The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1884-08-30
THE SUGAR
Why they Should Support the Demo
cratic EkctOry-NOund Reasons of
q Planter.


Planter.
To the Editor of The Times Democrat:
Not being ablo to attend the conven
ton of sugar planters called to meet on
the Goth in New Orleans. I avail my
self Of the columns of your widely cir
culated journal to express my views on
the policy which should he recommen
ded to the voters of the State.
If not in error rs to the object for
which the convention has been called
it is to inaugurate a course of political
action which will promote the interest
of rice and cane planters. In this
course my interest is identical with
that of those who will represent the
agricultural interests of lower Louisi-
ana.
Some think the proper plan to bring
our Influence to bear on the question
of protection for sugar and rice is to
nominate an electoral ticket aud cast
our votes against the Democratic can
didate for the Office of President Of the
United States.
So far as government protection for
our staples il concerned whether d.
rect or incidentally. there is no differ
ence Of opinion among us, but az to
the name of securing that influence
in our favor there are marked differ
ences. These differences, it is hoped,
the convention will harmonize.
l admit that tho principle of protec-
ton per SO is more definitely marked
in the Republican platform than in that
Of the Democrats. but this does not GOV
or the whole question. With the Oft
repeated professions of the Republicans
in favor Of protection land they are un
doubleday sincere with some qualiica
tiOns) for the continued success of
their manufactures, they make an OK.
ception against sugar. in which they
have no special interest. and sone of
their leaders have gone so far in this
direction as to advocate the admission
of sugar free of duty.
These acts Of a Republican Senate
may be straws, but they demonstrate
in unmistakable language the animrs
Of the Republican party go far as our
interests are concerned. This blow at |
the sugar interest may not amount to
much at the present time, SO far as
Mexico ID involved, but the ideas of
the politician are far reaching. and the
lapse of q few years will clearly show
what is in store for US. The production
of sugar in Mexico at this time ia pro
baby not sufficient for her W con-
sumption. Int they have fertile soil, a
favorable climate, and no check to the
introduction of coolie laborers. With
these advantages and American skill
and energy to direct them. they can
produce sugar enough to supply that
country. as we'll as the United States,
There are potent reasons why North
ern and Eastern men engaged in the
manufactures of those sections should
be opposed to any duty on sugar.
Frat. To cheaper sugar for the>mas
sss begets popularity and greatly redu
ces the grand total received from GUS
toms. Even . revenue duty on this
article brings $45, 100000 into the trea
sury, but this supply off and it will not
be necessary to reduce the duties on
other articles to the same extent to less
en- tho surplus now existing. Here is
direct incentive on the part of the Ro
publicans many of whom are engaged
manufacturing to make sugar free,
and needs no argument to uphold lts
truth.
Self-interest is the great stin,ulant to
party action, and it is natural that each
manufacturer should endeavor to shift
The burden from his own shoulders to
those of his neighbors.
Admitting, for the sake of argument,
that Blaine will be elected, what have
sugar and rice planters to expect from
For years past interests opposed
10 ours have had his sanction and in.