Morning journal and courier., 1884-12-20
THE sPANIsH TREArY.


 Meeting Of The Chamber or Com- .merce-O. F. Armstrong Speaks In Favor Of The Treaty-J. B. Sargent And Others Speak.
 The meeting of the Chamber of Commerce at the Aldsrmanic chambers last night to discuss the proposed Spanish treaty was slimly attended. Mayor Lewis, president of the Chamber, busted himself with looking over the ancient constitution which bears the date of 1794 He found clause which insti- tutes fine of one-sixteenth of dollar for being absent from any special meeting. The following members were present and thus will enjoy immunity from the fine: J. B. Sargent, N. D. Sperry, Joseph Sheldon, J. D. Dewel, L. H. Freedman, c. P. Arm strong, Mayor-elect Ho,comb, Capt. Charles P Armstrong, E. s. Wheeler, c. s. Scran- ton, secretary.
 The question of proceeding with the dis eussion of the treaty was discussed and it would be better to adjourn, until Judge Jos eph Sheldon came to the rescue with the re- mark that it was better to fire away and leave future meetings to take care of them selves.
 Thus melted Mir. c. P. Armstrong said he was in favor of the treaty. The Spanish American countries are large producers of sugar and the natural market for our produe- tions. They now receive some articles, meats, lumber, flour, etc., from us. We take from them almost all their sugar and other products. We are shut out from their markets and so pay them large sums in cash. The operation of this treaty is intended to create a market for all our products The treaty admits free of duty food which has paid high duty. Flour is not admitted free owing to the prejudices of the millers in Spain, but the duty is so low that there could be no degree of competi- tion from Spain. The treaty would result in our paying them quite royalty at the outset on the sugar. If the treaty-making was to stop with the Spanish-Ameriean treaty the speaker wouldn't favor it. We use about l., GOO, 900 tons of foreign sugar. Cuba and Porto Rico would, under the treaty, send 75O,- 900 tons of sugar. Other treaties will be made and enough sugar sent here at the price of producing it. Brazil has no market for her sugar. She has 150,000 tons of sugar to sell. If Cuba and Porto Rico and the British West India Islands send in sugar free, Brazil would ask for terms of admit ting sugar here. Those terms would be that of receiving our manufactures free. That would give us the benefit of that market.
 As to manufactures, New Haven, being large manufacturing city and producing a large variety of goods, would be benefited by the treaty. The cotton interest and the vessel interest would be materially benefit ted.
 MT. J. B. Sargent said he did not believe that it was any concern of ours what duties other countries put on goods they i'm port. Cuba, for instance, wouldn't import any less beef if their duty was raised, except that they might restrict themselves in the amount of food they eat or eat something else Cuba will buy where it can buy cheap est and arrange their duties to suit themselves
 Mir. Sargent said further that our revenue of $20, ,000 900 on imports from Cuba and Porto Rico would, if the treaty went into effect, go to the planters of Cuba. and Porto Rico and the people of this country would be taxed to make up for it. The consumers won't get sugar at any lower price nor will we export any more manufactures.
 MT. Sargent believed that the tariff should be taken from coal iron ore, wool, and other raw materials and in that way the country would be benefited.
 MT. E. s. Wheeler said he thought that from MT. Sargent's own position it would be well to give the country taste of a reduction of the tariff The tariff is in a very bad state and needs adjusting,
 MT. James D. Dewell said he was decided ly in favor of the treaty. Sugar is now lower than it ever was before and it is sure to go up. Then there will come a cry for free sugar. Now by this treaty we will have free sugar and get something in return for it. We will get good market. The treaty is entering wedge and should be taken ad- vantage of.
 T-,l J11-, it was step toward free trade He spoke of the depression of prices of goods and claimed it all indicated a rise in the value of gold and silver At this point in MT. Sheldon's argument N. D. SperTy arose and asked, 'sIn the name of heaven, MT. Sheldon, what has your argu- ment got to do with the Spanish treaty? Come to the point"
 Judge Sheldon replied that he was speak ing to the question and that the treaty was made and supported by those who entirely misunderstood the existing situation and it's causes.
 Mr. Armstrong offered the following reso- 1ution Resolved, That the Cham Der of Commerce of New Haven re- quest the Senators from Connecticut to use their influence for the ratification of the Spanish-American treaty now pending before the Senate of the United States" MT. Armstrong also moved that the resolu- tion be laid upon the table for discussion at another meeting.
 It was voted that when the meeting ad- journ it adjourn until next Tuesday night at either the chamber of the Aldermen or at the Common Pleas court room.
 George c. Pettis, Henry W. Farnam, S. B. Shoninger, James Gallagher, jr., and Fred J. Peck were admitted as members of the Chamber.
 MT. E. S. Wheeler presented the follow ing, which vas laid on the table:
 The Chamber of Commerce of New Haven asks the earnest and immediate aid of the Connecticut members of Congress towards the passage of the bankrupt law which has already been approved by the Senate and is now pending in the House.
 The meeting then adjourned.