The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-09-20
TARIFF HEARINGS.

A Democratic Governor Demands Protec-
tfon for the Coal Interests
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19.-The beet-sugar
manufacturers were we'll represented be-
fore the committee on ways and means to-
day. The chief speaker was hr. Oxnard.
of Nebraska. president of the American
Beet-sugar Association. He said Congress
had no moral right to repeal the bounty
clause OF the Mckinley law. He spoke of
the great advancement of this industry in
the last few years. and thought that. with
further encouragement. the American su-
gar manufacturers would be able to supply
the entire demand of this country. He de-
clared this industry was of vast benefit TO
the farmer. as be was able tn dispose of
thousands of tons of bcets yearly at good
prices. Il. r.. Cutler. of Utah; +. p. Fow.
Ter and IL. T.. Hecht, of California. also
spoke against she repeal of the bounty pro-
vision.
Prof. w. E. Stubs, of louisiana, read q
carefully prepared paper to-day. tending
to show that this country is abundant In
resources for the manufacture of sugar.
John Dymond. of Louisiana. said the
cane-sugari industry Of Louisiana since 1890
had increased wonderfully. the production
exceeding 1900. 600 tons q year. Half the
people of Louisiana and half Of its capital
are directly OF indirectly interested In this
industry. Half q million people are de-
pendent upon 1t for their daily bread. Ind
more than one hundred million d0llars are
invested. Mr.. Dymond strongly protested
against the repeal OF the sugar bounty law.
j. II. Hubbard spoke for the Louisiana
rice planters. aud urged the not
to reduce the tariff duties on rice. +. q.
Ernst. of New Orleans, said that the pres.
ent tariff law made no classification of
rices. and in consequence thereof much in
convenience resulted. Mr.. Ernst is an i'm
porter, and objects to paying as much duty
on uncleaned as cleaned rice.
AT the afternoon session OF the commit.
tee u large number of gentlemen from tir.
ginia. West Virginia. Maryland and Penn
svlvanie appeared TO protest against any
reduction In the duty on coal. Ex-senator
Davis. of West Virginia. was the first
speaker. He said If there was any change
to be made In the tariff rates on bltumlnOus
coal, he should prefer to have them raised.
He asserted that 96 per cent OF the value OF
coal Is labor. and IL coal Is placed on the
free list laeOrers must stand a decrease in
wages and railroad companies must charge
far less fer transportation.
Colonel Lamb said that 1,300.0 600, 600 tons
OF GOAL wero mined In the United States
last year. which was sold at % cents less
per ton than the consumers could possibly
have procured IL if there had been no pro-
tective tariff.
Mr.. w. ID. L. Walbridge represented the
Cumberland region. he said that SIS. 900. 600
are invested and 10000 men employed IN
tDaG region. Inc output ILLS year Will De
100000 tons. A reduction of the duty
would mean the paralys sis of the industry.
Governor McCorkle, of West Virginia,
SAID be was not q mine owner, but the
Governor of q State which has just 5000
square miles of coal mines. and is just In
the beginning OF progress. Continuing, the
Governor eloquently spoke of the natural
advantages OF his State. and made an earn
est plea for tho retention of the duties on
coal. He said be wanted protection for the
greatest lQduRtry In his State.
When the Governor had finished, Mr..
Tarsney asked: when were you elected
Governor of West Vaginal"
Last November"
1.-The platform upon which you were
elected was for o reduction of duties, was
it noti"
Yes, SIR"
Then why are you advocating protec-
tion7'
II do not believe in q tariff which gives
four OF five times as high q protection to
one industry as another. We are great
producers OF coal. and / think We ought to
be protected"
Mr.. Reed told the Governor he thorough.
IL agreed with him, hut he would like To
have his assistance In bringing the Demo-
cratic membeIs of rhe committee TO
the same understanding On the question as
be McCorklel seemed TO have. Mr.. Reed
SAID he bad. IN VAIN. attempted TO explain
10 the Democratic memt crs the failscy of
their position. bat with the assistance of a
Democratic Governor. elected on "A Demo-
cratic platform. lie might finally accom-
plish his purpose. These humorous rrmarks
on the part of :he ex-Spesker csusei much
merrlmrnt. and the Democratic Governor.
who lad q dvocated protection SO eloquent
ly. retired amid great laughter.
Mr.. Miller. of W est VirginIa. next spoke
for protection TO the coal Industries. After
this the committee adjourned until 10
o'clock to- morrow.
AN ADMINISTRATION DISGRACE.