New-York tribune., 1905-02-13
rrnom THE TRIBUNE nuRnAu.I

washington Feb 12-Lobbying is still
knowledged institution at the national capital. but
it ourishes with greatly diminished brilancy since
many OF the picturesque features which rendered
1t so attractive have been eliminated. and the
kings and queens" and princes Of the lobby
have degenerated into mere attorneys and agents.
paid to watch and influence legislation, although
the results accomplished fail apparently to justify
the outlay
The halcyon days OF the Washington lobby date
back to the period Immediately following the Civil
War; when Sam Ward. the wit, raconteur and
bon vivant. appeared on tne scene. 1t was known
that primarily he was in Washington Tor the
purpose of securing votes for the projects he
favored against those inimical to the interests
of his employers. but this influence was exerted
amid surroundings that made it appear unobjeo-
uonabie his hospitality was as boundless as his
dinners excellent, and Senator or Repre-
sentative in Congress could be found with the
strength of character to decline invitation to
his house. At that time no criticism was INDUCED
in when national lawmakers were on friendly and
intimate terms with the king of the lobby.
but now, while invitation to q good dinner may
be- and often Is accepted, the guest OF the latter
day lobbyist insists that he may be permitted to
partake Of his hospitality with no parade or brass
band accompaniment.
While Sam Wards reign still supreme. DR..
Robert Bruce Bradford, Of New-York, came to
Washington and to him Ward in the late 70s,
handed the sceptre OF power. Bradford became q
national character, and his wine cellars Acquired
national reputation. Like Ward, he prince of
entertainers, and secured support for his pet
ures through his attractive personality. the Gle
gance his repasts and the keen enjoyment Of the
guests at his board. They were. unwittingly per-
haps influenced but Influenced they were-bribed.
If the word be permissible in connection with the
prince Of lobbyists''-just as surely as II money
had been passed
The passing of DR.. Bradford marked the end Of
the oldtime lobbying magnificent scale, for
there have been no imitatOrs. From high art
lobbying has degenerated into a trade, at
which men and women OF comparatively mediocre
ability pick up a more or less precarious living at
the Capitol. In the ranks OF the lobby OF to-day
may be found former Senators and Representa-
tives who failed of reelection and who, because
Of their acquaintance and familiarity with the in
side workings OF legislation. have been selected by
corporations whose interests might be affected to
watch proceedings. These lobbyists usually
lawyers and their principal duty is to appear be-
fore committees Of both houses when hearings
had on bills which threaten the interests of their
employers. They are of the mild and unobtrusive
type as a general proposition although they oc-
casionally become Objectionable and insulting
at the hearings to require their ejeotment. this
having occurred at least twice in the present
Congress-
But few women now haunt the corridors Of the
Capitol, but these few sufficient to make the
lives of Senators and Representatives who can
not escape them miserable They lie in wait for
their prey grabbing him as he leaves the chamber
or dogging his footsteps to his committee room.
where they brush past the messenger on guard
and pounce on the unfortunate victim IN his own
quarters, where he supposes himself reasonably
safe from intrusion These women are interested
a., or claims pensions or temperance and the
oornroi+tea rooms in some instances, afford them
tba customary horrible example" required Tot IL
,Ietration by all temperance workers NO longer
however, are women in Washington lobbying tor