The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-09-17
RedoubtabIe Congressman
in Birmingham Last
Night to Make Train
MISSISSIPPI FIGHT
PROMISES TO STIR
NATIONS INTEREST
vardaman's Opposition to
Wilson's Policies Expect
ed to Draw Issues Sharply
and Clearly

The "redoubtable" Pat Harrison, for
the purpose of firing the first gun in
the battle of "the people against James
K. vardaman.' passed through Bir-
mingham last night en- route to his
home.
The representative of the Gulfport
district declares that Senator Varda-
man, because of his pacific if not pro
German attitude. is unworthy to wear
ermine bestowed by the people of Mis-
sissippi. He will deliver during a brief
absence from Washington several adj
dresses which he believes will precipi-
tate a campaign which promises to be
characterized by bitterness.
Representative Harrison. alighting
from the five-hour late Birmingham
Special, made close connection with the
Alabama Great Southern, Meridian
bound. 1t had been his purpose to
spend several hours in Birmingham
with Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Dent Eleventh
avenue and Twelfth street.
TO PRESS THE BATTLE
At the station Mr.. Harrison declared
that it was his intention of pressing
the campaign every hour of it's exist
ence. He is earnestly convinced that
Senator Vardaman's alleged anti
American attitude constitutes a reflec-
ton on the people of Mississippi. He
believes that the people will retire the
senator.
Il have entered the fight" said Mr.
Harrison, for the purpose of winning.
T will carry the battle into the terri
tory of the enemy, and press the en-
gagement every inch of the way. 1
know how the people of the country
lieve the people of Mississippi are like
wise impressed. If my presumption is
true, they will defeat him.
1.-THE country is engaged In a serious
war with the greatest militaristic pow
er the world has known. 1t is neces-
sary that every man in Congress give
the administration his heartiest sup
port. Any man who stands out against
his country-or who opposes policies
and plans of his country-should be
repudiated.
FIGHT TO BE BITTER
The senatorial fight in Mississippi
promises to be one to attract the at
tention of the nation. Senator Varda-
man is regarded as an able. vigorous
and fearless campaigner. Mr.. Harri-
son is considered an eloquent orator
with record of faithful and patriotic
service. Ex-Governor Noel. recognized
as an able man. is also a candidate
There is no question but that the
campaign will be based on the record
made by Senator Vardaman since the
war clouds first gathered and broke
He was one OF the small coterie OF
willfui men" who. last March, defeat
ed armed neutrality. Since, he has
been consistent in his stand against
legislation proposed by the administra-
ton for the successful conduct of the
war. sra
In Washington, where preparations
for the Mississippi campaign are close
ly scrutinized, the consensus of opin-
ion is that Vardaman will be defeated
unless the vardaman following, for
merly very strong, stands intact Bit
1terly antagonistic to the selective
draft operations. that Vardaman cam
not win unless Mississippi is opposed
to the Wilson administration and con-
tinued vigorous prosecution of the war
against Germany.
WHY HARRISON ENTERED
Mr.. Harrison had Just a moment to
discuss the situation, and he refraineG
from repeating and confirming the cur
rently reported story of his entrance
into the field.
John Sharp Williams senior sena-
tor from Mississippi, formally >de-
clares that he will not stand for re-
election. Friends of Mr. Harrison sug-
gesred that he await the expiration OF
Senator Williams term. and step into
his shoes as the logical legatee. Mr.
Harrison, however declaring that on
account of the record OF Vardaman,
Mississippi in the present must be re-
deemed abandoned dream of a sensa-
torial berth without the necessity OF
sacrifice OF his seat in Congress, lew
eled his lance against vardaman.
Governor Bilbo has announced him
self candidate for the lower House
Of Congress to succeed Mr.. Harrison
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