The Washington times., 1913-07-01
LOBBY SITUATIONS
/ ANALYzED BY REED
Missouri Senator Foresees
Drastic Legislation and
e
Il Publicity as Cures.

Senator Reed of Missouri, chief cross
examiner of the Senate lobby investiga-
ting committee. today analyzed the
lobby sensation which the committees
investigation so far, and the disclos-
ures of M. NJ. Mulhall. agent for the
National Association of Manufacturers
have disclosed. His statement follow:
THE lobby investigation and Its at
tendant disclosures have demonstrated
what has long been suspected:
That the great special interests have
secretly and effectively directed and
controlled legislation. 1 do not mean
trolled, but that the interests have
been a potential influence is beyond
question. Evidence plainly shows:
First, that they have opposed the
election of men known to be opposed to
their plans and desires.
Second, that they have secretly
given aid and support, financial and
moral, to those who have been sub
servient to their interests.
Affect Public.
Third. that they have carefully and
secretly affected public sentiment
through carefully prepared news mat
ter sent out through press bureaus and
otherwise disseminated through the
press of the country.
Fourth, that with great skill they
have carried on a propaganda with
their business connections and by this
means sought to influence votes OF
Congressman.
Fifth, that they have maintained
lobbyists in Washington whose business
Il has been not only to undertake to
oppose ali inimical legislation. but to
undertake to control the election OF the
conmittees of Congress.
Sixth, In one instance at least, one
of these interests, the woolen manu-
pointed as confidential clerk of the
Republican members of the Finance
Committee of the Senate, the secre-
tary of the Woolen Manufacturers'
SO satisfactorily that he was present.
ed by his employers. the woolen man
ueacturers, with $4,000.
Seventh, That the sugar interests
the beet sugar interests have made
common cause to prevent a reduction
OF the tariff on sugar.
Combine Interests.
Eighth, That there is a community
of interests between many of the pro-
tected industries and that there has
been raised and expended directly
and indirectly for the purpose of con-
trolling public sentiment and affect
dollars.
"Every day is bringing new develop
ments. Gradually the facts are being
laid before the public. No one can
predict exactly what may yet be de-
veloped, but as result of this inves-
tigation, three things will happen: (a)
The work of the lobbyist having been
exposed, he will be discredited and
his influence greatly lessened. (bl
Legislation will be enacted which will
render the work of the lobbyist. IL not
Impossible. at least more difficult. In
my opinion lobbyists Will be required
to register and to present themselves
before a committee of Congress in
their true character. (c) The public
will more closely observe the conduct
OF all men connected with the, Gov
ernment (d) The decent press Of the
country will more carefully guard
their columns against inspired ar
ticles. and some law will be passed
compelling newspapers to print the
source and authorship along with the
inspired article.
ficulty, but in this, as in other cases.
publicity is perhaps the best pre-
yenfa tive"