The Washington times., 1913-06-09
REED SEES END
= OF LOBBY EVIL
Missouri Senator Declares Wool
and Sugar Interests Have
Done Real Harm.
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+. Continued from First Page.) e.
the men who were influenced.
That the majority in control Of Con:
gress Tor many years has been swayed
by the persistent activities Of special in
terests was the view expressed by Sena-
tor Reed.
Objects To Headquarters.
He found no fault with the appearance
here Of an individual to state his case
and then go home. but he did strongly
object to the organization Of head
quarters here by lobbies and SYSTEM
attic. persistent operations through them.
President Wilson's view that there Is
a potent and insidious lobby here Is
shared by Senator Reed.
The committee continued its hearings
today with the object Of getting through
the examination Of Senators as quickly
as possible and then taking up the ex-
animation of the LOBBYISTS themselves
be reached Tuesday or Wednesday.
When the committee opened today. four
teen Senators remained to be examined.
Those first on the stand today were
Senators Sutherland. Reed. Bankhead.
tered many lobbyists ready to take the
stand In response to subpoenaes which
the deputies of the sergeant-at-arms
are still busy serving.
Has Right.
Senator Bankhead thought the citizen
had as good a right to lobby at WASH
ington as he had to go to Alabama and
ask voters to support him. One was as
much lobbying as the other. he de-
clared. Moreover. when a President was
to be elected, the candidates opened
headquarters and tried through
speeches. literature, and the like to IN
fluence voters. This. too, looked to him
like lobbying.
Of their interests in the items affected
by the bill The testimony developed
that Senator Walsh, who is fighting free
wool. has extensive sheep interests.
Senator Tillman Of South Carolina fol-
lowed Senator Walsh. He read a state
ment Of his own holdings. which in
elude large farm interests, but knew
little about the lobby. The only people
who had been to see him were inter-
ested in ivory. which. he thought ought
to go on the free list.
Senator Reed told much Of the method
Of lobby operation by oblique and indi-
"A sort of system has grown up in
this country for these men seeking to
affect legislation to do 1t in this way"
he said. They try to reach a represent
tative In the House or Senate by indi-
rect methods. They begin with a busi-
ness connection. some one under obli-'
cation to the NOR having friendly busi-
matter UP until they can find some one
who resides is the State or the Senator
or Representative. They then make
their appeal to the local citizen ard
have him send a letter or letters. The
appeal Is always to selfish interest. I
not confined simply to men interested
in tariff legislation"
Is Professional. -.-.z.-.5
Senator Reed defined the real lobbyist
as one who sought to influence legisla-
ton professionally or systematically. A
business man who came here to present
a case and went home was not engaged
in anything to be criticised. The per-
m nuoSs who eon,iDues op sot to
cozen members Of Congress and plan a
campaign" became a dangerous person.
about a legislative body.
HE ought to be absolutely exclu-
ded from the Capital" said Senator
think this community needs any pro-
fessional lobbyists. but I do believe
in the fullest right Of free speech and
petition.
Like a ntigant before a court" said
Senator Reed. "the person who comes
here to influence legislation ought to
present his case and go away.
Plot To Influence.
''It is utterly abominable for interests
outside of Congress to be plotting to-
gether and trying to unite their in.
terests to influence legislation"
Senator Overman asked about parties
with headquarters in New York or
elsewhere trying II influence legisa-
ton through literature or otherwise.
Senator Reed held this reprehepsible