The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-02-24

GLIMPSE AT THE LoBBYIsTs-wHo THEY
ARE AND HOW THEY wORK-PERsoNELLEs OF
SOME OF THE BEST KNOWN OF THE PROFESS
SIGNALS .4z.-...-
AUGUSTA, Feb. %, 1872.
Who that ever read newspaper or heard
politician talk has mt had desire to see a real
live Lobbyist? A thoroughly genuine lobbyist
bland, smiling persuasive and insnuating.
One OF that numerous class who if popular be-
lief is to be accredited, are responsible for all
the ills of evil legislation. An individual who
wraps and winds, weak and willing legislators,
as the bright-eyed maiden twines her skein of
fancifully colored and f1ossy silk with soft but
nimble fingers, compels those of sterner stuff to
confess that like King Agrippa, "They are al
most persuaded" makes and unmakes the laws
of the land; creates panics and corners, enrich
es monopolies or robs corporations, and is, &C
cording to a generous public, bound in all
events to be inscriptions, unprincipled and
corrupt They are certainly often enough heard
from to excitethe curiosity of any reasonable
person, and so gentle reader if you will lend
your patience and give your attention you shall
be personally introduced to some of these won
derful individuals who fit through the corri-
doris and haunt the halls of legislature pouring
into listening ears the same old story of temp
tation and promise that made the mother of us
all forfeit forever the pleasures of paradise
However,
Sins for want of legislation are not quite
like sins by law" and generally speaking these
much talked about persons are not noticeably
different save in point of will and ability, from
others of less nOtoriety. Indeed, we doubt if,
IN this hurrying, scheming, money-getting life
of the present, there are many who in assailing
them would not, upon close inspection, find it
second edition of the spot calling the kettle
black" Particularly there fingers about them
almost invariably an air of neatness and nicely,
as if they were believers in the doctrine of
Cleanliness being next to Goodness" and thus
made outward aspirations for chance with
the elect. At least, such is the appearance of
the lobbyists of this legislature, aud in saying
this we mean the professionals, those who are
supposed
''To sell their souls to whoever will buy,
and not the hundred and one quacks who
scheme, suggest advise and trap without the
courage to play boldly in these desperate games
First and foremost among this roundly abused
class comes Col. T. H. Hubbard, of Berwick, a
clerical-looking, softy-mannered man, glib,
smooth and oily, whom you would straightway
suspect of not being troubled with conscientious
scruples, and a firm adherent of the doctrine,
Cabs fair in war; OF about medium height,
not particularly robust form, and from whose
veins some ennervating hand seems to have
stolen the red lusty hue of life and left instead
a deathly pallor, heightened by the long black
hair and heavy dropping side whiskers and
moustache of the same intense color The top
of the head is quite bald, the forehead narrow
and high; the eyes, cold, gray and with steal
thy habit of darting glances from under the
partially closed and sleepy looking lids, the
nose large, wide and prominent, and the mouth
quite hidden by the adornment of the upper lip.
He is very rarely seen conversing with any
member of the Legislature, but goes softly and
noiselessly about the House and Senate, stop
ping at the doors and by the desks as if taking
an inventory and studying his best method of
attack Has all the appearance of shrewd,
sharp, skillful man who in looking a situation
over would make rapid and clear conclusions
and would seldom be mistaken. is acknowl-
edged able and eloquent and in address is so
deferential and agreeable that one would feign
make him their friend did they not suspect
some hidden motive lurking under the constant
smile.
Popping cautiously in at the doors and then
darling suddenly back into the Hobbies is some
Tunes seen the face and form of thin, wiry.
nervous individual of medium height, square
shoulders, sandy hair and beard, now slightly
sprinkled with gray, and cold, steely eyes that
dart here, there and everywhere, but are never
at rest and from which you will never be able
to catch direct glance. The face is thin and
sallow, with just dash of color on either cheek.
and over it is spread the look of man who has
faith i'll strategy alone, and would fight all
questions upon that basis entirely instead of his
firm convictions of right. 1t is s. S. Marble T.
Esq, OF Waldoboro', the king of all LOBBYISTS.
And only upon rare occasions is he seen abont
the State House. In his room and alone he
takes survey of the field, studies the charac
ter and risks of the game, and then carefully
and through the most guarded snnroaches
adroitly attacks his opponent. A man to take
a nacK ana unnotlced seat in any assembly, and
IN going abroad would always shun a crowd
man who takes high rank among the lob
byists and is yet more seldom seen about the
State House and in public places than either of
the above mentioned gentlemen is j. A. Bick-
ford, Esq, of Dover, n. H., managing director
of the Boston & Maine Railroad. He is for the
greater part of his time quietly enconsced in his
room, busily engaged with his second man in
watching the proceedings of the other railroad
and 0rpptinO SEi11fI111y~ fba L.
mand. Personally, he is a tall stout, squarely-
built man, with broad shoulders, deep chest,
and a makeup that indicates great strength
and force. His features are strong and fine,
his face darkly ford, hair black and coarse.
and eyes black determined and very noticeable.
His prominent characteristics are great energy,
force, decision and sagacity. Looks at cues
ton quickly and clearly, makes up his mind
and then goes ahead. Aside from business he
IS said to be jovial man, and at such times
most engaging and entertaining companion.
The next most noticeable man amongst them
IS Seth L. Miliken, Esq. of Belfast, who may
De seen at all times sitting quietly in some por-
ton of the House, carefully and intensely
the debates. A slight slim man of
medium height, erect, compact and finely
formed, with thick iron gray hair brushed
smoothly back from low full forehead The
face is fine; strong and smoothly shaven; the
features large and prominent, indicating great
'hrewdness and will; the eyes black penetra-
live, but steady and calm A scholarly, Gull
'ured gentleman, with large amount of nat
lral ability and thoroughly disciplined mind.
one whom you would either cordially hate or
Intensely like, and yet in all cases would prefer
lis Friendship to his enmity. Not man to
quarrel with occasions or enter into petty con-
iicts, but one who would be likely to follow
ne s,a ADVICE OF old Polonlus- i
Beware of entrance to quarrel. but beino
n bear 1t that tn opposer may beware of thee8
4 good organizer, skillful, practiced, deter
mined, cool and decisive, he depends more UPON
lis power to control and compel other men,
opinions than any resort to subterfuge.
Mr.. Yeaton, County Attorney for york 10
'lso seen here at times, taking s'trvev of sbe
legislature and aiding by arg ment and in
luence the well laid plan If the Boston g.
Maine Railroad. A silent, reserved. GENTLE
manly looking person, rxho moves about with
ne ar OF man wholly occupied in business.
lie also directs and works through middle-mena
aging MS plaGis according to the eaigency of
ne case web much care, concentration and
XIII. hs Gas occupied successfully and well
nc POSITIONS of politician and journalist, and is
'ow considered among the ablest, most accom-
'lshed and promising Young LAWYERS of tho