The lobby Slang.
--The following is given by a Harrisburg (Pa.) paper as the phrases most in use during a session of the Legislature, and which it is necessary to know the meaning of before any legislative favor is asked:‘ A "Divvy," in the language of the Solons, means the proceeds of the sale of a vote. "Getting one's hooks in," which is understood to be quite a recent acquisition, indicates that an individual one has been so fortunate as to become participants in a scheme. "The Ring" is an unholy alliance, which common, and of course vulgar, report says is instituted for black mail purposes. A member who is "fixed" on any measure is understood to have had influences brought to bear to such an extent that he has finally decided how to vote. When a project is "set up," it is known that a plan has been arranged by which success will probably follow. Every one understands what a legislative "snake" is, and how liable the "little Williams" (i. e., bills,) are to contain the aforesaid serpents. "To satisfy the brethren," is to make all arrangements for the passage of an act. "A Striker" is one who remains in the city and hunts up the game to be slaughtered at Harrisburg. His is the province to suggest to parties interested in corporations the advantage of a little supplement, or an act explanatory of an act incorporating the company. "A Stake" is a deposit made in advance of the passage of an act for the purpose of paying supposed expenses. "A Contingent" is an indefinite form of a promise made to keep outsiders quiet, and mystify the correspondent of some newspaper. "An Outsider" is any one who is not ready or able to assist in some scheme for plunder. "The Twenty-fifth ward" is the entire State, exclusive of the city of Philadelphia. "Merit" is synonymous with money. "To knock" a bill, is to defeat it. New words are coined almost every session to meet exigencies. Parties interested further, will please make application to a member of the Legislature.
’
