The Red Cloud chief., 1897-01-22
Beet Sugar. bounty.

Sect sugar Bounty.
Nebraska Is essentially an agricultural
state. Her growth. prosperity AID the
Increase OF wealth Of her citizens depend
very largely on the success which we NAV
be able to achieve in the many different
branches of agricultural enterprise.
For a number OF years our people have
given much consideration to the grow ny
of beets from which to manufacture SUI
gar. Two great factories nave beel cs.
tablished within her borders for the man
ufacture OF sugar from the sugar Le.t.
At no time since the establis hment Of
either OF these factories, unless perhaps
in 1891, on account of the drouth that
season. has there been any dearth I'm the
producticn of sugar beets ample to test
the full capacity of each OF these fac-
tories during the season of opera ion. In
fact. those operating these factories have
been compelled each season to refuse 10
contract for a large acreage of sugar
beets which the farmers desired TO Jro-
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 to
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-
tins, I think We are all in entire accord.
iht " fOiN hbhSt III ny a
department In the state university In
determining the most approved method
of sugar beet culture, and In the dis
semlnation OF the knowledge thus OBJ
tained, as well as the analysis OF sample
beets 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 flooring. The acreage which could
probably be cultivated in this one crop
alone Is almost in extent. The
establishment of manufactures. thereby
pormitting the cultivation of much larger
acreage, Is greatly desired. and any en-.
couragoment 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 or encouraging the growth Of sugar
beets and the manufacture OF sugar
therofrom, by giving a bounty of five
eighths of 1 cent for each pound of sugar
manufactured within the state by fac
tories already established. and 1 cent
for each pound of sugar manufactures
by factories to be established. providing
In each Instance that S. per ton should
be paid for 'ple beets purchased by such
factories. The same act also provided
for a bounty for the manufacture of
chicory from chtcory beets.
Under a conviction of official duty. be-
lieving an act of this character unsound
in public policy ard a wrongful use of
the power of taxation. l withheld ex-
ccutivo approval from the act referred
to. but 1t was PASSED and became a law
Notwithstanding. Under the provisions
OF this act. ella irnS Warp nreapntpd against
the state. properly certified by the sec
Rotary of state. for sugar and chlcory
manufactured during the season of 1895.
amounting to the sum OF SAT ,69O.31. and
warrants upon the state treasury were
drawn therefor, Notwithstanding no APP
preparation was made by the legislature
for the payment OF such claims. For the
season OF 1896 It Is estimated In the re-
port Of the secretary OF state that 49,
S6l. 100 pounds Of sugar will be manu-
~factured, which would make claims 10.
sugar bounty amounting to $67, 49,. so.
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.
me result Of the operation OF this
bounty act has only served TO confirm
me In the views which l then enter
tained. A claim against the state aggre-
eating more h a. $1l5. 900 has thus been
permitted. Its liquidation seems a very
heavy burden on h already overtaXed
citizens OF the state. There has not IA
yet been an additional acre cultivated In
beets or a new manufactory. with Their
corresponding benefits, secured to the
state. To the claim OF some that such
a bounty Is for the benefit OF the suga:
beet grower rather than the manufac
turer, 81 Is proper to remark that JUS
tlce to all interests Of the state would
hardly require that an industry, which
u 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 remunerative at ufe expense
of the vast majority of those engaged In
other branches of agriculture who re-
ceive too measre remuneration as a re-
ward for their toll. What is more to be
desired thai a bounty. which Its EARNEST
advocates admit Is only a temporary ex-
pedient, is . fixed and well defined policy
OF encouragement by natural means and
mutual cooperation grower and
manufacturer. relying upon the para
mount conditions which surround us for
the full development OF this industry.
That part of the bounty art holding
out Inducements for the establishment OF
new factories. which seems to rave been
u~navaiing. Is more equitable and has
more foundation in Justice and reason
than that which helps support an indus
try already established at the expense
CT others less favored.
boundary Con mission.