The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-06-09
UPHOLDS WILSON
Investigation Proves His Lob
by Charge Correct.
Powerful Influences Work on
Tariff Legislation.
LAWS AGAINST LOBBYISTS
To Draw Line Between Right
and Wrong Methods.
"InsidiOus Methods" Illustrated
by Senator Reed.
LAWS AGAINST LOBBYISTS

Washington, June 9.-When the
last senator had testified today before
the special committee hunting for the
lobby it was predicted at the capitol
that the report of the investigators
would substantially uphold President
Wilson's declaration that powerful in
fluences have been at work in Wash
ington attempting to affect congress
on the tariff bill. Whether it will be
shown that "insidious methods have
been used" or that improper in
fluences have been exerted upon SEN
ators will depend upon the evidence
of the next few days when the COM
mittee examines a score or more or
men, who have called on senators or
directed publicity campaigns The
committee undoubtedly will recon-
mend restrictive legislation of a strong
character. 1t will attempt to draw
clear distinction, however, between an
organized campaign to change pubic
opinion, or influence senators against
their judgment, and the legitimate
presentation of arguments and facts
by officers or representatives of in
dustrial concerns affected by 1egisla-
ton. The senate's lobby hunt plung-
ed into its second week today. Less
than a dozen senators remained to be
examined before the committe took
up another trail and began calling
score or more of men mentioned in
the testimony of senators as being
on one side or the other of the free
sugar fight, or of being attorneys or
special representatives in Washington.
It was admitted on all hands that
the investigation already had out
grown it's original bounds. 1t origin
ally was intended to develop evidence
concerning the influences President
Wilson charges were being brought
against the tariff bill, but the testi-
mony of senators has broadened the
scope of the inquiry to touch many
subjects. Under the extension of tire
granted by the senate, Chairman
velop all the new phases.
President Wilson told callers today
he expected the lobby investigation to
| have beneficial results through the
publicity given to the conditions sur
rounding the making of the tariff
When asked his opinion for the charge
made by Senator Townsend as to his
influence with reference to legislation,
the president replied it needed no COM
ment.
Senator Reed said he had no personal
connections affected by the tariff and
had talked reduction to all his brother
senators whenever possible. He did not
know any lobbyist, at least in a way
to associate names and faces, and had
not been subjected to any attempts al
influence, and knew nothing of any use
of money improperly, but was certain,
however, that new system of at
tempting to influence legislation had
risen in this country. He illustrated
by telling the committee about tele-
grams from horse and mule dealers
in st. Louis saying:
please vote for a duty on sugar;
it is very necessary to preserve the
mule industry of Missouri"
'sIt is plain to me that sugar planters
were seeking to influence the men from
o111n H.
Judging from these circumstances and
others, 1 believe there is a system
growing up by which attempts are
made to reach representatives or SEN
ators by indirect methods. 1t begins
through business connections and final
lv they find some one in the district
of representative, and through him
make an appeal to local citizens and
have them send letters or kilograms
appealing in behalf of the people of
the state. AS a matter of fact, 1T is
an appeal from the people, but a sell
fish appeal I don't think this has been
confined to tariff legislation. I think
a strong effort is being made here to
affect the passage of the tariff bill or
effect a modification of it. How strong
it is 1 do not know.
How many senators of the seventy
you have heard testify do you think
have been improperly influenced? ?"
asked Senator Nelson.
None
You think senator's SO far have
been immune from the serious infec-
tion of the lobby?"
'I think that for many years the
majority in ongress may have been
Influenced by argument put forth by
selfish interests and that many sena-
tors have been influenced by them.
That was when the lobby f1ourished in
Washington like the green bay tree.
1.-THE country does not need any pro-
IL. .1.v-Se h. e-af1 II 1r~-
lieve in the right of litigant in court
to come himself or send his attorney
and make his showing and then go
home and not stay and try to get pri-
vate conferences with members of the
court. It is a very unpleasant thing
when congress is in session that in
terests send representatives. to the
capital to open headquarters, employ
clerks and fasten themselves there like
barnacles. Lobbying is the business
of changing votes. The men who come
here all want to get something by vir-
tue of law or maintain some advantage