The Unseen Lobby: Why Your Congressman Ignores You

The congressman is not long in Washington before he finds himself the possessor of a lot of new friends who are very agreeable. He is wined and dined. He is asked to join clubs and is, perhaps, permitted to win more at poker or bridge than his natural talent ever justified him in believing he was entitled to. The attentions paid him are with design. His environment at the capital is purposely made such as to impress him with the importance of wealth and social standing and make him forget the needs of the farmer and city toiler back in his district. It is the up-to-date fashion of lobbying by the interests, or, more accurately, 'predatory wealth.' The 'interests' rarely resort, now-a-days, to the vulgar purchase of congressmen. They 'make them over' and make them feel that it is the great corporations rather than the common people that need legislation. The tools of greedy capital keep in close touch with your congressman at Washington. How close do you keep to him? With his election, you fold your hands and leave him to be 'worked' by those influences at Washington. The people of the United Pacific States want development, a merchant marine in the Pacific, harbors, navy yards, and irrigation, but the railroad monopolists at Washington do not. You must get into close touch with your chosen servants. Write to your congressman! Let him know that he is particularly accountable to the people at home who are powerful to aid and command, and to condemn.