The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-05-31
The Senate and
The Sugar Trust
From the Washing ton Star.


The proposition that the Sugar Trust
stands before congress as other business
interests stand simply asking for the pro-
lection guaranteed to all under a policy OF
protection, is most absurdly untenable.
The Sugar Trust both in it's power in the
business and the political world, and in
the audacity of its operations, is Trust
apart, and is rapidly assuming the pro-
portions OF q most dangerous public enc
my. If 1t 10 not checked, and that very
promptly, there will be no limit to its
schemes or to its corruptng power.
A distinctive quality Of this Trust Is its
cynical frankness. 1t Is bold and un-
blUshing. 1t knows what It wants, and
1t makes straight for its quarry. 1t
stands in with both parties. 1t helps tho
Democrats in Democratic states, and the
Republicans in Republican states. 1t
stands to win, If 1t can make itself sure
Of its men. no matter which side tri-
umphs. Its performance in this particu-
lar recalls the Irishman at sea, who, in
a storm, began his prayer In this wise:
Good Lord, or Good Devil, for 1 know
not into whose hands l may fall" In a
political storm the Sugar Trust propstiates
both sides with offerings; for it knows
not into whose hands it may fall. So far
in its career it has fallen only into hands
which nave fed it bountifully.
But the Sugar Trust In its operations
here should be brought to book. This is
demanded in the interests alike Of the
people and Of a sound legislative morality.
This congress cannot AFFORD to. do the
Sugar Trusts bidding. 1t cannot afford
to write into the tariff bill now taking
final shape a sugar schedule which the
Trust desires, and which If enacted into
law will make It the despot of the sugar
market in the United States for years.
By that act the Republican, party would
publicly plead guilty to the strongest In
diCtment that even the Populists have
drawn, and would lose the next congress
elections by larger majority than the
Democrats lost those after permitting the
Trust to have its way in shaping the su-
gar schedule of the Gorman-Wilson bill.
Nor is this all. The Sugar Trust is es-
saying to help shape the foreign policy
OF the government 1t Is behind the effort
to abrogate the treaty with the Hawaiian
Islands, and 1t opposes the cause of hui
manity for Cuba for fear Cuban sugar un-
der & new government for the island
would be admitted into this country upon
| freer terms than now exist. This is a
| bold flight for a business organization
| but the Sugar Trust has shown itself Ia
| be capable of It,
This manifest duty rests with the sem
| ate. Three years ago the Trust made its
| play for the senate. A Democratic ways
anu means committee oI tne mousse naVlne
| adopted sugar schedule which the
| Trust was not satisfied with, the Trust
| worked upon the senate and got what II
| wanted. History has in part repeated it.
| self. A Republican ways and means
| committee Of the house has adopted q
| sugar schedule which the Trust does not
| like, and has refused to abrogate the
treaty with Hawaii. The Trust appeals tc
the senate Shall the Trust win there the
| second time, with the scandal attaching
| to the first transaction filling the air with
malodorous revival? Could the senate
| afford such thing?