The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-29
UNDERWOOD GOES BACKFORTY YEARS. DURING HIS TALK
(Continued From Page one.)

your representative, with your in- terests at heart.
 T am prouder of having been your representative in Congress than l would be in any office in the gift of the world. When people have hon. ored a man for a quarter of cen tury as their representative his heart should be filled with a great love, as mine is for you"
 Among those who were on the platform to welcome Senator Under wood were Governor and Mrs. w. w. Brandon, Gov. r. C. McLeodNof South Carolina, Congressman w. B. Oliver, Congressman Yalar Jeffers, Judge N. l. Grubb of the federal court, Mrs. C. J. Sharp, President D. E. McLendon of the city commission, Major Matt H. Murphy, 0. l.. Bum, manager of the Chamber of Commerce, Congress man F. E. Almon, Col. T. $. Moorman and many other citizens o. Birming- ham ana Alabama.
 Hard Rain In Morning.
 Birmingham awoke in a hard rain Saturday morning, peltinS rain that intermittently came in show ers and driving torrents. It boded ill for the welcoming day ceremonies for Senator Underwood, but love for and interest in the man whom so many honor was proof against a wet ting and thousands were present at the park when the senator arrived.
 Headed by the municipal band the parade moved off from tte ChA nber of Commerce corner at 2:20 clock north on Nineteenth street to Fifth avenue. thence to Twentieth street and south on Twentieth to First ave- nue, where the procession left for East Lake park. Original plans of the executive committee were to have the parade start at 1:S0 o'clock, hut tn n ha Sta wa delayed.
 Following the band. Senator Oscar Underwood and Mrs. Underwood, Gov. W. w. Brandon and Mrs. Brandon, Matt Murphy and W. A. Currie. chair man of the executive committee. rode in closed automobile. Successive cars carried Congressman Pat Oli- yer, o. d.. Bum and other members of the reception and executive com mittee. Approximately 30 cars fol- lowed in the parade, carrying citizens to the homecoming celebration.
 Just before the start of the parade the municipal band went into the of- flee of the Chamber of Commerce and rendered several rousing pieces of music.
 Enthusiastic Greeting.
 Senator UnderWood's entrance into East Lake park was the occasion for an enthusiastic greeting. The cars were soon emptied of their occu- pants and the walk to the building where the speaking took place was without any unusual occurrence. But as the senator mounted the broad stairway to the second floor between two lines of Boy Scouts at salute, the assembled throng broke into a storm of applause that lasted until the dis tinguished citizen and the high of ficials accompanying him had taken their seats.
 Mai Matt IT. Murphy, master of ceremonies, eliminated formality from the occasion and gracefully but simply presented each speaker with an introduction that was easy and simple. briefly telling those present who each speaker was, and giving tabloid sketch Of their higher achievements. In opening the meet ing Major Murphy spoke of the sen citizen, in whose presence the city is honored.
 Gov. Brandon Speaks.
 Gov. William w. Brandon was in- troduced immediately following the formal introduction of Senator Un- derwood. In each instance the as- semblage arose and greeted the states highest officials with pro- longed applause Governor Brandon said:
 q count it proud privilege in this presence to welcome back home Ala bama's greatest man. History shows Alabama has always been the peer of any state in the men she sends to Washington But great though titles may be, there is one word even greater, the greatest in any lan- guage, when given it's true meaning "home"-and when that word is de- fined as the warm hearted love of the men and women with whom you have grown up, who started you in life, proudly watched your growth, and then stretch wide their arms to receive you, that is home, indeed, and that is what all of us mean in weI- coming Oscar Underwood home.
 Senator Underwood does not be- long to Birmingham, but to Alabama humbly thank God that the great work carved out by Morgan and Pet tus has been passed on to man of equal calibre. equally coura geons. equally well informed. and the long line of Alabama's great statesmen is yet unbroken.
 Senator" the governof said, turn ing to MT. Underwbod. "I cannot think of the words I would like to say; I cannot express the thoughts in my mind and heart but all of HIS are very happy because you are win us again today"
 South Carolina's Governor.
 Major Murphy next introduced Gov. P. G. Mcleod of South Carolina who has been visiting Carolina troops in Camp Mcclellan and was invited to come to Birmingham for the well come to Senator Underwood. He said
 Remembering the oft-repeated story of what the governor of North Carolina said to. and so on, when day broke here this morning I was surprised to find Alabama wet-the rain. I mean. But seriously, all of us should be very glad that Senator Underwood has recently visited Flu rope and studied it's conditions and problems in terms Of humanity. His wide experience at home and know!- edge at first hand of conditions abroad will be invaluable in the set tlement of strained conditions and ,n aiding in the reconstruction to come.
 There are many former South Carolnians who are now Alabam- ians. There is a bond of common in terest between the two states, so I feel it not amiss to say that we, too. take distinct pride in your great senator
 But all of the talks were not kept Win, and Vi0nr nf Voufh