The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-03-21
UNDERWOOD-ON HIS MERITS

| MT. McAdoo's victory in Georgia IS not generally regarded as significant of any ad- vantage over Mir. Underwood, for Georgia is the native state of Mir. McAdoo and the voters were undoubtedly greatly moved by considerations of state pride. The primary was significant, however, in two ways. It showed very clearly that Mir. McAdoo is still a strong contender for party approval, in spite of the manner in which it has been sought by Republicans to connect him with the oil scandal. The primary also was strong indication that the race in the popular pri- maries will be between Mir. Underwood and Mir. McAdoo, and that these two will enter the convention with more pledged delegates than any others. It is more than likely that each will hold balance of power, and that neither can be nominated without the sup port of some of the delegates originally for be turn in the convention itself bringing forward some one not now prominently identified with the preliminary campaigns, the Democrats know that their choice lies between the former secretary of the treas ury and the distinguished senior senator from Alabama.
 There can, therefore, be no wisdom in any campaign of vilification against either of these able men. To vilify either would L. 4o ,l;ovota hfrou, tho otbar O norfion of that voting strength in the convention with out which a nomination would be impossible. If either is supported by any measurable policy of bitter attack upon the other, then is the defeat of such a one a more intimate possibility. Alabamians can Loyalty support Mir. Underwood and give him their utmost endeavor without descending to abuse of his opponent. Mir. Underwood's own admirable course in carrying his appeal to the people, without raneor towards others, but relying upon his honorable public record and his known capacity in handling public affairs, may be taken as sufficient evidence that he would not approve a contrary policy on the part ot his adherentS.
 It is confidently believed that, in states influenced by no considerations of loyalty to will be potent, in bringing to his standard a reassuring number of delegates. Alabama S own seal of approval has set him out in front of all rivals. Even in those states that give preference to a native son, it is already apparent that second choice falls easily upon Mir. Underwood. As the con vention baIloting shall progress it is cer- tain that the Underwood support will swell as the delegates are, group by group, re- leased from the obligation imposed upon them by their own primaries and state con- ventions. As the balloting grows more in tense, then indeed will there be need of good will towards Alabamas choice, a good will undiluted by sentiments of resentment remaining over from any bitterness of per sonal attack. made during the pre-convention campaign.
 In Oscar Underwood Alabama has a can didate whose appeal to public support may be safely, firmly and solely based the undeniable considerations of his ability, his successful period of public service, his ca pacity as a statesman, his record of public achievement, his broad vision in national affairs, his unblemished integrity, his un- impeachable personal character and his illus triOus service. Not by holding an op- ponent up to attack, but by holding Under wood up to public approval will his friends best advance his cause before the people of the United States, and before the con vention in which he has q most unparalleled opportunity for success.