The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-06-14
He Boldly Tells Senator Allen that the
Trust Is Responsible for Increas-
ing Prices to Consumers.
MIR. SEARLES'S TESTIMONY
The Secretary Talks About CAM
paign Contributions,
And Frankly Admits That the Trust
Gave Money to Political Parties
Plan to Nationalize the Currency.

WASHINGTON, June 1s.-Mr. Have
myer, who yesterday stated that he coulo
not give the amounts of the Sugar Trusts
contribution to the campaign funds OF the
different States, but indicated willing
ness to do so. said TO the committee to-
day that upon consultation with counsel
he would decline to give the amounts OF
the contribution. but he was advised that.
under the terms OF the resolution the
amount of such contributions was no part
of the investigation. The committee also
took this view Of the matter, as the wit
ness had sworn that no contributions had
been made in any case to secure the cleo
tion Of United States Senators.
Mr.. Havemyer stated that in the last
three years the profits OF the Trust had
been q cent per pound on refined sugar.
and the increased cost to the consumer
under the proposed bill would be cent
a pound. He admitted that the purpose
of the formation of the trust was to in
crease the cost to the American consumer.
Senator Allen-And when you did form
the Trust you did advance the price or
sugar to the American consumer?
Mr.. Havemyer-We did. 1t was an adj
vance of about a quarter Of cent net.
Senator Allen-And the American con-
sumner is to-day paying Is of a cent a
pound on refined sugars more than he
would be compelled to pay under sys-
tenn of separate refineries?
Mr.: Havemyer-Yes, sir.
Senator Allen-If the trust were wiped
out the American consumer would be ben
Gifted to the extent Of three-eighths of a
cent per pound on his sugar?
Mr.. Havemyer-I will admit that. But
anything that will wipe out the trust will
wipe out the industry.
John A. Searles, secretary and treasurer
of the American Sugar Refining Company,
was the subject Of the committees ques-
tions from o'clock until this afternoon.
Mr.. Searles frankly admitted that he had
made 1t his business TO influence legislation
favorable to the Sugar Trust, and that for
this purpose had called upon and labored
with many Senators. The witness stood
upon his rights. however, when asked
about the campaign contributions, and de-
clined in several instances to answer ques-
tions on this subject. He declined to state
the amount expended in 1892 on the ground
that 1t not within the province of the
inquiry. a.. .
cline to state simply because you know it
was disreputable and unlawful TO contribute
mo, sir; 1 do not" replied Mr. Searles,
admit anything of the kind"
Senator Allen-You think il is perfectly
lauddble for the American Sugar Refining
Company TO contribute large sums OF money
by the thousands of dollars for the purpose
of influencing elections in this country. do
you?
Mr.. Searles-I have understood for many
years 1t was the custom OF both par
ties to solicit from corporations and indi-
viduals contributions for the carrying on OF
their political campaigns, and that IL is the
custom of corporations and individuals to
respond TO such invitations. And with that
understanding. and what l believe 70 be a
general custom, the American Sugar Refin-
Ing Company has made such contributions
at times.
Senator Allen-Do you believe IL Is per-
fectly proper for corporation. the value OF
whose stocks may be affected by national
legislation, to contribute it's funds TO the
success or defeat of one political party or
the other?
Mr.. Searles-I think as parties are now
Senator Allen-And the American Sugar
Refining Company. as company. was
actuated by high sense of patriotic. duty
| in contributing this money, l suppose?
Mr.. Searles-That is a pleasant way OF
the Arlington Hotel. said that Senator
| Brice had been in the habit Of calling on
| Mr.. Terrell, but that he called more fre,
| quently during his visits last winter and
| The committee has summoned Theodore
| Havemyer. and he is expected tomorrow.
| 1t is not expected that he viii add any
important information TO the investigation,
| as he was not here during the time covered
in the considera tion Of the tariff bill
The Vice President to-day signed the GER
| tificate to the District attorney of the re-
fusal of L. r. Chapman. the New York
| broker to answer questions Of the sugar
investigation committee. The certificate is
| an exact duplicate of that issued in the
case of Edwards and Shriver.
Denial is made on all hands of the report
| which has obtained currency that the de-
| parture of Richard Croker FOR Europe was
| because he feared he would De summoned
| 10 Washington TO testify before the Sugar
| Trust investigation committee.