The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-03-19
UNITED STATES SENATE.

WASHINGTON, March 1S.-The senate was
occupied over four hours in executive session
this afternoon on the Hawaiian reciprocity
treaty.
Senator Sherman, of Ohio, was the first
speaker, and opposed he ratification on
financial grounds, afge4hg that the loss of
the customs revenue involved therein would
more than counter-halance the political con-
sderation advanced in its favor
Senator Booth, of California also spoke in
opposition to the treaty he contended that
1T would not cheaper the price of sugar rs
only some fifteen million pounds are now i'm
ported annually from the Sandwich Islands,
but would cause considerable loss to the
revenue, loss that would grow larger from
year to year with the increase in the produc-
ton of the Sandwich Islands sugar, which is
to be expected under the stimulus of this pro
lection Tor the planters. He also argued that
the ratification of the treaty would affect
California sugar refners injuriousIy by ad-
uniting high grades of brown sugar to com.
pete with the refined articles. He also be-
lieved that the ratification Of tho treaty would
lead to difficulties and complications with
foreign governments.
Senator Boutwell,, of Massachusetts. next
took the floor and supported tho treaty Oh
national grounds
When the Secretary of the Treasury thor
oughly examined the subject and found that
there could not be loss TO the revenue of
more than three hundred thousand dollars bv
its ratification, but a com pensation for this
goods of equal aggregate value would be ad-
mitted free in the Hawaiian ports, and besides,
the Hawailans exporting their products to the
United States, would take their payments in
goods instead of money Senator's Frelng-
huysep, of New Jersey, and Bogy, of Missouri
also supported the treaty
Senator Jones, of Nevada also oSvocotad
rat hcation in q short but earnest speech set
ting forth both the commercial and political
benefits offered TO the United Statea by this
treaty.
Senator Sargent of California, closed the
debate. He showed the necessity of taking
advantage OF the present proposition if this
country wished TO obtain control of the Sand
wich Island, and prevent their passing INTO
the grasp OF foreign nations, as oveitures
had already been made to the Hawaiian
Government by the Pacific colonies of
Great Britain for similar reciprocity ar
rangement, which the necessities of the
islanders would certainly compel them to ac-
cept If we rejected their pending offer to
make reciprocity treaty with ourselves
lie admitted that it would not cheaper the
price OF refined sugar, bat insisted that it
would lessen the cost Of the sugar which is
used On the poor mans table, and in the
mining camps of the Pacific coast
Replying to an argument advanced by
Senator Booth that we were not likely to
need the Sandwich Islands for purposes OF
defense or naval operations, as this country
h ID never had but three years Of foreipn
war, Senator Sargent said this argument
might as well be used to advocate the dis
mantling of our Notifications and the aban-
donment OF our navy. He insisted that the
Sandwich Islands are Of the utmost value
not only as coaling and naval stations, but as
point Of Strategic Importance, commanding
the entire commerce Of the United States on
on the Pacific Ocean.
lie vote was then taken on the amend
ment7 propo ed by the Committee on For
e1gn Affairs, adding tobacco, leather, and all
manufactures Of leather to the lis. of articles
OF American production or manufacture In
tcosriNuED On EIGHTH PAaR.l