Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1913-07-11
What Lobby Probe Has Demon-
Strated.

Senator Reed, of Missouri, chief cross
examiner for the United States Senate
lobby investigating committee. Monday
analysed the evidence taken so far by that
committee and gave what he believes will
be the result of these disclosures His state
ment follows:
THE lobby investigation and its attend
ant disclosures have demonstrated what
has long been suspected:
That the great special interests have
secretly and effectively directed and con-
trolled legislation. do not mean that
all legislation has been thus controlled.
but that the interests have been poten-
tial influence is beyond question. Evidence
plainly shows:
First That they have opposed the
selection Of men opposed to their plans
and desires
"Second-That they have secretly given
aid and support, financial and moral. to
interests.
"Third-That they have carefully and
secretly affected public sentiment, through
carefully prepared news matter sent out
through press bureaus and otherwise dis
seminated through the press Of the country.
"Fourth-That with great skill they have
carried on propaganda with their bust
ness connections and by this means sought
to influence votes of Congressman.
'Fifth-That they have maintained lob
byists in Washington whose business it
has been not only to undertake to direct a
course Of legislation and to oppose all
inimical legislation, but to undertake to
control the election of the committees OF
Congress.
Sixth-ln one instance, at least, one Of
these interests. the wooden interests, sue
ceeded in having appointed as confidential
clerk of the Republican members Of the
Finance Committee of the Senate the sec
rotary Of the Wooden Manufacturers Asso-
citation, who performed his work so salts
factory that he was presented by his
employers, the wooden manufacturers. with
$4,000.
'Seventh-That the sugar interests OF
Hawaii. Porto Rico, Louisiana and the
beet sugar interests have made common
cause to prevent reduction of the tariff on
sugar.
"Eiehth-That there is a community OF
interests between many Of the protected
industries, and that there has been raised
and expended, directly and indirectly, for
the purpose Of controlling public sentiment
and affecting legislation. many thousands
of 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 developed. but
as result of this investigation four things
will happen:
THE work of the lobbyist having been
exposed. he will be discredited and his in
fluence greatly lessened.
Legislation will be enacted which will
render the work Of the lobbyist, If not i'm
possible, at least more difficult In my
opinion lobbyists will be required to regis
ter and to present themselves before a
committee of Congress in their true char
acter.
THE public will more closely observe
the conduct Of all men connected with the
Government.
THE decent press of the country viii
more carefully guard their columns agains
inspired articles. and some law will b.
passed compelling newspapers to prin
the source and authorship along with tn,
inspired article.
This problem is one of great difficulty
but in this as in others publicity is tn
greatest preventive"