Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-12-27
Beef Sug0T Manufacturers
Met in Saginaw Last Monday.
ORGANIZATION PERFECTED.

Beet sugar men of the state convened
In Saginaw Monday for the purpose Of
their mutual interests. There were
representatives from all of the factories
now in operation. including the follow
ing: w. l.. Churchill, K. I. Caring ton,
Thomas Cranage and b. Boutell of Bay
Oity; Lee +. Parker Of Detroit; Charles
Montague of Caro-: NJ II. Stewart of
Kalamszoo; w. II. Wallace OF Sebe.
waing DR.. j. II. Lancashire and r. r.
Hathaway Of Alma; and Saginaw was
represented by several Of the sugar men
there.
The meeting was called to order in the
parlors Of the Bancroft. +. l.. Churchill
was made chairman and r. r. Hatha-
way secretary. There was a discussion
on various subjects Of interest TO sugar
manufacturers, including the tariff
1t was apparent that Michigan manu-
facturers do not believe the bars should
be thrown down for ali influx Of Cuban
sugar to the detriment and possibly the
annihilstion of she sugar industry of the
United States, in which Michigan is
now deeply interested. Ii was shown
that there are now 10 factories in opera
ton in this state, with five others in
process Of building. Also that while in
1898, the acreage Of beets raised was
1890, the present years acreage was
IS, 900, and il is estimated that l25, 900
acres will be needed next year This, it
is claimed, calls for All expenditure OF
labor in other directions which each
year grows into enormous proportions.
1t was also stated that hve proposed
companies are waiting on the action of
congress before organizing. II the sugar
in this country is protected these com
panies in Michigan will be organized
and many of the factories will be built.
II it is otherwise, the gentlemen who
propose to start up the industries will
keep their money in their pockets.
The first session was held in the after
noon. In the evening another session
was held land permanent organization
was effected by the election OF the fol-
lowing officers, under the name Of the
Michigan Association Of Beet Sugar
Manufacturers
President-W. l.. Churchill, Bay
City
Vice. President Charles Montague,
Caro-.
Secretary and treasurer-F r. Hath
away, Alma.
The following companies were repre-
sented at the meeting: The Bay City,
Michigan, and German American Of
Bay Oity; Marine City, Peninsular, of
Oaro; Detroit. Of Rochester; Saginaw
and Valley Of Saginaw; Kalamazoo,
Lansing, Sebewaing and Alma.
There was lengthy discussion on the
present condition Of the sugar market.
which, from the point OF the man ufact-
urer ia very unsatisfactory. Secretary +.
r. Hathaway stated to Courier Herald
repoi ter that considerable doubt was
expressed as to the ability Of the manu-.
facturers to pay contract prices for beets
in view of the decline Of the price of
sugar. He said: 1--WE are paying to
farmers as much for beets as we were
paying year ago, when we received
$500 more for each carload Of sugar than
ut the present time. We have been
paying $3.50 per ton for IL per cent
beets, but, as the general run of beets
is Of better percentage, the average
price paid has been about s595 per ton
which is the same as that paid last
season. We are undecided as to what
action to take in the matter, and have
decided TO let it rest for the present"
The association is fully alive to the
danger menacing the beet sugar indus.