The times., 1897-06-28
Purging the Temple.

Perhaps it would be unnecessary and
inyidious to inquire what particular cir
c1Instance caused Mr. Hale to feel tie
necessity for action looking to purifica-
tioh OF the Senatorial templei 1t ,,lust
/ have been a matter of exceeding gravity,
I OF ex-Senators as the only fit objects
for discipline la his virtuous desire to
/ free the Senate from the intrusion, not
/ TO saw the dsnger, Of lobby inf1uente
! or the day Mr- Hale presented his pro-
posed amendment to the rules. the parpase
! of which is Ito prevent ex-Senators from
I enjoying the privileges OF the floor of the
Senate for the purpose of urging OF
opposing claims or bills in which they
are employed as attorneys the news
papers stated that ex-senator Edrot nds
had been around the chamber seeing what
he could count Oh in support OF a new
arbitration treaty with Great britain
We can hardly believe that this could ha re
been offensive TO the Senator from Maine.
as we should consider it quite III the liIie
of his well known foreign policy. But
let that go. 1t is more important TO CON
slider Why ex-Senators should be MADE
the scapegoats for all the sins of the lobby
On this point there seems To be a lot of
sense in the position taken by Senator
Allen. He reminded Mr.. Hale that, three
years ago, he had introduced a bill max
ing it a crime, punishable by imprisonment
in the penitentiary, for any man to come
upon the Capitol grounds for the purpose
OF plying the vocation of lobbyist This
Allen bill went to the Judiciary Com
mittee and, we dare say, is there yet
Perhaps there was no occasion for such
legislation, but if there was not, and :s
not, why should Mr.. Hale's proposition
be necessary? That is a mystery which
the fnrther remarks Of the gentleman from
Maine fail 20 iIlumine. He said:
L may say, and think may say with
some con fidence that ! viii be borne orIt |
solicitation and the opportunities of the
lobby, whether on this floor or elsewhere,
re OI no dNala 10 Ile interests that they /
claim TO represent.
Mr- Hale sconfidence seems TO have been /
misplaced. He was allowed to remain at |
his desk. Ee was not borne out by Sena- |
tors, although, after getting rid of such a /
heavy sentiment, he must have been. con- |
siderabiy lighter than before But it was /
noble sentiment, fairly reeking with pure |
conviction OF the inlrnaculateness Of the |
toga- St Simon sty1ites could not have 1
been Eurer of his, and the virtuous Peck
sniff could not have said 1t more piously. 1
But, after all. it was work OF supereroea-
ton. Who, for example, does suppose |
that the Judgment OF vote OF any Senator {
ever was or could be Influenced by the |
lobby In general, or any lobbyist in par |
ticular, be he an ex-senator. a tr,st or
railway magnate, or the agent OF a London
bankers combination, sent here with au.
tbority TO spend million dollars to secure
the demon citation OF the American silver |
dollar? Nobody, OF course!
We DO seem to remember that, In wears
past, there was French gentleman, named
CREDIT Mobfiier, and another called De
Goliyer, around the premises, and it fs
reported, and we fear believed.
hat millions have been spent in one way |
IT another in the foolish and perfectly !
futile effort 10 influence legislation; but |
anyone with average equine sense ought
% know that all such investments have
regularly served TO deceat the claims or !
Ills which they were intended to al.
'apce. Why. ia view OF such history.
orporations. syndieates, trusts and Inonop- !
lies VIII go on maintaining representa-
ives at the National Capital during SEES /
ions OF the Congress. representatives OF
reat leaning, eloquence, fnsinuatipg man.
er and high price. who dispense a prinoely | ,
ospitaf.ty and constantly force themselves | /