The Washington herald., 1913-06-08
ENGINEMEN Have
LOBBY TROUBLES
Brotherhood, in Session Here,
Puzzled Over Real Def
milton of Word.
WANT REPRESENTATIVE
Commissioner Clark, Of United States
Commerce Commission, Makes
Address to Convention.

Like the United States Senate, the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and
Enginemen. now in convention at the
Arcade, are interested in defining a lob
byist." The question arose out of q
proposed amendment to the constitution
and bylaws providing for legislative
representative whose duty II would be
ton before Congress of interest to the
brotherhood.
Exactly what constitutes a lobby is
puzzling the minds of many of the dele
gates to the convention. Opponents OF
the resolution providing for a Legislative
representative claim that any one who
urges either the passage or defeat OF
measure pending before Congress is
lobbyist. Those favorfng the resolu-
ton claim that it is not the intention of
the amendment to have a man here TO
look after legislation, but merely to
watch and report to the brotherhood any
bills introduced in Congress effecting the
railroads
The matter was discussed at length.
but no definite conclusion reached. 1t is
probable that it will come before the
convention again on Monday. The
amendment providing for an increase in
the salaries of the officers and for an
increase in the number of vice presi-
lar sentiment among the delegates in
sures that this amendment will be car
ried by a large amjority when put to
vote.
Clark Makes Address.
Commissioner Clark. of the Interstate
Commerce Commission. formerly grand
chief conductor of the Order of Railway
Conductors of America, addressed the
off
missioner Clark told of his personal ex-
perience as a railroad man. He dwelt
particularly upon the great benefits to
be derived from a strong union of all
the railroad men. In the modern day,
when a single company employees tens
Of thousands of men, individual protest,
he said was useless. Reforms, he de-
dared. could be brought about only by
united effort of all of the railroad men.
The fight being waged by the contest
ing cities for the next convention is
thickest in the hotel Hobbies where the
delegates are stopping. None of the
cities, save Washington, Oakland, and
Denver. have openly declared their in
tentions 10 make a fight for the next
convention. Several other cities are in
the race, but are keeping their hand
hidden.
WashinEton's Prospects.
According to several leaders IN the
convention. Washington has a good
chance TO obtain the permanent head
quarters of the brotherhood. They de-
clare it too early in the game to say
anything definitely. but claim that
wherever permanent headquarters Isl
talked among the delegates about the
hotel Hobbies they all favor Washington.
1t is practically conceded that in case
Wa shington is selected for permanent
headquarters the next convention OF the
brotherhood will he held here Should
some other city be chosen for perma-
nent headquarters. il is believed that
either Oakland or Denver WIN iand the
next convention.
About the only objection that is being
made to the selection of Washington as
permanent headquarters Is that 1t Will
become the convention city and deprive
the delegates Of the opportunity OF Wis
itlng the various cities OF the country |
Those supporting Washington contend
that this is an asset to the cause rather
than an objection. for il Is an education
in itself to be able to visit the National
Capital for a month and see the ma
chinery of the government in operation
a majority of the delegates, after |
sweltering in the convention hall in |
the Arcade Building for five hours yes
lerOdS, were SlaQ tnat nothing was
on the programme fer last night Most |
Of them lOunged around the hotel lob |
bies and turned in early to rest up for |
a strenuous day of sightseeing. Many |
Of the delegates will spend the day in |
visiting the public buildings that are |
open on Sunday, and others will take |
short trips to nearby points of in
terest.
Tomorrow night the delegates will |
lay aside all thoughts of business and |
early in the evening, with their wives !
and friends. will board cars for Glen |
Echo Park, where they will be given |
right of way and the best the resort |
has to offer in the way of amusement.
Glen Echo has been officially desig-
mated the convention amusement place,
and tomorrow night selected as the
time for the grand outing. It is ex-
pected the visitors will go in a body.
nd with their friends and the parks
regulars on hand big crowd will fill
the mark.