Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-29


the inquiry now in progress relative
to the activities Of the "high power
salesman" who claims to have thwarted
the Geneva naval limitations confer
ence, is quoted in . Washington dis
patch to the New York Times as fol-
lows:
Wen wait and see what comes Of
the Shearer investigation and then
broaden out the field of inquiry as
may seem desirable. Certainly 1t can
include investigation of the social
lobby. That's more insidious than any
other.
ny social lobby is probably meant
the professional lobby that operates
through social agencies and at social
functions rather than at the Capitol.
There Is in truth. however. no particu-
lar difference between this and any
other kind AZ lobby, by whatever name
1t may be called. For all the Hobbies
Of Washington work socially.
Ever since there was a Congress there
has been . libby at the place of meet
ing, q lobby of people interested In
the promotion of legislation or its pre-
vention. Originally the lobby consisted
Of individuals, each working on his
own line, each seeking to advance his
own interests. self-appointed lobbyists
concerned in individual measures.
Eventually, however, it was found that
men could be engaged to represent
those who were interested in legisla-
ton, these agents having, or protesting
to have, extensive acquaintance with
legislators, perhaps being themselves
former members Of Congress, men,
therefore. of experience in legislative
matters. Sometimes these representa-
tives were lawyers. engaged for the sake
Of their legal talents as well as their
influence and knowledge of legislative
methods. Again, they were experts"
with technical knowledge Of particular
subjects.
All of these lobbyists, whether work.
ing individually or in groups, whether
representing only their own interests
or those of others, have always used
social methods, some preferring to
meet their legislative contacts" else
where than at the Capitol. There are
two schools of lobbyistic thought. One
school prefers the direct method, the
plan Of promotion and persuasion at
the Capitol. The other school favors
concentration on the SidelineS, so to
speak, at the homes Of legislators, at
dinner parties, teas, luncheons, recep-
tons. It all depends on the lobbyist
and the lobbied.
Investigation Of the social lobby"
would, If thorough, produce some very
interesting reading. But who will guar
antee thoroughness Of inquiry? Who
will be found to tell the whole story
Of those indirect approaches that are
represented In the lobbyists account
book under the heading incidental ex-
pense"? And, it may as well be said,
there IS precious little likelihood Of
stopping the social lobby in Washing
ton by investigation or otherwise. It
Is q condition inherent to legislation
by q popular assemblage. 1t is q con-
dition incident to government Of any
kind. anywhere.
Laws may be passed for the regula-
ton Of the lobby, for the registration
Of lobbyists, perhaps requiring the Al
ing of reports Of costs and charges.
But even If fully enforced, they will
not prevent lobbying, will not check
the old. old procedure Of hiring special
agents to advance special interests in
the framing or in the prevention Of
legislation. All that can come from an
investigation of the lobby, social or
otherwise, would be some interesting
gossip, perhaps some clouded reputa-
lions, and q shifting of personnel.