The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-24
LOBBYISM IN DISGRACE.

In the current issue of Leslies Monthly article.
"rhe Great American Lobby is of interest to Mis-
sourans. since it treats largely of lobbyism in this
State Missouri is selected an example because it
is in the throes of Il volcanic explosion which
has laid bare under stratum of the lobby long
covered by successive layers of dirt.
Except it treats the story OF the lobby from an
other and different viewpoint. the discussion contains
nothing for these who have followed the news
In Missouri, but it is interesting to readers of The
Republic in illuminating and emphasizing the fight
which this paper has for long time waged against
the lobby. 1t shows the necessity of last years fight
against individual members of the lobby forces. Far
ris, Phelps, Orchard and others.
The final routing of lobbysm, The Republic
has always contended, will come only when the cti
who wishes to influence legislation is compelled
to do his work in public. The laws which made
for the people by the peoples representatives must
be made publicly. deliberations must be public OBJ
jecons and qualifications must be made in full vew
and solicitations must be open and aboveboard In
word the record of legislation in all its succeeding
eliminated.
Between the lobby and the awmaker the point of
contact-the pace where influence touches-is diff
cult to locate. 1t would require almost ubiquitous
vigilance to detect the meetingplace between the
corrupters and the corrupted But keen Of
public rights which the better journalism of this
State has abored produce, would create universal
vigilance, would make of each citizen a watcher
against legislative crime; moreover would deter the
lobbyist.
Right here, says Lesle's, is the hope Of reform
If citizen wants TO influence legislation let him face
the public meet the, legislator in the OPEN Secret
hearings evening chats in the lobby private personal
soicitations-a these must go. The public once for
all, must dStrust any measure supported by secret
lobby
Indications of the marked Quickening of public
opinion are noted. In the opinion of Leslie's the
greatest accomplishment has been the sentiment
aroused throughout the State. Three years ago
bribe-gving crime the statute books but
the blood Of good people not stirred by it. To-
day legislator conferring in private with recos-
nized lobbyist risks his whole political future"
That so many prominent publications throughout
the United States interest upon Missours anti
Doodle attitude and hold conspcuousy and contin-
ually before the country is Of the most encourag
ing signs Of this day. McClure's the Outlook the
Independent, Golfers and other important
periodicals besides Lesle's have repeatedly pointed to
Mssouri's upon venality whereas the daily press
has scarcely lost sight of our situation for one day
1t is noteworthy that in pointing to Missouri the fin
ger is lifted upwards-Missouri is an example and it's
efforts are worthy Of emulation.
These facts have especial significance for the peo-
pie of this State The worlds eye is turned this way
The work is not yet finished. Missouri has entered
far. but there remains further struggle Exposure
of crime and prosecution of criminals must be fol-
lowed by the placing in office of clean. capable c-ed-
liable lawmakers at all points. The country looks
expectany and confidently for final and conclusive
victory for the forces of right and those forces
labor Increasingly to the end