The Lafayette gazette. [volume] (Lafayette, La.) 1893-1921, 1901-10-19
PROPOSED ~
WITH CVRA.
THE


a OOSN 4 NJ II
W/ZH CUBA.
The planters of Louisiana are
aware Of the danger to the sugar in
dustry threatened by the proposed
reciprocity treaty with Cuba. 1t is
clear to those who are familiar with
conditions in both coun-
tries that unhampered competit;o on
can not fail to be ruinous to the dom
este article. The East las nothing
to fear from . reciprocity treaty
with Cuba. On the contrary, the New
England manufacturers are anxious
to have free access to the Cuban
markets. Free sugar can not hurt
them, while reciprocity will enable
them to enjoy valuable commercial
privileges which would be denied
them by high tariff duties.
The extreme protective features
Of the Dingley bill are beginning to
be felt in many sections of the
country and there prevails even in
Republican circles a growing sentl-
ment for a reduction of tariff duties.
The business element fears the re-
suits of tariff agitation and the
leaders of the Republican party
will no doubt do all in their power
to prevent a readjustment of custom
duties In order TO meet the de-
mand for less restricted commercial
relations, without mourning the dis
pleasure of the manufacturers of the
East. the astute managers of the
G. O. p. have very adroitly decided
upon the policy of which the late
James G. Blaine was the eloquent
and magnetic exponent. 1t is easy
enough for the Republican party to
so arrange this reciprocity business
that the favored interests of the
North will not suffer. The devel-
opment of Cuba offers an inviting
field to the American manufacturer
to market his wares. and 1t is safe
to say that the Yankee will get there
with his goods, If Louisiana cane
sugar and Western beet sugar must
stand the consequences.
Despite all professions to the
contrary it is the well-known policy
of the Republican party to take
care of its own. The Republican
party considers certain sections of
the country entitled to the help of
the government as compensation
for political services, and no one
should be surprised if the reciPro-
city treaty will be formulated with
the view of putting money into the
pockets of Eastern capitalists, re-
CARELESS of the fatal blow il will
deal to the sugar industry of Louis
lana.
The Gazette believes that the
fears of the Louisiana sugar planters
are well-founded. The treaty-makins
power is in the hands of those who
care very little for the sugar in
dustry. No less an authority on
Republican sentiment than the
Globe-Democrat made the following
significant remark anent the pro-
posed treaty:
seThe sugar interests of Louisiana will OPP
pose reduction on the imposts levied on
the competing product from Cuba. The
Louisianians are clamorous in this direction,
and although they have given no favors to
the Republican party, they will appeal very
loudly to the Republican Congress and to
the Republican President to protect them
from Cuban competition
1t is to be hoped that the Globe
Democratrepresents only those rabid
Republicans who are not yet sure
that Lee has surrendered, and we
trust that there is enough fairness In
the Republican party not to ruin
the greatest industry of State, be-
cause that State has committed the
grievous sin Of casting its vote for
the DemOcracv