Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-05-30
Inquiry is Directed Into
Charge of Insidious
Influence.
PRESIDENT TO ASSIST
Names of Persons Engaged in
Agitation Against Tariff to
Be Exposed.

Washington, D. c., May 30-The
senate yesterday afternoon voted
unanimously 10 direct an investigation
into the charge made by the president /.
that a lobby is in Washington sceh-
ing 10 influence sentiment cn the tariff ,
bill.
The resolution, introduced by Sen
ator Cummins OF Iowa, was passed |
after more than four hours Of hot de- !
bate, but after II had been amended |
In such a way that Senator Root and
Others declared # was "emasculated.'
The resolution has given the demo
cratic leaders a great deal Of trouble.
They would gladly have avoided the
investigation, not because they feared
the disclosures but because they real
ize 1t is likely 20 take up much time
OF the senate that might well be de.
voted to expediting the tariff bill.
But President Wilson showed no dis
position 10 stand out against the in
vestigation. On the contrary, he sent
word to his party leaders that he
would welcome the investigation and
stood ready 70 place at their disposal
information 10 back Up his charges.
WILSON TO SuPPLY INFORMATION.
The president avowed himself will
ing to supply names as we'll as in
formation. When these names are
disclosed. Il is likely number OF
democrats will be in the list, some
Of them former Dnliticians
Early yesterday morning Senator
Simmons. chairman Of the finance
committee. let II be known the demo-
Gratis would advocate the investiga-
tion, but would insist on amendments
TO the resolution. These amendments
we're made before the resolution was
put on its final passage. Senator
Kern. leader Of the minority proposed
the principal amendment, which,
after being modified by Senator Reed
Of Missouri and Senator Lippitt OF
Rhode Island, was finally adopted by
vote OF 80 TO 9s. the democrats vot-
ing solidly for II and the republicans
voting against il. The amended reso-
luton was then passed without a di-
vision by a unanimous vote.
LEWIS HAS HIS LITTLE JOKE.
Senator Penrose expressed the hope
that since tse resolution had been
modified so that senators would not
be required 10 disclose with whom
they had talked. that there would be
no shrinking" on the part OF senators
in the matter OF furnishing informa-
ton.
NO one would accuse the senator
from Pennsylvania OF showing any
tendency towards 'shrinkage.' piped
Senator James Hamilton lewis, the
new democratic whip.
Evidently Mr.. Penrose did not grasr
this reference 10 his avoirdupois. for
he began seriously TO explain that ne
was ready 10 make full disclosures
Senator Lewis was evidently disap
pointed that his arrow had not lodged
and he proceeded to explain his joke
i was simply adverting TO the fac
that the senator from Pennsylvania
cannot be accuse OF any tendency TO
wards shrinkage." repeated Mr.. Lewis
During the debate there was
clash between Senators Sherman -.
Illinois and Williams OF Mississippi
SHERMAN AND WILLIAMS CLASH.
why cannot the presidents charg,
be included in the resolution" in
CURED Mr.. Sherman. Il would like {,
know who these lobbyists are The,
are likely in their predatory way Il
consume Scme or US new senators be
fore We can identify them"
Il think consideration Of the reso
luton is NO place for ironical fling
at the president" sharply responses
Williams.
Does the senator think the pres
dents chargts ironicai?" demands
Sherman. Il merely quoted the pres
dent"
AS amended the resolution author
ICES an investigation by the iudiciar
committee Of the senate. instead OF b
select committee. The committe
Is instructed to report within ten oay
the names Of all lobbyists attemptin
70 influence any such pending legisl;
tion and the methods which they hav
employed 10 accomplish their end
and in giving the name OF the lobbyis
to give the particular bill upon whic
he is working, and II Il be the tari
bill. the item he is seeking 10 chang,
COMMITTEE REPORT INFLUENCES
The committee Is further instructe
TO ascertain the character OF any rel
reservations made BY such persons {
influence legislation. the names {
senators to whom they were mad