The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
JUNK|NG FORD BID |. l. ?. BLUNDER, SAYS UNDERWOOD
Senator States Detroit Mans Offer Best Ever Made Any
 Government
TENNESSEE VALLEY RUREAU
 THE AGE-HERAED

Adjourning politics out of respect to the memory of political ad versary whom he loved, Senator Os- car W. Underwood, Alabamas offer ing for the democratic nomination for President, tonight discussed for near ly an hour the relation of the po- litical situation in Europe to the eco homie life of America. bringing his address before an overflow local au- dience to close with a plea for ac- ceptance of the offer of Henry Ford for Muscle Shoals.
 Senator Underwt cd launched forth into discuss dn of the European 7tuImoil almost immediately after be- ginning his address. "Pll change the scenes" he said. T had intended to make political speech, but I shall talk about economic conditions in stead. because my friend. our Presi- dent, has passed" Senator Under wt cd took up the treaty of Versailles and while declaring he never had said it was perfect 1t was the best treaty ZI warning nations would make. He referred to the pride he felt in hay ing asked its acceptance The sena- tor pictured gloomy picture of conditions among the masses in Euro pean countries, where he recently visited.
 Lack of stabilized governments have caused lack of stabilized fi- nance, lack of stabilizatitn to busi- ness and general unrest and until America brings this stabilization back, he said, America also faces eco- homie danger, which grows hourly worse.
 America abroad is considered a quitter, he said. because we have not ratified the treaty of Versailles. Al though Germany has invaded the fields of France 39 times in centuries past he said, France gave up terri torial claims which she sought to make her border safe, when the treaty was signed. England made concessions under the treaty he pointed out, but America never has put the treaty into effect.
 As France Sees Us.
 If you think you are proud of your government" the senator declared. Ego to France. They believe We haven't stood where cur soldiers stood" More men are under arms in Europe today than there were during the world conflict, the speaker said. He saw no hope for untanglng the European muddle. until American people understand the situation" and demand that America do her part toward stabilizing the government Of the world, opening the market of the world and providing market TOT her own produce.
 Temporary agricultural relief meas ures will not solve the problem Tor the American farmer, he said put q way must be found to have Europe absorb the surplus which she wants, but has no money to buy. "The peace of the world" Is Americas duty to the world. in the opinion of the speaker.
 Called Greatest Mistake.
 Turning swiftly to domestic affairs, Senator Underwood said he did net like to make predic tions, but he be- lieved of all the mistakes the re- publicans have made, the failure 10 accept the offer of Henry Ford for Muscle Shoals was the greatest.
 He painted a vivid picture of the need of this nation for nitrate and declared the belief that few If any of the local business men would make an equally as attractive offer as Ford's if the amounts involved were reduced to hundreds of dollars in- stead of millions.
 The senator pointed out that Ford agreed to furnish 10000 tons of con centrated nitrogen year in and year out, notwithstanding the fact that science is changing methods con Stantly. and the present nitrate plant might have to be scrapped dozens Of times before the expiration of the 100-year lease.
 Characterizng the Ford offer as one of the best ever offered any gov ernmelt, Senator Underwood said ne believed opportunity would be pro vided soon for vote on it's accept ance.