The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1920-02-20


give any consideration to the legi-
innate demands Of their oonstitu-
ents
An inquiry is now being made to
determine to what extent the law
yer lawmakers have been retained
as legal advisors by the railroads.
This opens up a very interesting
question. 1t is reported that a
/ number of con gressmen and sena-
tors are receiving salaries and re-
tanners. either directly or as mem
bers of law firms, from railroads
and other corporations closely allied
Herewith. for services which they
are presumed to render.
In a few days these men will be
given an opportunity to vote on
legislation that viii open the treas
ury Of the nation up to the rail-
roads and will in other ways en-
rich them at public expense.
Neither in sound law nor in good
morals have these salaried retainers
any right TO vote on legislation that
beneficially affects their employ
ers As between the welfare Of
the people and the interests of the
corporations these retainers who
have divided allegiance cannot be
depended upon to make a correct
decision, Experience is warning
that their action will be favorable
to their private employers. They
are absolutely untrustworthy al
though many of them will right
eously protest that the fat fees they
obtain do not in any manner pre-
judioe their judgment or dictate
their official position on any ques-
ton.
President Roosevelt sent a Kansas
senator to the penitentiary for
practicing before the departments.
1t had been a quite general custom
for senators and congressman to
bring their legal business TO Wash
ington and make it cource of
profit to them. The law against it
had been so long disregarded that
it had been entirely forgotten. Mr..
Roosevelt revitalized the statue,
Mr.. Burton went to the peniten-
tiary and now senators and con-
eressmen do not practice before the
departments, openly at least.
But senators and congressman
who are receiving annually large
sums as counsel for railroads have
made speeches in favor of legisla-
ton that is beneficial to their
clients. They have also voted for
this legislation.
If congress is a department Of the
government, these retainers have
just as surely violated the statue as
did the Kansas senator who served
TWO years for his violations.
Perhaps the eagerness manifest
cd by congressman and senators to
open up the treasury to the rail-
roads. to provide fat guarantees
and revolving funds, which have
been characterized as vanishing
funds, to validate eight billions of
fake stock and to shaCkle the work
ers. has a very definite connection
with the retainers they are receiv-
ing as counsel for clients whose
interests they are so Loyalty pro-
mating.
1t is inconceivable that the Amer
lean people will calmly tolerate
continuance of such conditions. 1t
is the most disgraceful betrayal Of
the public welfare that has been
recorded in a nation whose history
is replete with betrayals.
Were the nation represented to-
day by men who are absolutely
free to make a choice as between
the people and the railroads, there
would be no question of the final
determination of railroad legisla
ton. There would then be granted
no colossal subsidies and there
would be no enslavement of labor.
If the revised statues do not make
it a crime for senator's and con-
gressmen to serve two masters.
penalties must be provided if the
national welfare is to be safeguard
ed. In the meanwhile, those who
transgress the moral law should
be and will be held up TO public
execration and contempt.
Smoke Chas. Sheets CHALLENGE