Daily Arizona silver belt., 1910-05-15
By Cashing Checks of the Losers Grip Is Obtained
 on Legislators
WOMEN PROMOTERS
 OF LEGISLATION
Fair Sex Played Important Part in Last Session
 in New State

GUTHRIE, Okla., May l4.-Desplte the stringent anti-lobby law passed by the first state legislature, a. number of very active Hobbies were maintained during the recent legislative session. Some of them called forth considerable criticism. Most of it was directed against the county officers lobby, which were here in connection with the fee and salary bill. Their activity was so great that it came in for especial mention in one of the governors mes sages, and was directly condemned in resolution adopted by the house of representatives, which was, however, rescinded on the following day, many of the members who voted for it origin ally having gotten "cold feet" in the meantime.
 The criticism was directed for the most part to the fact that the bill did not directly affect the present officers, as it would not become effective until the new officers were elected this fall, and as the governor stated in his mes sage, it was not incumbent for the pres ent officers to become candidates for reelection if they did not like the pro visions of the law.
 The only reason why any objection was made to lobbying along that line was that members became weary of the importunities of their office holding constituents. There was no claim that there was anything corrupt and vicious, as has been the case oI some Oklahoma legislatures. There have been rumors of occasions when considerable sums changed hands in an effort to influence legislation, and many more when the desired result was accomplished by in direct means.
 Women Lobbyists Acting
 The presence of women lobbyists, who were sometimes the employees of one house or the other, and sometimes outsiders, has often been a very effect i've means of promoting legislation. A sturdy country legislator, who could not be bribed in supporting any particular measure, may often be susceptible to feminine charms and may vote for the little "harmless bill to which his at tention is directed by the fair lobbyist, or if he balks at the last moment he may be coerced into voting the right way by what is really nothing less than. a species of blackmail.
 Another method, which is possibly less vicious, but even more corrupt, was described in some detail by Walter Ferguson, editor of the Cherokee Re- publican, who was here this week. He has been around several legislatures, both as an employe and newspaper correspondent, and knows the inside of things. He said:
 ''It has been custom since Okla homa first became possessed of a legis- lature, for about half, if not more, of the solons to look for, a poker game as soon as they reached the capital It is whispered through the rural dis tricts by politicians who have seen the pale lights, that to become popular and get good acquaintance in Guthrie, poker must be indulged in.
 Lobbyists Good Poker Players,
 'In most of these games are also the lobbyists who desire to influence, legis- lation. A successful lobbyist is essen tialiy a good poker player and prob ably wins. After the rural member has spent hIs mileage and per diem in the game, the old-time fascination of the greatest game in the world lures HilH on, III Jne nope tndC ne can re- coup his lost roll and return to his hamlet with something to show. The check-writing habit seizes him, and the lobbyist is the first to offer to cash the proffered paper.
 "SenatOrs and gamblers do not want to cash these checks in Guthrie. Ex perience mas taught them that about one in ten is good. But the lobbyist is anxious. He cashes the check and the rural member plays on. The next night he IS sure of winning, and another check IS cashed. The lobbyist never presents the check flor collection, but folds it ! up and preserves it for future refer ence.
 "The good lobbyists never threaten or blackmail. They simply manifest kindness toward the unsuccessful play. CT by offering to hold the checks until 1t suits him to have them presented. The legislator figures that he can pull down good winning some time and take up all the checks at one time. Then, having given MT. Legislator the favor of holding his worthless check, the lobbyist in turn asks favor, that the rural member vote a certain way on "a harmless little bill.'''