The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-20
NO DUTY ON SUGAR.
Mr. Richardson's Resolution Aimed
Mt the neHninE Trust.

Representative Richardson OF Tennessee
introduced the following Joint resolutions
| in the House yesterday:
Whereas monopoly exists among rugsr manu-
facturers, md in consequence enormous profits
arc being realized,
Resolved, That all kinds OF sugars, molasses.
and everything entering into the manufacture
Of sugar shall be admitted free OF duty from
| Porto Rico and Cuba.
Whereas the prices OF sugars have recently
several times been advanced. manufacturers in
each instance having agreed upon the same
| price per pound which is prima :ace evidence
| that trust or combination exists for the pur-
| pose Of destroying competition in order that
enormous profits may he realized. the American
| Sugar Refining Company OF New Jersey having
for many years paid IL pog cent annually in divis
dcnds upon S3s.gjs.ooo OF common stock; theie-
fore be it
Resolved Ths. sugar manufactured By the
said American Sugar Refining Company OF New
Jersey and all other manufacturers in this coun-
| try shall. after six months from the passage Of
the bill. be prohibited by the Interstate Ccul-
mercc Commission from being transported, in
any manner whatsoever. from one State 10 an
other until the said commission arc satisfied
that sugars offered for interstate transportation
have not yielded profit TO the manufacturers
thereof OF more than per cent in excess OF the
cost OF the same, which shall be ascertaned in
such manner the said commission in It's dis
cretion may determine
Mr.. Richardson said regarding the joint
INsOtullDNH, WHICH went tnt
on Ways and Means for action:
The Supreme Court held. both in the
Addyston Pipe and Steel Company and the
f. C. Knight Company cases. that the Cen
eral Government has power to deal with
the matter solely whenever interstate or
foreign commerce is involved and both are
involved when sugars manufactured by the
sugar monopoly are offered for interstate
ana foreign shipment. and the Government
in afiording such transportation to goods
yielding such enormous profits Is aiding
and abetting the monopoly.
~ have made careful examination ci
the opinion of the Supreme Court in both
OF the above cases. and. in my opinion,
the Interstate Commerce Commission. un-
der the said provision ci the Constitution.
as interpreted by the highest legal tribunal
OF the land in the two cases referred TO
above named. has the power to refuse in
terstate transportation TO sugars and other
manufactured articles which produce cnor-
nous profits through monopolistic condi
tions until the profits on such goods have
been brought within fair and reasonable
limits. and when tine necessities of life are
Involved as in sugars. il not in all other
manufactured articles controlled by nnnup-
olies, public sentiment will sustain the
Commission in the exercise Of such power.
"In order, however. through specific
governmental enactment to make il man
datory for the said Commission 20 exercise
that power, have offered this nonpartisan
resolution. and feel satisfied that a law
on the lines OF this act will be enacted at
this session, because 1t is sure TO receive
the support of both political parties. The
resolutions will receive the hearty support
OF the Democrats in the House. who Will
make fight to secure their passage.