirement
of Judge Ed Campbell is expected to be
elected chairman.