Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-05-29
SENATE IS ASKED
TO INVESTIGATE
Resolution to Probe Charge of
"InsidiOus Lobby" Goes
Over on Objection.

Washington, May 27,-President VIII
sons charge that an "insidious lobby" is
at work in Washington in behalf of de-
sired changes in the tariff bill, was
brought to the formal notice of the Sen
ate to-day through a resolution by Sena-
tor Cummns demanding an immediate
| investigation by a committee of five SEN
| ators, to determine the identity of all
persons who had made any efforts TO
present arguments or bring influence to
bear in favor of changes in the tariff law.
! similar resolution was introduced in
| the House by Representative Tavenner
| of Illinois.
| Senator Cummins attempted to secure
immediate action on his resolution which
| would authorize the greatest nvestiga-
ton of so-called lobbying" ever under
| taken by Congress.
Senator Gallinger at first objected to
the resolution as absurd" Later he
withdrew his objection, but on the de-
mand of Senator owen, the Cummins
resolution finally went over for one day
| without action.
The proposed investigation would re-
quire all senators to give the names OF
|any persons who had approached OF
written them in the interest of change.
In the tariff law, would request Pres
dent Wilson to furnish the names o
lpersons referred 10 in his statement yes
terday that a great and powerful lobb,
was at work and would authorize tn,
senatorial committee to determin,
whether the action of any lobbyists whit
might be discovered was proper or i'm
proper"
Men are here who have a right t.
be hero. because they represent thu
great interests OF the country that ar,
imperilled by proposed changes in tht
tarlfr,' declared Senator Galinger. "TC
call them lobbyists is absurd"
Senator Cunmins declared no hat
presented the demand for ar investiga
tion because members of the Senate hat
been put IN a very nncnviatle post
tion "
Il recognize the right of any interest
affected by pending legislation TO ap-
pear and offer arguments" he said
but do not know that any lobbyists
are here None has approached me,
But we have n tariff bill before us. A
great many men are here ] suppose
for the purpose Of putting legitimate
arguments before the Senate and its
committee affecting that legislation.
Now It is stated by the highest au-
thority that n lobby of great proper
tions, employing means of the most In
sidious and illegitimate character is en-
gagged In the effort to secure changes
in the bill as now proposed. The pub
lie has been led to believe and we be-
lieve that If any changes are made they
will have been due TO their influence
The fight over the lobby resolution
ended abruptly at the objection OF
Senator owen, The Presidents pub
lie statement of yesterday had brought
an earlier comment In the Senate
from Senator Thornton, one of the
democratic senators from Louisiana
who opposes the Presidents free sugar
program Commenting upon the step'
| that Louisiana sugar interests hac
taken to secure certain Information
which he presented to the Senate, h'
said; II suppose this is what some
people would call insidious lobbying
but II is what we consider an earnes
and legitimate effort to try ande save
a large part of our State from this
impandlnS blaw."