The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-06
UNDERWOOD AS NOMINEE


 UNDERWOOD AS NOMINEE
 The return of Senator Oscar W. Underwood from a we'll earned rest due him after his arduous labors as the Democratic leader of the senate will further focus attention on the po- sition of MT. Underwood as one of those to be considered as the nominee of the Democratic party.
 In MT. Underwood's address effort has been made to identify the sena- tor with the extreme pro-liquor wing and the law notification group. He does not deserve a place in either position. Senator Underwood's views with respect to local option are well known. His staunchness for law ob- servance; his record in support of every measure for enforcement of the constitutional amendment, and his in- terest shown for appropriations to pro- vide the money for strenuous enforce ment are as clear and well known as any mans in public life. Equally we'll known is MT. Underwood's view with respect to a potential issue-the one of transportation. And, while some may disagree with MT. Under woods analysis of the need of the legislation he supported, certainly his understanding of the transportation problem and the necessity of trans portation system meeting the needs of commerce is sympathetically ac- knowledged by all thoughtful men.
 Perhaps the greatest harm that can be done to the cause of MT. Under wood is the noisy support those who would ride upon his coat tails evi- dence in his behalf. There are some in Alabama who are more concerned in personal prestige than in the ulti- mate welfare of Senator Underwood. This class, while praising the senator, are unsparing in their criticism with respect to other staunch Democrats, whose names have been mentioned as potential aspirants for the Democratic | merge the personal element and think only of Senator Underwood and of party success. Party success can only come through harmony, and no worse disaster could befall Senator Underwood, when and if his name should be presented to the national convention, than to have high ami mostly run against him from the friends and supporters of other men whose names are also put before the convention. That appears to the Age-Herald as simple political strat- egy.
 Let it be hoped therefore that in solar as Alabama is concerned those who seek the limelight through the reflected beams of the eminence of Senator Underwood will consider first the senator's own position and not create animosities that his true friends may not succeed in com posing. It does Senator Underwood's s cause no good to be blinded to the fact that MT. McAdoo has many friends in Alabama who staunchly be- lieve in him, and certainly there is evidence that MT. Ford has adherents in this state. We have net the slight est doubt but that the cmjnence of i Senator Underwood, his high capacity. his very extended legislative and ad- ministrative training, his integrity, his judicial poise, and calm judgment, not only fit him for the presidency, but make him the proud asset of Ala bama. The state should give MT. Un- derwood united delegation in the national convention; there should be no contest against him in Alabama. The way to this end is not to abuse men who may be potential rivals of MT. Underwood, but to count then as party assets just as MT. Underwood is counted, not only in Alabama, but in the other states of the Union.