Milford chronicle., 1926-03-05

The organized groups interested
in legislation have in recent years
adopted new methods. The day of
the high-salaried attorney to handle
legislative matters for great organi-
cations in Washington has passed.
Not so long ago the word lobbyist"
was used rather freely to describe
an affable and thoroughly well in
formed agent who took advantage of
his acquaintance with members of
Congress to solicit their votes on
certain measures. The approach
was usually followed by lavish en-
tertainment, etc., on the part of the
legislative agent. Today the policy
of decentralization which has hit
government activities has also af-
fected legislative movements. The
demand for legislation comes from
the field or, in other words, direct
from the constituents. The Washing
ton representatives of organization
are chosen for their intimate knowl-
edge of politics and politicians and
serve merely as co-ordinators for
field forces.
Several senators have remarked
this week on the change in legisla-
tive tactics and called attention to
the growing tendency to hold con-
ventions in Washington during ses-
sions of Congress. A convention
was held here recently of national
organization and the delegates num-
bering several thousand were given
definite assignments. The outcome
was that members of Congress re-
ceived large delegations from their
home districts demanding immediate
action on legislation in which they
were interested. 1t requires unusu-
al tact and resourcefulness on the
part of members of Congress and
their secretaries to keep these Wis
iting delegates in good humor and at
the same time avoid definite pledges.
An occasional society notice con-
cerning visiting officials reveals
some interesting angles of our in
ternational situation. A group of
men are gathering quietly here for
conferences with high officials of
the Department of State and the
Army and the Navy, relative to the
forthcoming conference on limita-
ton of armaments in Geneva. The
outstanding figure in these meetings
here will be Hugh S. Gibson, Amer
lean Minister to Switzerland, who is
expected within a few days.
The presence of diplomatic and
military observers representing the
American Government at the four
corners of the earth is essential be-
cause of the magnitude of the prob
lem involved. No code has ever
been devised to cover the data nee
essary for our representatives at the
Geneva Conference. It requires YER
bal reports and exchange of opin-
ions.
Gradual extension of American
participation in foreign affairs
brings out the fact that we are not !
as thoroughly informed on condi- !,
tions abroad as foreigners are of
in this country. Although
are very taciturn when in
ternational affairs are mentioned at
social gatherings, an occasional j
word is dropped which provides ma
terial for speculation.
1t has been suggested that the
limitation of armaments shall be
construed to include limitation on
the industrial strength of the var
ious countries. This brings the
question of armaments close to the
manufacturing and work.
ing groups. Efforts to keep the con-
ference to the question Of arma-
ments and pass up all political and
economic questions are regarded as
most important.
Those well informed on interna-
tional affairs state that the United
States will make an effort to con-
fine the discussion to reduction Of
but will assiduously
avoid participating 4 in Security
Dacts" which deal with economic
problems of other nations. 1t has al
ways been our experience, because
If the enormous wealth of this coun-
ry, to lose in economic negotiations
With other countries. 1t is barely
possible that the Geneva conference
nay not be held as scheduled as the
European situation is not settled. It
S however, a problem holding the
attention of the diplomatic and mill
tary establishments here and some
hing upon which Congress has lit
lie to say at this time.
One Of the surprises of the pres
mt session has been the tendency to
discussion on power pro-
ects, especially the Muscle Shoals
ssue. The time of the House and
senate have been so taken up with
ntnrna1 reuen11a rnaasnres and an