The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1913-05-29
WILSON ASsA|LS
TARIFF LOBB|ES
In Statement He Denounces OPP
position as "InsidiouS."
PEOPLE MUST BE AROUSED
President Asserts That Money 10 b.
ing Used to Create UnfavorabIe
Opinion Against the un-
derwood Measure.

Washington, May 27-Presldent
Wilson assailed the tariff lobbyists
working in Washington for the defeat
of the salient principles involved in
the Underwood tariff bill, including
free wool and free sugar
The president made 1t plain that he
entirely disapproved the methods
used to swerve congress from support
OF the bill. At the same time he ex-
pressed confidence that the Under
wood bill will be passed by the SEN
ate in substantially the same form In
which 1t come from the house.
The president issued the following
statement:
Il think that the public ought to
know the extraordinary exertion be-
ing made by the lobby in Washington
to gain recognition for certain alter
tions Of the tariff bill. Washington
seldom has seen so numerous, SO in
dustrious or 80 insidious a lobby. The
newspapers are being filed with paid
advertisements calculated to mislead
the Judgment of public men, but also
the public opinion Of the country It.
self.
Spending Money Without Limit.
There Is every evidence that
money without limit Is being spent
to sustain this lobby and to create
an appearance Of a pressure of public
opinion antagonistic to some Of the
chief items of the tariff bill. 1t is
of serious interest to the country that
the people at large have no lobby, and
be voiceless in these matters while
great bodies of astute men seek to
create an artificial opinion and over.
come the interest Of the public for
their private property. 1t is worth
the while of the people Of this coun-
try to take knowledge Of this matter.
Only public opinion can check and de-
stroy 1t.
The government in all it's branches
ought to be relieved from this intol-
cradle burden, and this constant in
terruption to the calm progress Of de-
bate. l know that in this l am speak
ing for the members Of the two
houses, who would rejoice as much as
| would to be released from this un-
bearable situation"
Strikes at Sugar Men.
The president made 1t clear that,
so far as he is concerned, the letter
writing propaganda conducted at the
behest of the sugar and wool inter-
ests particularly not only met his dis
approval, but was having the oppos-
tie effect from that intended upon
him and upon the Democratic leaders.
He indicated that letters are being
received from thousands OF persons
who know nothing about the subject
upon which they write, indicating be-
yond all doubt a concentrated effort
by interested persons to influence
men in Office who are responsible for
the proposed legislation. On the 9th
er hand the president admitted
frankly that there were certain bust
ness men who had legitimate inter-
est in the wool and sugar items and
who should not be classed in the cate
CORY of lobbyists.
To Send Currency Message.
President Wilson also announced
that the outlook for some agreement
on the main features of the currency
bill this week Is encouraging, and
that he is hopeful the legislation can
be passed at this session of congress.
At the present time the president
sees no reason why it should not be
passed. He will express his views in
special message which probably will
be sent to congress next week.