The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1883-01-04

increased, prosperity. The usual local
review cf the year will be found in other
columns.
A Demand for Cheaper Sugars.
1t is a commonly accepted doctrine
that the necessares Of life should bear
the minimum, and the Injuries the max
imum Of taxation. In full accord with
this doctrine has arisen demand for a
reduction OF the tax on sugar. In half
the homes in the land, we are told, the
sugar bill exceeds that paid for bread,
and in families of limited means more is
paid for sugar than for meat. The tax
on this article of prime necessity, under
existing laws, amounts to Sl.l0 for every
man, woman and child in the country,
and is assessed, practically, per capita
The graDulated sugar, which costs nine
cents a pound here, is sold for six cents
in England-this government allowing a
rebate on exported sugar. The duty on
sugar was designed in the first place to
protect the sugar planters of Louisiana,
who produce only about : per cent. of the
present sugar consumption of tile coun
try. The tax Was increased in 1873 as
explained by Senator Frye in his speech
here last september, to meet a temporary
emergency, and Republican efforts since
to secure reduction have proved un-
awaiting. The Tariff Commission. while
reducing the duties on cotton, WOODEN
and iron goods from 20 to % per cent,
have proposed a reduction of but Is per
cent. on sugar, This is naturally regard
ed by those most deeply interested-the
consumers-as entirely inadequate. At
present imported sugar, except that
grown in Hawaii, which comes in free
under a reciprocity treaty, pays duty OF
about 80 per cent. that is, the consumer
pays $3.50 for every dollars worth OF
sugar he buys. Nor does the evil stop
here. This tax is, in effect, a premium
on adulteration. TO it we owe our adul-
telated sugar, molasses, syrups and con
dictionary, corn glucose being largely used
for this purpose. Under the present duty
raw sugars are worth from 81 to75 cents
per pound In the West, where it is
chiefly made, glucose is worth from ; to
5 cents per pound. 1t can be mixed with
all soft sugars, such as are largely sold in
the West, to the extent of 10 to - per
cent. without being detected except by
the most accurate chemical analysis As
the prices OF raw sugar more nearly APP
proXlmatc the cost Of glucose, adultera-
ton will decrease, and the people will get
not only better, but cheaper sugars. This
can be brought about by lower duty on
raw sugars.
1t is obvious who are the supporters of
this tax, and it remains to be seen wheth-
or their influence will continue to be
more powerful with Congress than the
interests Of the whole people. The sugar
growing interest of Louisiana and the
| corn glucose interest of the West have
thus far defeated a reduction of this UNI
just tax. And they have an ally in the
San francisco monopoly which controls
the e. tire importation from Honolulu,
and so regulates prices that the free SUI
gar of California costs more than the tax
ed sugar Of the East. In opposition to
the tax, and seconding the demand Of
the people for cheaper sugar, are the i'm
porters and retiners Of foreign sugars.
Tie leading importers and retners of
Boston and Portland have signed pro-
test against the recommendation OF the
Tariff Commission and the newspapers
generally are demanding cheaper sugars.
Congress will do we'll to heed the de
mand.
The differing views with regard to tax
alton presented elsewhere, and the num-
erous plans suggested for the Congression-
al reapportionment of the State indicate
that there is trouble ahead for our Legis-
lature this winter. At the outset they
may as well make up their minds that
they cannot please everybody; and then
do the best they can. 1t is satisfactory
to know that Belfast will be represented
in the House this session, as she was in
the last Legislature, by clear headed,
practical business man.
PROHIBITORY CONSTITUTIONAL AMEND
MENT. The Legislature will be asked to allow
the people to vote on a proposed amendment
to the State Constitution, at the next State
election, which shall forever prohibit the man
ufacture and sale of Intoxicating liquors as a
beverage. in Maine, thus incorporating the
prohibitory principle into the fundamental law,
taking the question away from partisan poll
tics and placing it beyond party caprice. At
the last session of the State G. l.. of Good Tenn
pars the Sec was instructed to prepare and
distribute blank petitions to this end, and ac-
cordngy such blanks will be sent out this
week to the 800 Lodges, and the other temper
ance societies in Maine, thus reaching every
part of the State, and our adult citizens, with
out regard to sect or party, are cordially invit-
ed to respond.
Rockland had an earthquake shock at 10
O'Clock Sunday night, followed two hours later
by a tempest of thunder and lightning.
The Sullivan Bulletin is to ''change its spots,
1t will remove to central location and become
the Hancock County Democratic Bulletin
Red Cloud declines to be interviewed. Rio
inun!