The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-04-28
A BEVERIDGE TEST

"The only remedy for foolish and hurtful egisla-
ton is to choose our lawmakers with greater care
and judgment. 1t all down to that in the end
"If we continue to elect professional politicians
whose chief is reelection we shall continue
to have bad laws and stupid laws and an increasing
number of them.
"Such NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. count on stelld party
inertia to give them the so-called party vote, and
strive to get additional votes from those who clamor
for the passage of unavoidable laws as the price
Of their support and thus to secure reelection which
is all that such about
cor they will take orders from special interests
who furnish campaign funds, and support nonpubllc
measures often without knowing the meaning or
effect of those measures.
Indeed, legislation by the paid agents OF evil ana
secret forces-which called the Invisible
Goyernment-is worse than that by the tools OF the
little groups insisting the execution of fixed ideas
can open demagogue is better than bought and
pad-for puppet who performs when his concealed
owner pulls the strings"
Here is warning issued by Albert j. Beveridge
former Senator from this State, in his address 10
the lawyers of three States.
1t was a general warning, but if it is to be of use
It must be applied by the voter to the specific poll
tican-legisator when he appears and asks for nom
nation or election.
If you were to apply the test in Indiana at this
time what name would first suggest itself to your
mind?
Your are right of course, and fortunately there
is written into the records of the Government sworn
testimony which may guide to support your
than suspicion
During the two years that Senator Watson has
not held public Office he sold his services to an
organization which was intent upon obtaining spe-
cal legislation of a sort that would be capitalized
into real dollars
His activities bold and so unusual that
a select committee of Congress made very lengthy
Investigation, chapter of history known as the Null
hall investigation which had for it's purpose dis
closure Of the secret influences and agents which
dominated legislation in Congress.
Watson then testifying before this committee,
swore that he had made this bargain:
my agreement with these gentlemen, as recall
it, was for a $500 retainer and $3.50 week and eX-
penses while could be Of service to them"
He had just left his seat in Congress. He inn
mediately returned as the paid agent of special In
terests.
If you doubt your judgment on the matter
Of the propriety of what he did, take the record of
the select committee, composed in the majority of
members of his own party, who made this report:
"The committee questions the proprety of one
who has been member of Congress and attaining
personal and political influence capitazing that in
duence in pressing legislative proposition upon Con-
gress for hire by personal contact and personal eff
forts with members, done in this case and
we confess feeling Of regret that upon any ques
ton whatsoever its merits lobbyist for it should be
able to say as Mr. said in this (p 257),
IL had various members of Congress coming to re-
port to me about how their delegations stood"
That is the record of Watson written by mem
bers Of Congress. 1t reveals his craftsmanship Of
which so much has been said. 1t discloses him a
man who capitalized the trust imposed in him by his
neighbors, as as he no longer could obtain
office.
Read once more what Senator Beveridge known
for his ideals of public service, has to say Of the
secret agents of selfish interests.
Read what a committee Of Congress says about
Watson
If you apply the test laid down by Beverage,
what must be your verdict on Watson?