The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-10
A MAN OF ARGUMENTS.

How He ketaltated Upon the Tricky
Sponge Trade.
A story is just now going the rounds that
affords one glimpse of the way in which
the professional lobbyist, who infests the
capitol in such large numbers, gets in his
work, says the Washington correspondent
of the Baltimore Herald.
The sponge importers we're deeply inter
ested in the formation of the Mckinley bill
and desired the duty upon that article
raised somewhat over the present figures.
The sponge people came to Washington
and looked around for an experienced gen.
tleman, it appears, with reputation as a
legislation promoter, and with whom
seems that gentleman who could fill the
bill was found. The terms we're agreed
upon for his compensation. and he went
directly at work upon the ways and means
committee.
i. He had good case. and was able to pre-
sent it in such lurid fashion that the COM
mittee readily granted what he asked.
In fact. the committee seemed really glad
to accommodate him in the little matter.
After the promoter of le9isfation had
clinched his nail he opened communication
With the hackers OF ING trade ~ sponges
fed check, by draft at sight or money by
telegraph. This promoter of legislation,
belonging like the rest of US to the human
family, was compelled to eat and drink,
while he wanted also to be merry, and
as general thing it costs money to be
merry.
The trade IN sponge was not prompt cor
respondent. This day passed and that day
passed. The trade in sponge, acted Just as
though this promoter of legislation at
Washington was hypnotized, or as if he was
bombarding the trade with duns from the
srsk kc Ah1 10.
tripped along. with their gladstone smile
and their blossoms, the perturbed lobbyist
became gradually conscious that the trade
in sponge was playing him for a HAT, or
"hayseed," or a 'tenderfoot," or some other
curious member of the genus homo.
The trade In sponge was perfectly con-
tent and satisfied with the situation. It
had carried its point before the ways and
means committee. The tariff bill had
been reported with the new duty which it
desired.
Now the promoter of legislation who had
have made capital hero for melodrama.
Away down in his boots there burned the
spirit of revenge, and he proceeded to get
square with the trade in sponge. The Nc
klnley bill, in the course of events, was
messaged over to the senate and finally
came into the possession of the committee
on finance. Our conspirator now pro-
ceeded to execute the plan he had planned
with an alacrity worthy of better cause.
He asked for a hearing before the COM
mittee on behalf of the trade in sponge. Be
ing man of remarkable versatility, and
having taken the pains to book himself, he
WAS able to convince the distinguished
members of the committee that not only
was it an outrage that the duty on sponge
should be increaed over the present tariff,
but that tariff upon it was wrong in prin-
ciple, an injustice to the importer and
hardship to the taxpayer who has to use
sponge.
Indeed, SO Rlibly and so forcibly did this
wronged promoter of legislation present his
case that the committee cheerfullv granted
his request. In fact the committee was
much obliged to him for having called its
attention to the matter. Sponge went on
the free list.
The trade in sponge has been informed
of the action of the senate committee on
finance and of the part its discouraged
agent took in the little drama. The trade
in sponge is now reported to be impor-
tuning people with thick boot soles to
kick 1t for its duplicity. 1t is convinced
that in this matter it has overreached it
self, and that honesty, after all, is the best
policy. But the article of sponge will re-
main on the free list-that is, it is likely to-