Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-10-31
To the Sugar Planters of her
Vile and West Baton Rouge.

Vile and West Baton Rouge.
We cannot conceive how any sugar planter
can reconcile it to his feelings to vote for John
H. Harmanson, when he has so repeatedly and
deliberately stated, not only in his late electio-
neering tour but upon the floor of Congress,
that "the sugar planter required no projections"
and that they can compete with the world ::
in substance, that if foreign sugars were admit
ted free, the sugar planters of Louisiana could
afford to sell their sugar as cheap rs those who
imported it. Now, this doctrine of Mr.. Har-
manson is on a par with every other that he adj
vances-and strange to say, has its adherents.
The climate and other advantages peculiar to
Cuba and other West India Islands, for making
sugar, are SO far superior to that Of Louisiana,
that the planters there would realize a greater
profit than those of this State if they paid a
duty of 60 per cent!-to say nothing of the
justice due to the agriculturists, that their pro-
duce should be protected in q manner as to pre-
vent foreign competition. What are the in
ducements to the agrculturists, if their own
lliISIt- aiioSo plouuSC L tllC SlilIc Z
s~cription imported at a rate of duty that will
enable the holders to sell at a price that low
ers the home produce to a standard that does
not pay the legal interest on their capital in
vested! We appeal to every planter in this
parish, and ask if they are realizing 8 per cent
on the capital they employ in the production Of
sugar? We know they have not done so for
the last few years, and have a prospect of doing
worse the present season How can you then,
planters, in the face of these plain and simple
truths, support Mr.. Harmanson for Congress,
when you know his bitter opposition to your
interests! Do not llearken to his suggestion,
that it would be dangerous to NEEDLE with the
tariff on sugar, that it might be taken off alto
gether. This is a weak and imbeciie reason--
and a fear which Mr.. Harmanson himself does
not experience: if he does, it portrays q weak
and diseased mind: it is an argument unbecO-
ming the representative of 4 free people-that
it is dangerous to assert our rights: it is the
argument of the coward and the slave, and one
which we supposed would have been obsolete
with political men in this country since the day
when British tea was was destroyed in Boston
Harbor. Mr.. Harmanson gives as his reason
why it would be dangerous TO NEEDLE with the
tariff on sugar, that an 'attempt had been
made in Congress to admit it free" This state
ment of Mr.. Harmanson's is like many others
from the same ~source-having no foundation
in truth and even if it were true, should we fear
to assert our rights, whatever the consequences?
It is not only the planters interest that the ta-
riff be raised on sugar, but it is the interest of
every man, of whatever trade or profession,
who lives in the sugar region; for we contend,
that whatever benefits the class of any commu-
nifty that controls the greatest pecuniary means.
likewise extends its beneficial influence to the
laborer, the mechanic, the merchant, and every
other branch of business existing in thassame
community.
Planters of Iberville and West Baton Rouge.
will you stand in the light of your own inter
ests, and the interests of those who prosper
through your prosperity, in consequence of
partizan partialities? YOUR FRIEND is
RICHARD A. STEWART! You have all
heard his views upon this subject determi-
nation if elected to spare no e~xertion in adyo-
an increase of duty upon imported su-
gars. YN know the man-you know his en-
ergy, and industry, and enthusiasm; his election
certain if the parishes of Iberville and West
Rouge will but do their duty. Planters,
f you know your W interests-if YOU know
your duty to the South-if you reflect upon
he welfare of your children-you will leave
untried to secure the election Of Richard
4. Stewart!