New Orleans Republican., 1875-10-05
Chamber Of Commerce.


ing, General Cyrus Busy, the president
in the chair, and large assemblage present
The minutes of the special meeting wer'
read and approved.
A communication from the Southern In
dustrial Exposition was read and, OH mo
ton of Colonel Sandidge, committee O
thres was appointed.
Also, number of communications from
different parts of the country relative aud
agreeing to the tare of twelve per cent OF
sugar.
President Busy stated he was aware ol
the conflicting opinions on the subject and
hoped that in discussing it regard would b'
paid to opposing views. A large number o.
strangers were present on his invitation.
On motion of Colonel Sandidge the rules
were suspended and all persons connected
with the sugar interest invited to expires.
their views.
MI. Dolhonde called for the reading o.
the report and the secretary read it.
Mr.. Wyche said, not wishing to be mis-
reported or misunderstood, he would read
q portion of his argument. He had opposed
the adoption of the resolutions at the
special meeting because he wished the
planters to be heard. The alternative
offered them was twelve per cent or actual
tare. He was not prepared to vote for
either. Ten per cent had been previously
adopted as equitable aud would be found
80, and the increase would not be lust to
the planter. Cuban planters could stand
twelve per cent, for their packages were Of
oak, while Louisiana's were cypress and
lighter. The increase would encourage
fraudulent packing. He explained the sub.
ject of fractions and illustrated selling on
actual tare by instances of buyers
refusing to purchase the package. He
stated the disadvantages of the
present law slbjeoting sugar to
another tax when it remains more than
twenty.four hours on the levee: in former
days it could remain from four to six days.
He referred to the advantage of the straight
gauge over callifsrs, and saw no force 10
the argument that the rate was twelve per
cent everywhere but in Louisiana. Buyers
considered, first, the grade of the sugas;
second, the condition OF the paking; third,
the price. The agreement of Cincinnati not
cent be considered an improper dicta-
ton. He protested against the adoption of
the report in the name of the best interests
of the State.
Mr.. Dolhonde, as chairman of the special
committee, supported the resolutions. He
considered he had performed his duty to
both sides, buyer and seller. Mr.. Wyche
had presented no subject for action. The
question was to be settled one way or an.
other, and should be settled in the interest
of Louisiana. The conventiun of sugar
planters had ignored it. We need the
West, which has ignored US on account of
the tare. The North was allowed to come here
and buy sugar at q sacrifice, refine and re-
turn it. We make only Ice 900 hogsheade;
we should make enough to drive away the
foreign sugar, for which We pay $780, 900 in
duties. The trivial difference in tare was
al that prevented this. AL that was wanted
was an honest tare. There should be a
Sugar Exchange that would be the pride of
Louisiana. He read . letter from r. H.
Allen, of Thibodaux, approving of the alter
native of actual tare or twelve per cent,
and also other communications approving
of the report of the committee. He also
illustrated his argument by reading from
the bylaws of the Pork Packers Associa-
tion Of the West. determining the tare on
lard.
Mr.. Putnam read the recommendation of
the committee to the planters. He had re.
duced his argument to writing. He re-
ferred to the general abuse the committee g
and its report had received. He considered
those who opened packages best able to
judge of the loss on tare. He might lose
custom, but he conscientiously believed he
knew best what was for the interest of the
planter. 1t was not stare ring" He
quoted from the report of 1868, where
twelve per cent was recommended, and also
of 1872, giving eleven months notice of
change. and that Of 1874. Nothing was
done till 1875. Having been on nearly all
the committees, he detailed the discussions
in them, he insisting on communication
with the planters. He believed the sugar
planters were the men to establish q
high standard of commercial integrity,
snd it was for their interest the alternative
of twelve per cent or actual tare was sought
to be established. Ii he made any error he
would be glad to acknowledge it. He was
not the friend of any particular branch, but
If there was twenty pounds short he pledged
his honor to follow it up and correct it. He
supplied many statistical items of weighing,
and data of years since 1872, with estimates
ence of density in wood, showing the gain
Or loss to planter and buyer. He was in
favor of actual tare.
Mr.. Seixas considered those who handled
sugar better able to Judge of the question
than those who only knew of their own
sugar, and never saw the levee or knew of
the difficulties to contend with. Those who
would have Louisiana and no other sugar
were limited. To compete where the New
York roads come in the price had to be one-
quarter cent lower. Some inducement must
De given to shove the expected crop, and
le showed the difficulties Of competing with
Northern or foreign sugars. He was not in
favor of the twelve per cent, but of actual
are. Twelve per cent would be an injus-
ice on the clarified sugar makers. He re.
erred to remarks of the previous speakers,
md Mr.. b. T. Lawler considered his refer.
,cences Of . personal nature. Mr.. Seixas
lisclaimed any such intention.
mr.. Dolhondo offered resolutions recon-
nending twelve per cent, or actual tare,
md that planters mark theis packages.
Mr 4. II. Wilson moved to amend BY
making them apply topaekages Of all sizes
4 sugar and m0lssses.
Mr.. Dolhonde objected; that could be set
led later.
Mr.. Wyche offered substitute that the
resent tare be continued - to the crop of
H5, and that Q committee of nine be ap-
0inted to report ON the subject.
Mr.. D0lhonde moved to lay this ON the |
able, and his motion was carried.
Mr. Sandidge raised the point of order |
hat Mr.. Wi1sol's amendment was beyond |
be subject, and on Mr.. Dolhonde's motion
was tabled. rEs
Mr.. Raymond stated the report was
imply Recommendation to the planters to |
o what they ought, mot that the Chamber |
'as 10 pass law, for it could not enforce |
ny tare.
Mr.. Wyche said that was just what they
ere fighting against.
Colonel Ssndidge said he was opposed to
ny arbitrary regulation of tare. He thought |
l0 object Could hA ATTAINED hv tha insar