The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-29
STEEL DECISION HELPS DISTRICT,
 UNDERWOOD SAYS
Senator Also Believes Change In River Serv-
 ice Forward Step

Abandonment of the Pittsburg plus basis in the steel industry will, in my opinion, prove a decided stimulus to the progress of the Birmingham dis trict.
 "There is no reason for alarm over the so-called separation of the War rior and Mississippi river services. Nothing radical has been done and the service will not be injured."'
 These views on the subjects of wide spread interest in Birmingham and Ala bama were expressed by Senator Oscar Underwood in an interview with an Age-Herald reporter Monday.
 In giving ms view on the federal trade commissions Pittsburg plus deci- sion, the senator made it plain he was merely voicing his opinion, since he knew little about Pittsburg plus and its application and effect.
 No Radical Step
 On the river service separation, how ever, Senator Underwood spoke with authority, as he studied for years the problems of the inland waterways sys- tenn and has frequently advised with the war department in connection with the Mississippi-Warrior divisions.
 T talked with Secretary of War Weeks about this situation on the day I left Washington" said the senator. "He told me the department was not attempting a radical step, but was merely placing one manager in charge of the Mississippi end and another in charge of the Warrior end.
 No Rail Separation
 "The service, as a matter of fact, has not been separated but has simply been placed under two managers, just as railroads have superintendents for their divisions. There is nothing bad about the move and can see no earth ly reason for alarm. The service will not be injured, but probably will be greatly improved. And if the change should fail to work, steps could-and would be taken to put the service on the right basis. My belief is, however, that the change will prove entirely satisfactory to the public"
 Senator Underwood is daily mingling with his constituents and seeking their views on various questions now pend- ing in Congress. He and Mrs. Under wood will remain in the city for two weeks, after which they will take a short boat trip. Early in October the senator will begin stumping tour of the east in behalf of John w. Davis, democratic nominee for president. A number of organizations are planning to invite Senator Underwood to address them before his stay here ends.
 Source Of Protests
 Senator Underwood's comment on the Warrior river separation from the Mississippi were considered timely in view of Saturdays statement by the Secretary of War that protests against separation of the Warrior had originat- ed chiefly in Birmingham. It was. un- derstoOd Monday that Henry T. DeBar- deleben of the DeBardeleben Coal cor poration, had protested, but he was out out the city and could not be reached for statement.
 In the meantime friends of the War rior service expressed the view that in- justice was being done Alabama sub sidiaries of the steel corporation by linking them with any movement detris mental to the port of Mobile. They pointed out that the Tennessee company had been the main support and friend of the Warrior service of Mobile ever since regular barge line service had been contemplated. It was stated that com pany had not only furnished the bulk of traffic, but had helped finance Bir- mingport and had been a consistent friend of Mobile by its shipments from that port.