The daily gazette., 1881-02-15
For the Gazette.
THE LOBBY.

class Of persons who frequent legis-
lative halls for the purpose of inf II.
encing legislation itself. 1t is some
times called "The Third House." for
although its members are neither Sen
ators nor Representatives, yet it is sup
posed to, and often does, exercise {
potent influence in promotinD or de-
ieatlng measures brought before these
bodies. When spoken of it is usually
IN contempt, because its reputation
with honest and respectable people il
not good. Indeed, of la,e years espe-
cially, it is positively disreputable to
belong to the lobby; so much SO that
10 many places it excludes all persons
known as lobbyists from good society,
This IS more especially true at the
Federal Capital, where its constituent
elements include all sorts of people,
from the fat and sleek government
contractor down to the loose women
about Washington, who are known as
friends of certain Senators and Rep.
resentatives, and are supposed to have
influence with them.
II Is generally understood, and con-
ceded that the lobby is IN the mark ct.
and works for hire. 1t has no prefer
ence as to sides, but acts solely on
business principles, and works for
those who lpay best, and is equally
ready TO favor or oppose any measure.
The lobby 10 also quick ahd sharp
And II any measure is brought for-
ward, which promises a pecuniary ad.
vantage to its promoters, the lobby
scents it at once, and sets about ac-
lively to bring grist to it's own mill
1t suggests doubts of its propriety or
success, advises delay and caution
This alarms the advocates of the mea-
sure, who, by one pretense and anotb-
or, at last hire the lobby to aid in its
passage. All opposition is now with.
drawn; the lobby is sa isfied, and the
bill Is passed. The lobby has its
pockets replenished, smiles with salts
faction, and the promoter of the bill
is somewhat compensated for his loss
in the success OF his project; but he
inwardly suspects the integrity of the
legislal ors, and curses the unjust ex-
actions TO which no has submitted.
The effect of all this is very demor-
alizing and injurious, and In many
ways. 1t destroys confidence in the
integrity of the Legislators themselves.
The victims suspect that they are cor
lupt. Some times this may be true.
but oftener, We hope aud believe, it is
not. The lobbyist nearly always in
sinuates or leaves his dupe to infer.
that the members votes are TO be pur.
chased, and that, in some way or 9TH
or, part OF the funds huds its way into
their pockets; but in most cases this
is a mere pretense. He first finds out
the inclination of the unsuspeetipg
member, and then pretends he has
brought him round to that way of
thinking by some undue and sinister
But the demoralizing effect is near
ly as bad as II positive corruptions
were used. The sly scoundre! gives it
out that he ID potent; and anxious and
fearful promoters of enterprises hire
him, ard sometimes care little or noth-
ing how he succeeds, whether by fair
means or foul, 80 they succeed in OBJ
tanning what they ask. Then the lob.
by inoteases and gathers strength by
It's real or apparent success, and draws
others into its magic bat corrupt and
circle until the odium
attached to such practices is greatly
essened or almost entirely lost in the
humber and apparent responsibility
)f its members.
No thoughtful and virtuous citizen.
ri L.
Engage in such business. II is degrad-
ng, immoral and pernicious; and we
egret exceedingly that it is so preya-
ent, and seems TO be increasing
Time was, and not very remote, when |
he private advocacy of bills before |
he Legislature was confined to the le-
,al profession almost exclusively; but
t is not SO now. Now, you may find
many laymen, of all trades engaged
n this business. Ex officials of all
,rades are at ii. Every body that has, or
supposed to have influence. Bro
hers, u oles, sons of members, ward
WHO have assisted at nom.
nations or elections, must be hired to
so their influence with these men,
ers. How humiliating, and how
J And, alas, how damag-
~ to public viItue and the stability
our institutions.
1t may be asked, should no outside
lf1uence be used; should no one ad-
ocato or oppose bill except only
nose immediately interes ed? We do
OF say 80. There is a broad and well
larked line between what is right and
hat is wrong; between what is hon
Vt and la VITAL, and what is dishonest
nd unjustifiable. Every citizen has
le right, and it is his duty, to favor
: oppose any measures of legislation
J he honestly believes it wise or uu-
Use, beneficial Or harmful. lie has a a
ght to do this by petition, by argu-
ent, oral or written, and by all the
,rsuasive power of truth and reason.
heSs asking special legislation forhis {
dividual benefit he has the undoubted !
I'd recognized right to employ coun- a
j to draw his bill, and to advocate it :
sfore a committee of the House, or
,fore the House itself if he obtains !
at privilege, This is frank, fair aud
Inorable; honorable in both the pro- I
otter and his counsel. But counsel,
hen 80 employed, must not conceal .
10 character in which they appear; y
ey must not make it a matter of
ven personal influence, much less of
,lItical influence, and least of all Of
ficial position. If they do this they ;
g not acting professionally, but very !