The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-01-22
RUSHED IN SENATE
Drastic Anti Lobby Bill Seems
to Suit Members.
Adopted With Few Changes IN
the Original.
GLENN LEADS FIGHT.
Western Senator Would Have
Modified Measure.
Accused by Stannard as Being
Opposed to Bill.
GLENN LEADS FIGHT.


ate this morning in committee Of the
whole, adopted nearly all the sections
of the anti-lobby bill as drafted ana
presented to the senate by the JOINT
committee OF both houses. A num-
Der of amendments were offered 10
various sections of the bill and consld-
cradle debate was occasioned on the
section prescribing who shall be term
cd a lobbyist and be placed under the
ban Of that designation
All the senator's evidenced an in
clination to favor a bill regulating
and controlling professional lobbyists
and lobbying but many were disposed
to insert in the act provisions specifi-
cally exempting persons who might
properly advocate or oppose any leg
isIation and upon whom the odium OF
lobbyist should not be placed. How
ever, the majority of senators were OF
the opinion that the act would not ap-
ply to persons who are really entitled
to approach legislators in regard to
legislation and the only exemption
specified was in the case Of members
of the legislature.
The committee of the whole arose
just before noon, and will sit again
this afternoon to consider the remain
der of the bill. 1t is believed that the
committee of the whole will report
commendation that it be passed sub
ject tc amendment and debate.
a proposition offered by Senator
Price, to exempt representatives of
charitable associations from pro-
visions of the act, was defeated by
vote Of p to 9.
One of the bills of general interest
introduced in the senate this morning
was offered by Senator Avery. provid-
ing for the establishment of a state
fair. the location to be left to the de-
cision of the house and senate in joint
session.
Anti Lobby Bill in Senate.
Shortly after the senate convened
this morning it resolved itself into a
committee of the whole with Senator
Huffman of Cherokee. in the chair.
The proposed anti-lobby bill was i'm
mediately taken up for consideration.
Senator Brady offered an amend
ment which was lost, specifying that
persons who approach members of
the legislature during sessions of the
legislature be designated as lobby
lists The bill provides during the
mem ber'S term of Office
Senator Carey stated that he is the
president of an electric lighting COM
pany and a street railway company
and is interested in the public
utilities bill.
Il am in favor of that bill. all
right" said Senator Carey. but
don't want to be called a lobbyist if
speak to some member of the legisla-
ture in favor of its passage"
1t was explained by Senator Reed
of the joint committee that drafted
the bill that the definition of a lobby
ist applies only to persons who have
a pecuniary interest in legislation as
distinct from a public interest.
An amendment to section 1 offered
by Senator Glenn, provoked con-
siderable debate. The amendment
specified that no person shall be
deemed lobbyist who shall talk or
make an argument to a representative
or senator from his district.
'Such an amendment would nullify
the purposes of this act declared
Senator Reed.
Il think this matter should be con-
S1dered very carefully and prayerful-
ly,' said Senator Robertson. He
argued in support of the position taken
by Senator Reed.
Senator Stannard declared that he
thought from the nature of the
amendment that it was offered by one
who was opposed to the bill and want
ed to destory it.
y, In replying to this charge Mr.. Glenn
said: Il emphaticaHy deny the in
sinuation of the senator from I,yon
that 1 am opposed to the bill. I am in
favor of it, but I don't want my con-
stituentS, who are not LOBBYISTS placed
under the ban of this bill and termed
as professional lobbyists"
Senator Brewster argued that the
provisions in section ! would not be
constitutional, holding it would pro
hfbit free speech on the part of the
people. Senator Porter also question
ed the cOnStitutiOnality of the section
Senator Glenn'S amendment was de-
feated, only five senators voting for it.
An amendment by Senator Hamilton
that mo member of either house be
deemed lobbyist" was adopted and
the section was agreed to.
sections > and 3 were adnnfeJ
out debate. But to section 4 Senator
Glenn offered the following amend
ment which caused shout of laugh
ter;
THE secretary of state shall furnish
all lobbyists with a metal badge. not
less than two inches in diameter.
which the lobbyist shall wear in a
conspicuous place AT all tines
Il suggest as an amendment to that
that the badge be made a Kansas sun
flower said Senator Carey.
The amendments were lost. Sec
tions ;. 6 and Z were agreed to as con
tanned in the original bill with the ey-
ception that section was amended
so as to permit the presiding officers
81 the mouse ana senate to invite lob
byists to come on the floor during ses-
sions.
Senator Quincy moved the elimin
alton of sections and Q. reouirinr
lobbyists to file statements OF their
expenses and prescri bing penalty for
false statements. Senator Reed ad
mitted that personally he did not CON
slider the sections necessary. but they
were insisted upon by a large major
ity of the joint committee.
Senator'S Robertson and Glenn ar
gued that the sections are necessary
in order that the people may have in
formation as to how much money NAV
be expended to secure the passage Ir
defeat of any legislation
The amendment was lost, and the