The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1921-09-18

csts OF the employer az distinct
from those OF the whole people OF
the United states, unless his name
apopars upuu the legislative dock
cts. Penalties are provided for a
violation of the provisions OF the
bill. Whether these measures VIII
correct the evils complained of, II Is
difficult to say. The question pro-
SCENTS many angles. and In striking
AT the evil, care must We taken 10
avoid attacking what may be pro.
ductive OF good.
After aIl. we come back 10 the
proposition that the senators aui
representatives and those clothed
with authority must, with calm
judgment clear conscience and
high resolve TO maintain and de
Tend Tho constitution and serve
ihctr country and their cuustltu-
cnts. Donsc,ratc themselves tn their
important tasks. Thcv cannot
shirk the responsibility, and bad
legislation calls Tor commentator.
Publicity ~ u Cure.
remember when Secretary
Hughcs was governor ~ Ncw York
@ young mar named Travis ".
whitney registered al Albany ns
legislative agent representing the
citizens union ~ ScW York city. Il
had been charged that lohhlos had
been active In promoting legislation
favorable Co certain interests or in
opposing measures boo the interests
~ the public. MIR. whitney be
liovcd that ruhlicitv would prevent
underground methods and defeat
vicious aud improper legislation ana
thar a fair and just anaylsis of bills
that were introduced should be sup
piled tO the prrFg and To thv public.
II was believed Boy Mr.. whitney de-
fcntcd obnoxious and dangerous
measures ana promoted the puhSABe
OF m]critoriuus bills.
10 has been urged by come that
lobbyists should be prevented from
private conferences with members
~ legislative bodies. Perhaps a
law forbidding persons from con
rcrrlnE with legislators In private.
upon pending or prospective lcgiH
lation, might he Of some advant-
age, although, ~ | have indicated
the weak and umorous and corrupt
might find no shield In such mcaH-
urcs and the brave ana courageous
and honest legislators mover have
needed and never viii need such
protection. Undoubtedly, cour-
agcous senators and representa-
lives have been defeated because
% their opposition 60 vicious or class
legislation or their valiant efforts
60 defeat the schemes OF lobbyists
and agents fighting for special In
~terests and TO secure special legla-
lation.
In 1919 the activities OF lobbyists
In Washington became so pcrnici-
Gus that the president declared
that tho public ought 10 know the
extraordinary cNortions being mad"
by tho lobby TO gain recognition
for certain alterations OF the tariff
bill. He further stated that Wash
ington and seldom seen so numer-
Gus, So industrious or 80 lnsidious
a lobby. The newspapers were be-
ing filled with paid Advertisement
calculated to misload the Judgment
Of public men not only. but also the
public opinion Of the country IT.
self. There was every evidence,
the president pointed out. that
money without limit was being
spent TO sustain this lobby and 10
| create a pressure ~ public opinion
antagonistic to some OF the Chiel
items OF tho tariff bill,
Pursuant to the statement q
President Wilson. resolutions wer'
offered, both In the house and II
the senate calling for investigt'
tiuns. Volumes Of testimony wer,
taken In both Legislative brancho
and the majority of the house con
miItee investigating the matter re
ported and submitted with their re
port a bill to regulate lobbying ant
to require every Legislative counsel
and agent employed by any person
! CORPORATION or association to- pro-
mote or defeat legislation to regis
ter and 10 render an accurate ac-
count OF all moneys expended by
him In such capacity and for other
purposes.
The bills offered by senator KEN
Won and Ovcrmsn. to which | have
referred, are r. wn along the lines
Of the bill. the title OF which ! just
stated. No action vas taken by
tho house Or tho senate upon thlA
bill. but Il Is generally conceded
that the investigation was pro-
ductivo Of good and diminished In
"a large measure the activities of
organizations and corporations
witurr conduct called for serious
condemnation.
Principal IObb!rs Active To-day.
But a. ! have indicated. the lob
bying evil. like tho poor, Is Htll
with us. Perhaps there never were
more lobbyists and representatives