Evening star., 1902-01-15
Arguments for Reciprocity With
Cuba.
BEFORE WAYS And MEANS COMMITTEE
Case Presented by Mr.. Atkins Of
Boston.
MIR. THURBER'S STATEMENT

The ways and means committee began
hearings today on the subject of Cuban
reciprocity with a large repre- sentation pres
ent from the various interests which
would be affected by legislation of this
character. The Cuban industries were rep
resented by Messrs. Place, Mendoza, Du-
mois and Francke, chosen by commercial
organizations in various parts of the is
land. The American interests engaged in
sugar production in Cuba were represent
ed by Edwin F. Atkins, spokesman for an
organization controlling a large part of
the sugar production of the island; Hugh
Kelly of New York and John F. Craig OF
Philadelphia. William Haywood was pres
ent in behalf of the Hawaiian sugar plant
and Henry T. Oxnard for the domestic
beet sugar interests. The tobacco ana
other interests affected by Cuban produc-
tion also were well represented.
Chairman Payne stated at the outset
that the hearing in reference to that
portion of the Presidents 9 message relating
to reciprocity with Cuba. The committe,
first would hear those favorable to Cuba
and Mr.. Payne stated that the committee
desired to be informed as to the effect OF
reciprocity both on Cuba and on the peo-
pie of the United States.
MIR. Atkins for Reciprocity.
Edwin F. Atkins of Boston made the
He spoke of the enormous overproduction
of sugar throughout the world. amounting
to about 100000 TONS which had resulted
in crisis in the industry. European
countries had met this by bounties. so that
the German producer, by means of a boun-
ty. was able to sell sugar at half a cent
per pound below it's cost of production
The cost of production in Cuba was 20
cents per pound, which was somewhat
above the selling price. Mr. Atkins stated
that there was now about S2O,O00,0D worth
of standing cane in Cuba and at present
prices a considerable part of this would
not be harvested. While not an alarmist
he said the effect would be serious loss to
the planters and the labor employed. The
loss to labor, he thought was likely to
the Withdrawal of American troops there
would be. in his opinion, deficit in the
insular revenues which were largely re-
cruited from the sugar industry.
Mr.. Atkins stated that 30 per cent re-
duction of duties was desired on the va
riOus large products of the island, but in
response to inquiries from Mr.. Payne. he
said that the sugar industry felt they
should have a 100 per cent reduction.
The Opposition to Reciprocity.
Mr.. Atkins stated that the opposition to
Cuban reciprocity came from several
sources. namely. the domestic beet sugar
industry. the Hawaiian planters and the
sugar interests of Porto Rico and Louisi-
ana, aggregating 100000 tons production.
He discussed each branch of this produc-
ton, its cost, etc, and In this connection
was questioned by Representative Robert
son of Louisiana as to the Louisiana pro-
duct and by various members of the COM
mittee on the relations of the Cuban crop
to the product elsewhere. To MIR. Payne
he stated that a very large percentage of
the Cuban sugar industry was owned by
citizens of the United States.
Aside from the advantage of reciprocity
to Cuba. Mr.. Atkins maintained that t
would be of material advantage to the
United States. including a reduction in the
price of sugar to the people.
Asked by Mr.. Payne If his sugar business
was profitable last year. Mr.. Atkins said he
conceded that it had been, but general in
quiry among planters showed that they had
not done a profitable business.
At II o'clock recess was taken until
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