The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-01-21
UNDERSTAND CONDITIONS

The friends of Senator Underwood are not deceived about the conditions in Jef- ferson county. They realize that strong effort has been made to organize the abor forces solidly against him because of his position on the Cummins bill and ether railroad legislation. They realize that an organized effort has been made to register and qualify all of these forces to vote in the coming primary ana eiec- tion, and that in some quarters the be- lief is general that they will be a unit against Senator Underwood.
 The position of Senator Underwood on railroad legislation is not in doubt in Alabama. He made himself perfectly clear in the address he made on his re- cent visit to this city. Friends Of the senator contend that his position IS un- answera ble, that his position is logical and the only proper one to take. They express the belief that instead of hurt ing himself by his stand he has really strengthened himself politically. and that his attitude will result in the active sup mort of the great mass of people over the state. especially the business men and | the farmers.
 Another important development of the past week which may have some effect I of the race was the vote of the senatorial caucus on the selection of /, minority Header. Friends of Senator Underwood are highly gratified at the result. They declare that regardless of the final out come Senator Underwood has won great personal victory.
 Underwood supporters pointed out the fact that never before has senator even been considered for the leadrship in ms | first term and that the tie vote was high tribute to the ability, service and qualities of leadership shown by the l Alabaman They also declare that in spite of the fact that the majority Of the caucus had voted to invite Senator Glass. an Underwood supporter, to particlpate | in the selection, Senator Underwood de- olned. in the interest of party harmony | to allow the invitation to be extended' | But for this consideration it is certain that he would already be leader of the minority by a majority of one vote
 COMPLIMENT TO UNDERWOOD
 | Even should Senator Underwood event.
 ually be defeated for the leadership by
 1 Senator Hitchcock, it is considered cer-
 tain now that no effort will be made by
 his opponents to inject the minority lead l ership fight into the contest The vote
 l could hardly be construed as being other
 than complimentary to the Alabama sen
 ator and recognition of his position as
 1 one of the few leaders of the democratic
 l party.
 Il What is pronounced by well-versed
 politicians as the sf1reWdest move vel
 made by the Musgrove forces was the
 selection of Judge Henry B. Foster of
 | Tuscaloosa as state campaign manager
 Less than two years ago Judge Foster
 lirected the campaign of Judge William
 | w. Brandon when he came so near to
 defeating Thomas E. Kilby for the gov
 ernorship-
 Regardless of what effect this appoint
 ment may have. it is construed as ar effort to solidfy a large part of the Brandon personal following and bring
 about their support of MT. Musgrove Judge Foster is one of the best knowr
 men in public life of the state. Fol practically two decades he has been 2 trustee of the University of Alabama and as member of the executive commit tee and resident trustee at Tuscaloosa he has played large part in the con duct of that institution.
 For many years he has been . leader in religious affairs of the state, has beer