The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-06-13
SUGAR TRUST BRIDES.
The Big Monopoly's Corrupting
Influence i'm Politics
Mr.. HAvemEYeR.s CONFESSION.
He Contrfbated Money 70 the Dsmoerats
IN New York State and Afterward
Assfstsd I'm Tariff Revision.

WAsHrssTox CfrY, June i2-H- o.
Havemyer, president of the American
sugar refineries, was before Gray's investi-
eating committee today. The proceedings
were strictly private. Havemeyer denied
the published statements as 20 contribu-
tons to the campaign fund and that be
demanded that the trust shall have pro-
lection for past favors. He said he talked
with Senator'S Hill, German and others In
regard TO protection for the refining in
terests. Smith and German promised TO
help him, but Hill gave him no satisfac-
ton. He said the present tariff bill was
unsatisfactory because q difierential OF
u OF cent was not sufficient to afford all
the protection the refiners should receive
He advocated an ad valoren system and
was gratified that it had been adopted.
Havem.yer denied all knowledge of spec
uiation in sugar stocks BY senator's
Mr.. davemeyer was asked about the
published statement that he had. either
on Mr.. 4. G. Benedict's yacht or at Green
wich. Conn, been in consultation with
Mr. Cleveland and Benedict In 1892. or il
Mr.. Cleveiand's nomination for the presi-
dency being brought about by the sugar
interests had affected his Haw allan policy.
In this Mr.. Havemeyer said there was
mot one word of truth" He also declared
that no such consultation had ever oc-
CURED at any time or place. He added
that he did not know Mr.. Cleveland. and
had never seen him. Furthermore, he
had never exchanged q word with Mr..
Benedict on the subject of sugar or any
other business matter. He said he had
come to Washington City early in March
after the tariff bill had passed the house
with the hope OF getting hearing before
the finance committee. and had gone to
Senator Vest to ask him if il would not be
possible to secure hearing by the COM
mIttee. Vest had said no, bat had agreed
to allow him to explain the sugar question
to him (VesD individually and he had
done so.
He then explained his interview with
Jones at Senator Camden's rooms and
with Senator Camden at Senator Brice's
house. He had talked with Jones about
three-quarters of an hour about the differ
emit systems of levying duty and about the
cost of refining sugar In this and other
countries.
He said he had been invited to Senator
Brice's aud asked by the senator to meet
Mr.. Gallery. and when he met him merely
went over the argument for an ad valorem
duty. Mr.. Havemeyer said he had gone to
the capitol with Mr.. Terrell, but not for the
purpose of seeing senators or representa-
tIves. Eve were idling around" he said;
''sort of spectators.
Mr.. Havemeyer made startling state
ments toward the close Of his testimony.
He was asked about the contribution of
the sugar trust to the campaign funds Of
political parties, and said the records of the
trust showed that such contributions were
made. but they were made to the state
committees, not to the national.
he was asked If the contributions of the
trust were given to both parties in the
same state. and replied. "oh, no."
How do you arrange ,tf" he was
asked.
well, New York is Democratic state,
and We give to the Democrats. and to the
Republicans in Massachusetts We never
give TO the minority"
"Did you contribute to the anti-snap-
ers9' ssked Senator Lodge.
.'oh, no; am quite sure on that point;
nothing to the anti-snappers."
Mr.. Hayemeyer could not remember the
amounts contributed by the sugar trust to
the different campaign funds, but be prom
ised to furnish them If be could get them.
Cord Meyer was called after Mr.. Have
meyer finished. He gave the committee
little or no information.
While no one at the district attorneys
Office will talk about the proceedings of
the grand jury further than to say no true
bill has yet been reported against Messrs.
Edwards and Schriver, it is known that the
grand jury has decided that il will report
true bill, and in consequence of this in
formation Mr.. Birney notified the two
newspaper men TO be prepared with bail
Saturday ii they did not wish to be impris-
oned under an indictment which he will
frame between now and Saturday.
In his questions Senator Allen sought
10 develop the fact that there was an M
Outstanding between the sugar trust and
Claus Spreckels for division of territory, and
while Mr.. Havemeyer admitted that his
company did not ship beyond the Missouri
river be commended that it was because of
physical difficulties. and not on account
of an understanding.
Mr.. Allen asked IL the trust had at
tempted TO control legislation in congress.
To this Mr.. Havemeyer replied: Sun
doubleday that Is what l have been down
here for"
He said the trust had made about SIS
100000 by the purchase OF other refineries
Asked whether the trusts contributions
TO political parties amounted TO 81 CO.,
COO in any one campaign, Mr..
Havemeyer said: "0h, no." He
| said nothing was contributed 10
influence presidential nominations
in is92. The money 50 spent was charged
on the books of the trust. Mr. Havemeyer
said, in reply 10 further questioning. that
if the committee desired be could pro-
duoe the figures from the books of
his company. showing what contributions
had been made for political purposes.
and, the committee voting such a request.
he asked the privilege of consulting his
counsel.