The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-30

scheduled intention of reporting the amendment. But MT Underwood was in the position of the child who had been burned and entertained a wholesome re- speet for the fire. He declined
 II is probably wise that he did de- cline. For had he urged the committee to withhold it's report, the cry might have gone abroad-as other cries in a recent political campaign went abroad- that but for the activity of Leader Un- derwood, the grail would have been dis covered.
 Then would have followed an exhaus- tiNe campaign throughout the country, IT Which that agitation dear to the heart of the professional agitator deep dyed In the blue of the faith, would have caused considerable animosity, and re- suited in the gathering of luscious sum of campaign money.
 So Mr. Underwood declined to inter- fere. In declining. he suggested that the leaders in the cause pull their own chest nuts from the fire. This in all probability they have done.
 The prohibition question in Congress has been regarded without personal in- terest by those who were certain of the direction in which they would cast their ballots But in Congress, there are a number of splendid little '.trimmers." They have not committed themselves direct
 
 cerning their '1nclinations."
 Just watch me vote,'' is the standard injunction.
 Among this collection of statesmen there has been the keenest anxiety. As a matter of fact, President Wilson has kept them SD closely in Washington that they have not had an opportunity to find out the sentiment "back home" And the feeling os the people lat home" in regard to this enthraling question is of great moment at the present time when in all the doubt 1ui states campaigns are on and raging. A considerable number of democrats are des- tined to lose their seats. No man is willing to surrender his berth, and therefore every one is proceeding in regard to prohibition with a marvellous degree e6 care.
 As a result there is no doubt but that there is satisfaction in that it now seems doubtful that the amendment will appear this session. If it goes over. it's defeat will only be more overwhelming and more significant.
 Alabama, when the time comes, will cast a heavy majority of it's 10 votes against nation-w prohibition
 It is generally understood that not more than two votes will be in favor of that new wrinkle" of the agitators. It is con sidered not improbable that Captain Hob son will be the only Alabamian in the House to espouse the cause.
 It is believed that the majority of the members of Congress are dry local op- tionists. Many men who would vote in their counties against the licensed sale of liquor will vote against the Hobson meas- ure. The Texas delegation, for example, is made up it is said. of prohibitionists with probably two exceptions. And yet, it is contended. that of that delegation only two votes will be cast-perhaps only one-for the nationwide prohibition amendment
 Colonel Musgrove declared to an Age- Herald reporter me days ago in the east that the prohibitionists would certainly make the entire country dry"
 A third party interposed a suggestion to the effect that that consummation would be reached too late for the present race to enjoy it's blessings.
 Colonel Musgrove replied: No; sooner than you think"
 The third party then suggested that the Hobson amendment would not only min imize the cost of living, but the desire. The Jasper magnate simply smiled.