The McCook tribune., 1897-01-22
Beet Sugar EOuuty.

Beet Sugar Bounty.
Nebraska is essentially an agricultural
state. Her growth, prosperity ard the
increase OF wealth OF her citizens depend
very largely on the success which we may
be able to achieve in the many different
branches of agricultural enterprise.
For number of years our people have
given much consideration to the grow ng
of beets from which to manufacture ST.
gar. Two great factories have been es-
tablished within her borders fer the man
ufacture of sugar from the sugar beet.
At no time since the establishment of
either OF these factories, unless perhaps
in 1884, on account OF the drCuth that
season, has there been any dearth in the
production CT sugar beets. ample to test
the full capacity of each of these fac
tories during the season of operation. In
fact, those operating these factories have
been compelled each season to refuse to
contract for large acreage of sugar
beetS which the farmers desired to pro-
duce, because Of lack of capacity for
caring fer them.
Experience thus far has demonstrated
that we possess in this state the soil
climate and all things else required 10
grow this very useful plant as advan-
tageously as in any other portion Of the
country. That We should make the most
profitable use of these favorable condi-
tiCnS. l think we are all in entire accord.
The experimental work engaged in by 4
department in the state university in
determining the most approved method
of sugar beet culture, and in the dis
semination of the knowledge thus OBJ
tanned, as we'll as the analysis Of sample
lbeets sent TO the university for that pur
pose, have greatly assisted the practical
sugar beet grower. The helpful interest
manifested by the university authorities
in this subject is greatly appreciated by
all friends of sugar beet culture. The
growing of sugar beets and the manu-
facture of sugar therefrom in the state
may be said to have fairly passed the
stage of experiment and is established on
firm footing. The acreage which could
profrably be cultivated in this one crop
alone is almost unlimited in extent. The
eSta ablishD1ent of manufactures, thereby
permitting the cultivation of much larger
acreage, is greatly desired, and any en-
courageCnent which could properly be
given would meet with general approval.
The preceding session of the legisla-
'ture passed an act for the aVowed pur
pose of enccura ging the growth Of sugar
bectS and the manufacture OF sugar
therefrcm, by giving a bounty of five
etghths of l cent for each pound of sugar
manufactured within the state by fac
tories already established, and l cent
for each pound of sugar manufactured
by factories to be established, providing
in each Instance that So per ton should
be paid for the beetS purchased by such
factories. The same act also provided
for a bounty for the manufacture Of
chicory from chfcory beets.
Under a conviction of official duty. be-
lievtng an act of this character unsound
in public policy and a wrongful use of
the power of taxation, l wfthhheld ex-
ecutive approval from the act referred
to, but it was PASSED and became law
Notwithstanding. Under the provisions
Of this act, claims were presented against
the state, properly certified by the sec
retary of state for sugar and chicory
manufactured during the season of 1885,
amounting to the sum of s47,690.31, and
warrants upon the state treasury We're
drawn therefor, Notwithstanding no ap-
preparation was made by the legislature
for the payment Of such claims. For the
season of 1896 1t is estimated in the re-
port Of the secretary of state that TO-
S61, 700 pounds of sugar will be manu-
faotured, which would make claims for
sugar bounty amounting to s6I, 60.
Upon the declination Of the state auditor
to issue further warrants, suit was in
stituted, which resulted in an opinion
from the supreme court adverse to the
position taken by the bounty claimants.
The result of the operation of this
bounty act has only served to confirm
tained. A claim against the state aggre-
eating more than s115.G00 has thus been
permitted. Its liquidation seems a very
heavy burden on the already overtaXed
citizens of the state. There has not as
yet been an additional acre cultivated IN
beets or a new mandatory, with their
corresponding benefits, secured TO the
state To the claim of some that such
a bounty is for the benefit of the sugar
beet grower rather than the manufac-
'tursr, II is proper to remark that JUS
tfce to all interests of the state would
hardly require that an industry, which
is admittedly remunerative, and which
thousands are anxious to engage in as
soon as factories are established to con-
sumo what they may produce, shall be
made more rennunerative at the expense
of the vast majority of those engaged in
other branches of agriculture who re-
ward for their toll. What is more to be
desired than a bounty, which its warmest
advocates admit is only a temporary ex-
pedent is a fixed and well defined policy
of encouragement by natural means and
mutual cooperation between grower and
manufacturer, relying upon the para
mount conditions which surround US for
the full development of this industry.
That part of the bounty act holding
orrt inducements for the establishment of
new factories. which seems TO have been
uravailirg. Is more equitable and has
than that which helps support an indus
try already established at the expense
CT others less favored.