The herald., 1894-07-23
A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION,
Congressman Harter After the
Sugar Trust.
He Puts Some Pointed Questions to
Mr.. Hayemeyer.
The Sugar King Appealed to as Rsa-
sonabis Business Man aud
Dsmocrst-rho Senate
Inv. stIgattou.

ny INC AssOcldteu Ilck.
/ WASHINGTON, July 22.-The following
letter from the house subcommittee on
trusts to the American Sugar Refining
company was mailed today:
h. Q. Hsyemeyer. ESQ.,, president American
J. sugar Refining company, New York:
DEAR Sin ;-If you will supply to me,
IS chairman OF the subcommittee on
trusts and manufactures. the informa-
tion asked for herein, I will see that it
is laid before the public.
A free trader, myself, and believing
no tax should be levied on sugar (nor
anything else) except for revenue; new
ertheless, as practically every article of
general consumption is TO retain pro-
lection, feel no prejudice against the
sugar interest as euch, and |
think large number OF the memb ers of
the house entertain the same view.
However, as the sugar trust demands
protection, or. more properly speaking,
the taxation of the public for it's profit,
1t should put before congress and the
public lite real condition so an intelligent
opinion Of the merits of its demand may
be formed. If, upon an actual and neaea-
sary investment OF the cash capital, it
cannot cave itself from loss without bur-
dening the taxpayers, then it has as
much Justification, and more. for being
fed from this public resources by taxation
as many industries which we aid in |
passing the Wilson bill. and allowed to |
remain upon the charity list.
Ii, however, its profits have been ex-
ceeslve when figured up on an actual
each and unwatered capital stock, then
you, as q fair minded man, will agree
with me that you should not have any
Legislative favors. In such an event a
tax OF csnt per pound upon l00.dsgree
sugar, for revenue only, would bs lair
and equitable one, permitting O reduc-
lion one-hundredth of cent for each
degree OF sweetness lacking. Such tax
40 this, while taking nothing from the
treasury OF pour company, would pour a
great many millions into the govern.
ment Golfers. The information asked
Tor is comprehended under four heads;
First-Whst 10 the present tax value.
!. O., the cost of replacing of lite plants
actually In operation and necessary to
produce the quantity of refined sugar
urned out by your compsny2
second-What have been the actual
'ronts OF the American Sugar Refining
company for each full fiscal year since
70 organization, and what are it's profits
~ lar IN Inc current year.
Third-What annual salary is paid to
zach OF it's general officers?
Fourth--What 10 the actual paid.in
lash capital. including the plants
urned In at their real cash market
1alue, and what is the present surplus
una OF the company, including all in.
iividusl profits?
The Mckinley bill gives the sugar re.
liners an opportunity Of coiieusil7E ron
he consumer one-half cent per pound
ipon all sugars above No. IS, Dutch
and OF the consumption Of all
classes OF sugar during the past three
iscsl years, aggrsgating 1885, 802,-
I46 pounds, fully 100000 O0l of which
we're above this limit. 1t iollo VS., there
ore, that the sugar trusts snd independ-
mt refners in the United States must
rave received over 100000 OF the
'eople's money, while the go7ernment
os during the three years $470,75
As your company has asked certain
avors, the propriety OF supplying the
ountry with the information asked
lersin will not be questioned by 60
essonable man OF business as your.
elf.
You are Democrat, and will, trust,
Din me in the hope that within few
ears the present wrctched system of
axlng the people (under the misleading
anne OF protection) for the benefit OF
rivats interests, will be done away with
ntirely and forever. Yours truly,
MICHAEL d. HARTER,