New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-28
SHOWDOWN DEMANDED
ON THAT TARIFF LOBBY
c,ImminS to Submit Resolution
Calling on Wilson to Name
Offenders.
CLOTURE TALK BY LIPPITT
Rumor of Hanging High as
Hsman" in Store for Wit
nesses-Inquiry Move in
House Also.
From The Tribune Bureau. }

From The Tribune Bureau
Washington. MAY PA resolution call
ing upon President Wilson to make good
nis charge that powerful lobby was
hsing maintained in Washington to influ-
snce legislators and block the progress
~ the wilson Underwood tarift bll was
submitted to the Senate to-day 10y Senator
Cummins
The resolution provides for the appoint
rent Of "a committee of i've Senators by
the Vice-President To- investigate the
charges made by the President and calls
for the names Of the lobbyists and the
tariff items asainst which they are direct
ing their attack The President is invited
~ submit 10 the proposed committee al
Information he has bearing upon the sub
Jet.
An Illuminating phase Of the situation
was injected by Senator Lipptt. OF Rhode
Island VINO asked Chairman Simmons Of
tho Finance Committee when the Senate
might expect 10 get the tariff material
being presented 10 the subcommittee In
the shape of briefs. Senator simmons
repued that one book of briefs probably
would be available tomorrow.
Senator Lippitt referred TO the seem
inslv almost organized attempt to stifs
Information in regard 10 the tariff bin.
One report. he said. was that those who
came 10 Washington TO testify I'm regard
n the schedules had been threatened with
"bapgine as high as Hannah" while an
other said million dollar fund would be
raised 10 investigate those who testified.
Democrats in Quandary.
The Senate Democrats now called upon
70 substantiate the charges Of President
Wilson find themselves in something OF a
dilemma. according to the view Of the Re
rublicsns. who insist that il a lobby eX-
lists the facts should be brought 10 the
attention Of the public. Senator simmons
chairman Of the Finance Committee, said
he was unaware that there was any spe-
cisl lobby other Democratic Senators
in the recesses Of the cloakToom criticised
the statement Of the President although
none Of them would do so publicly There
&c still doubt whether these Senators will
support the Republicans in demanding a
full investigation.
II is the purpose Of the Republicans TO
bring the resolution to a vote. if that be
possible. There is a suspicion that the
majority will attempt TO evade the issue
By referring the whole matter 10 the FL
nance Committee unless President Wilson
expresses desire TO make public the
facts upon which his statement is based.
The resolution has. at least, paved the
way for another clash on the Senate floor
preliminary TO the final struggle over the
tariff itself
Senator GalHnger objected TO the Cum
Minis resolution at first because Of the
provision requiring Senators TO state IN
der oath the names Of persons who had
approached them on the subject OF the
tariff
we have had accusations of a similar
character at various times, he said.
The charges as rule. have been un-
substantial and without any foundation
IN fact The newspapers are fun Of state
ments concerning a lobby which is not
visible 10 the naked eye. II IS absurd
for the Senate TO indulge in any investi-
cation Of this kind. Men have a right 10
be here II is outrageous 10 call them
lobbyists"
Il recognize the right" said Senator
Cummins, "of the representatives of any
interest or Industry to appear and
present an argument 20 Senators or COM
mittees. We are, however, at this time
put in an unenvable position. I do not
know that there are lobbyists here. None
has approached me.
IT there are men here-I do not know
whether there are or not-who are here
improperly, 7 want the country 10 know
Il. Every Senator ought 10 be willing and |
anxious to give the country this informa- !
ton"
Senator Gallinger thereupon withdrew !
his objection. but Senator owen inter |
posed another, and under the rule, the |
resolution went over until the next meet |
ing Of the Senate.
Move in House Also.
Representative Tavenner. an Illinois |
Democrat. also introduced a resolution to- /
DAY granting an investigation Of the al |
legged lobby by d special House Commit |
tee Of FIVE members.
The Tavenner resolution recites that I
the President has charged. and there are ]
other reasons 10 believe that powerful /
and insidIous lobby representing interests /
hostile 10 the passage Of the tariff bill /
IN the form adopted by the House is IN |
existence in Washington"
The committee, II named. will be re- |
CURED to investigate the operation Of any |
Hobbies which may exist IN Washington !
the amount of money spent by such lob |
eies, the origin Of their funds and to !
conduct a general inquiry to learn the |
methods by which any lobby seeks TO in
nuence legislation in Congress"