Perth Amboy evening news., 1913-06-07
Tariff Committee is Stirred
by the Charges Made by
Senator Townsend.
PATRONAGE AS A CLUB
Some Members Will be Re-
called to Answer AIleqa-
tions of Michigan Senator

Washington, June 7.-Charging that
the influence and methods used by
President Wilson and the Democrats
In forcing congress into line on the
tariff bill was lobbying in the true
sense of the term, Senator Townsend,
Republican. of Michigan threw the
lobby committee into an uproar.
The next senator called to the stand
CWeeks of Massachusetts, emphatically
declared that the presidents statement
alleging tho existence of numerous
and insidious lobby formed to defeat
the free wool and sugar schedules was
more effective In coercing the senators
than all the '1nsidious' lobbies com
biped.
Senator Townsend in effect charged
that the executive gave out his lobby
statement with the deliberate intention
Of securing legislation by the use OF
meapS which by intelligent and right
minded men are considered improper"
Members of the committee were
brought to their toes by the senator
from Michigan when he asked why the
committee had not first inquired into
the presidents activity among the SEN
ators in regard to the tariff.
Will Recall Senators.
Senator Walsh and Acting Chairman
Reed both clashed sharply with Sena-
tor Townsend over his charge against
the president. In the midst of the up
roar Senator Walsh moved that every
senator be recalled to the stand to be
interrogated upon that point.
| 1t was unanimously carried to the In
ltense satisfaction of Senators KnHte
Nelson of Minnesota and Cummins OF
Iowa, the two Republican members OF
the committee.
Several senators were on the stand
after that. but that phase of the matter
was not gone into. 1t was stated after
ward by the acting chairman that all
the senators would be recalled after
the few remaining ones are examined
along the lines hitherto followed.
The many lobbyists already sub
|poenaed to appear on Monday will
probably have to wait, unless the com
mittee again alters its arrangements
At any rate. the hearing may run on
two or three more weeks.
Townsend's Definition.
Senator Townsend was asked to de-
dne lobbyists. He replied ut is q
person whose business 1t Is to secure
or prevent some particular legislation
by the use Of means which by intelli-
gent, right minded men are consid
cred improper. such as the offer or
payment of money or other things Of
value, extending favors or entertain
ment to legislators who are about to
act upon the legislation; by insidiOus
threats of political opposition; by hold,
ing out prospects of political reward
or by Withholding patronage, or by
using any other device calculated and
Intended to induce the lawmaker to
do what he knows be ought not to do
what is proper for him to do In repre-
senting his constituents.
'The nearest approach to undue in
nuence which would come within my
definition, In my Judgment, and | say
this with all due respect, has been the
influence exerted by the president and
by the use and power of the party Sc
cret caucus.
II am convinced that some senators
will vote In favor OF the tariff bill and
against the proposed amendments be-
cause Of the fear of antagonizing what
| ls known as the DOuar and iufuouco
| Of the administration"