The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1910-05-26
REPRESENTATIVE SMITH AND
THE LOBBY BILL

Mi n1@oI@4N lA11NE SMl III AMI
THE LOBBY BILL.
Ii has been said, and is SO often reiter-
ated, that the saying is being accepted as
a fact, that for years two or three men,
and especially one man, have in sense
dominated legislation at Baton Rouge.
These men and their connections do not
object to legislation which is not mimi
cal to their interests, but the fate of any
measure which has not received their
sanction and approval is practically GER
tain of defeat.
It IS notorious, and no intelligent man
will dispute the assertion, that at every
sessior-ef lheS Legislature, as stated in
Governor Sanders message two years
ago, there is growth upon the body
polite known as the lobby representing,
as il always does, special interests and
over-eager to forward legislation in its
own behalf. and to defeat legislation
which seeks to conserve the best inter
ests Of the people
Some of these men, possessing au-
dacity in the superlative degree and
trained in the art of duplicity and of
knavery. hesitate at no limit, nor scru-
pie at conscience, as their only aim and
purpose is to triumph in their schemes.
So pernicious has been the influence of
these lobbyists that Governor Sanders
in bis message to the Legislature two
years ago denounced the lobbyists in the
words quoted;
The lobby has no legitimate place in
our politics. Its influence is bad, its
presence at the capitol is a menace. 1t
seeks by mysterious ways its wonders
to perform and BY influences unknown
to the great body of the people it molds
governments and legislatures to its will
This influence in Louisiana upon our
governmental affairs must be eradicated,
and the lobby as such must be driven
from Baton Rouge"
II The lobby had no legitimate place
IN the Legislature two years ago and
should be driven from Baton Rouge as
advised by Governor Sanders, why
should the same lobbyists be counte-
nanced and tolerated at this time in the
halls Of legislation during the sitting of
the General Assembly?
- as the Caucasian CONSTITUTES the intent
and purpose of Representative Smith, ii
should be commended, since his aim is
to carry into effect the recommendation
of Governor Sanders two yaers ago, as
applied to the lobby schemers who are
at the capital in their own selfish inter-
ests and not caring continental for the
welfare Of the people.
IL Governor Sanders was justified two
years ago in his arraignment of the lob
BY in words which can not be miscon-
strued, and If the same schemers are
today in Baton Rouge, why should the
Legislature hesitate for moment in
not approving the Smith bill, as well as
the recommendation of Governor San
ders offered two years ago1
Il is idle to say that the enactment of
the Smith bill would be reflection of
discredit on any member of the General
Assembly or any infringement of the
rights Of American citizens.
Why should any member of the Legis-
,sf;,.-e need the advice of any lobbyists
: scle,~ Yers on any bill or measure
ending - consideration?
Il would een, and may be termed,
Iiseredit If Ii 6Se no reason for suspicion,
5 pergiit any lobbyists or scheners on
he floor 81 the Genesral Assembly to1
advise Or suggest the aeeSion and the vote
u any member of the House or of the
Senate9
The members Of the General Assem-
BIZ Who must need the counsel Of any
lobbyists or schemers is not fit to rep
resent his constituency and should re-
sign Ills position and return to his home.
Il now deyolves on Governor Sanders
s1 carry into effect his promise to the
people as announced in his message two
years ago. WIN he do isf