The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-02-16
LEGISLATIVE HoLD-UPs.

LEGISLATIVE HoLD-CPs.
There Is a little game, which has been
practiced for years By sstute members OF
various state legislatures who are not in
politics Sor their health. whereby they are
not only enabled 20 pose before their con-
stitusnts as "rsformsrs." but can occa-
ssonslly succeed IA securing rather more
for their legislative services than the per
diem and mileage awarded them by Law.
1t is not known where the scheme origi-
mated. but it has been practtced with more
or less success In the New York legislature
at various sessions for years, and has
gradually extended pretty web over the
United States. IL Is In greater evidence
this year than ever. aud has appeared in
state legislatures all over the country.
This is what is called In the vernacsalar
''hold-up' legislation 1t consists in the
Introduction OF some bin designed to i'm
pose a heavy burden upon or seriously
cripple some Industry, preferably an In
dustry which is generally conducted by
corporations. To DO properly manipulated
IL requires tho concurrence OF a majority
OF the particular legislative committee TO
which such a measure wiz In the natural
order be referred. No matter how absurd
the measure may be. no matter how glar-
ing the injustice which might be done by
its passage. the mere Introduction OF the
oil naturally causes serious disturbance
TO those interested ia the industry which is
the object " attack. y measure designed
TO 'Ninch" a corporation Is certain 10 rally
TO its support n very considerable number
IN any legislative body OF the narrow. igno-
rant or blindly pre5adlced members.
This makes the opportunity for the
sehemers in 'hold-up" legislation. They
have the control Of the legislature in their
osn hands. under legislative rules by rea-
son OF having introduced the Dill and by
having Il referred 70 their own committee.
They can report It fayorably from COM
msttce. and thus have II before ths legis-
lature with AL the odds Ia favor OF It's
passage.
This latter course IS only resorted 20.
however. when the particular interest at
tackled refuses to be held up." and when
z Z
one TO encourage the others"
The manner In which this business is car
RED on can be seen In several legislatures
nov 10 session. In Colorado. Tor example,
according TO the Denver newspapers. the
fusion legislature has not left unattached
a single Industry In the state. Bills are
pending. iajUriously Affecting every one Of
them. and u Is very broadly iatimated that
the OBJECT u a very large percentage OF
these measures is neither more nor less
than blackmaiis that the great majority q
the bills were not introduced with ans
other idea than 90 invite the use OF money
20 secure their defeat.
Ia Ncw York. according 70 the AYaany
Evening Journal. the condition IS equally
as bad. ard the iutiserimiuate attack
which Is being maae upon corporations in
the legislature this year has become pub
DC scandal Railroad gas arl telephone
companies are su ootocts % attack in a
score or more OF hsi.s Introduced for that
purpose; While theaters. pawnbvokers ard
projectors o. p8teat medhlees are threat
eno3 with sand-aaz legislation. The OF
iects q msay * thoso Who have lutr0-
3uce1 sach bits SIS so wea kaowu. by rea-
SCI 81 pres ions records Fl tns same sirel-
tioa. that taera IS atue wonder some scar-
Cal should AttalA 20 the reckless manner
r. valca hl,,s 81 the class are presented.
The wort ssatura % this 'hot-u9'' asls-
iress !s that g, ts au 551e ta The FAME q
s'-ef--r, % Few sre In a position, "a .ras-.,y