The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-09-09
Senator Chamberlain s & barge
Referred to Lobby Commit-
tee for Investigation
EXPECT LANSING TO
BE ASKED TO EXPLAIN
Oregon Senator Reiterates Brit
ish Pressure Killed Amend.
ment Approved by Presi-
dent and Cabinet

Washington, Sept. S.-The charges
made in the Senate last night that
British and Canadian influences had
caused the defeat OF the retaliatory
legislation. included in the revenue
bill are to be formally investigated.
1t Is understood that Secretary Lans-
ing will be called before the Lobby
Committee. to which the investigation
has been assigned. and will be asked
what threats or influences were
brought to bear to cause him TO OPP
pose this legislation at the last min
ute
The visit to Washington of Sir
Joseph Pope, Canadian under secre-
tary Of external affairs, and of w. A.
Found, superintendent of Canadian
fisheries is TO be thoroughly probeo.
Sir Joseph Pope arrived in Washing-
ton on August &c.
His coming was unheralded and he
sought no publicity while here. With.
his secretary, he occupied a suite at
the Shoreham Hotel until September
/. The secretary was busy with his
typewriter all day and late into sew
eral nights.
1t is known that Sir Joseph Pope
and another Canadian, accompanied
by a representative of the British en-
bassy, had at least one conference
with Secretary Lansing. The Secre-
tary of State admits this He cannot
recall the name of the other Cam
adam.
President and Cabinet Approved.
Senator Cham berlan of Oregon
Democrat, today reiterated his charge
that foreign governments had sent
lobbyists here to influence legislation,
and intimated strongly tAat British
pressure brought to bear upon his
amendment had killed 1t after it had
been approved by President Wilson
and every member OF his cabinet
Senator Curtis, of Kansas offered
the resolution that the charges be
probed by the Lobby Committee. 1t
was agreed to unanimously.
The matters brought to the atten-
ton of the Senate were of such q
serious character that no Senator
dared oppose il.
/ Senator Reed, Democrat. of Mis-
souri,, the only majority member OF
the Lobby Committee in Washington.
urged the adoption of the resolution.
He declared it was high time that
| Great Britain was brought to book"
1T has been stated repeatedly in
debate in this body" said Senator
Curtis that Hobbies have been driven
out of Washington by the present adj
ministration. Last night distinguish
ed Senator charged that a foreign
government had sent a LIBBY here to-
influence Congress against legislation
that would protect a certain industry
of this country. Ii foreign lohbes
are permitted TO do this sort of thing
! think this resolution should be
passed and the subject investigated"
Wants To known Facts
Senator chamberlain expressed his
sympathy with the resolution and the
object sought. He said
! II do not believe il is within the
! province of the representatives of any
foreign government to come here and
undertake to influence legislation
either in Congress or with officials Of
that the presence of Canadian Of
ficials Influenced Congress in lersla-
/ ton but that they were here, They
acted in cooperation with the coun-
sellor of the British embassy.
Il am in sympathy with this resolu-
ton because l object to men coming
here from a foreign government and
undertaking TO influence legislation
through the State Department or an,
other branch of our government. Why
are ambassadors stationed here X
they cannot represent their govern
ments? / do not think we ought to
be mealy- mouthed about IT. We ought
to find out what the facts are and tho
committee ought to be permitted to
say to Congress whether they approve
or disapprove of that kind of conduct
on the part of the representatives OF
/ a foreign government.
Other Countries Meddle.
Canada and Great Britain are not
guilty of such acts. Other govern
,ments have been known frequently to
attempt through their diplomatic and
commercial representatives here to
prevent the massage of legislation. My
information in the present case is that
these foreign representatives b ought
every pressure to bear upor. the heals
of government departments to oppose
my amendment.
/ Il know personally that President
Wilson and every member of his cab
met strongly favored my amendment.
l do not know why the amendment.
after being adopted by the Senate, was
struck out nor why the House con-
ferees so strongly opposed it. nor why
| the Senate conferees finally yielded
! the amendment. l believe that II this
investigation Is vigorously pressed Il
/ will serve as p-signal to foreign
governments whose officials under
| take to do what the Canadian officials
have done"
| Senator Reed, of Missouri. favoring
Its adoption. said:
II thing II high time for this country
to serve notice on all countries of the
world and upon their representatives,
official and non official that American
territory Is not intended for their sx-.
! plofcatice and that Americas bust>
I IA ,Avtc h,.R
| says Canada TAssateneA.
Senator Jones. Of Washington. reA4
4 letter from the Acting 9eoreea3x ~
statA contAi1ing : NeaA1o1Ae9a -,