Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1913-05-28
Presidents Charge That Spe-
cial Interests Are Trying 10.
Influence Tariff Legislation
Creates Excitement.
LOUISIANA SENATOR'S
SARCASTIC COMMENT
Lippitt Of Rhode Island Speaks
Of "Seemingly Almost Or
ganized Attempt by Demo-
Gratis 10 StifIe Information. y

lev MORNING ioussA. oPrciAl Lrastn WISH
Washington, May 27.-- President
Wilson's charge that an "insidious
lobby" Is at work in Washington in
hchalf of changes In the tariff bill.
vas brought to the formal notice Of
the senate today through a resolution
by senator Cnmmins demanding an
immediate investigation by commit
tee of five senator's to discover the
identity OF all persons who had made
any efforts to present arguments OF
bring influence 10 bear in favor Of
changes In the tariff law. A similar
resolution was introduced in the house
By Representative Tavcnner, Of Hi.
nois
Senator Cummins attempted 20 se-
cure immediate action on his resolu-
tion which would authorize tho great
est investigation Of so-callcd lobby
ng' ever undertaken by congress.
Senator Galingcr nj first objected
Lc the resolution as absurd Later,
he withdrew his objection hut. on de-
mand Of Senator owen. the Cummins
resolution finally went over for one
iay without action.
The proposed investigation would
require all senators to give names OF
any persons who had approached or
written them In the interest OF
changes of the tariff law; would re-
luire President Wilson TO furnish the
names referred to In his statement
that great and powerful Lobby was
NJ work and would authorize the sene
ltorlnf committee to determine wheth-
nr the action of The lobbyists who
might be discovered was proper or
improper
Senator Cummlns declared he had
presented the demand for an invcsti-
gation because members Of the senate
had been put In very "unenvlable
= recognize the right Of any inter-
.st affected by pending legislation 20
appear and offer argument" he said.
7 don't know that any lobbyists are
iere. None have approached me.
sut we have a tariff bill before MS.
4 great many men are here, | sup
losc for the purpose of putting iegit-
mate arguments before the senate
md its committee affecting that leg
station.
"Now, Il Is said by the highest au-
horty that lobby of great proper
lens. employing means of the most
nsdious and illegitimate character
& engaged In the effort to secure
'hanges to the bill as now proposed
rhe public has been led to believe
md will believe that If any changes
re made they will have been due to
heir Influence.
II don't know what lobbyist is.
{ II Is the man who appears to make
legitimate arguments, | am for him
But the country has a right to know
What influences are surrounding the
enate Of the United states, to know
Who is here and who is attempting hy
rgument, by influence or by pefsua-
ion, to change the tariff rates.
The fight over the lobby resolution
nded abruptly at the objection OF
senator Owen. The presidents pub
ic statement Of yesterday had brought
n early comment in the senate from
one Of the senator's from
who opposes the presidents
rec sugar program. Commenting on
tcps that Louisiana sugar interests
iad taken to secure certain informa-
ion which he presented to the SEN
tie, he said:
Il suppose that is what some peo-
lie would call insidious lobbying
nut It's what we consider an earnest,
egitimate effort to try and save a
arge part Of our state from this i'm
ending blow
An echo Of the Cummins resolu-
ion was heard shortly after II was
aid aside when Senator Lippitt, OF
shode Island. asked Chairman Sim
mons, Of the finance committee. when
he senate might expect to get the
being presented to the sub
in the shape Of briefs
enator simmons replied that one
ook Of briefs probably would be
valuable tomorrow.
Senator Lippitt referred to the
seemingly almost organized at
empt' TO stifle information in regard
0 the tariff bill. one report. he said,
fas that those who came to Wash
lgton TO testify in regard to the sehed-
les had been threatened with "hang-
1g as high as Haman," while an
ther said million dollar fund would /
q raigpd 10 investigate those who tcs-