The Honolulu republican. [volume] (Honolulu, T.H.) 1900-1902, 1902-01-24
CRISIS FOR REPUBLICS SUGAR
Statement That Reduction May
Be Necessary In
Tariff Rates.
Arguments IN Favor Of Concessions
70 the Island Are Made al the
acknowledgment OF Various
Interests Affected by Legislation
Many cubans Present.

WASHINGTON. January l5.-The
Ways and Means Committee began
hearings to-day on the subject o. Gu
ban reciprocity with a large repre-
seulaHoa present from the various
interests which would be affected by
legislation OF this character The Gu.
ban industries were represented by
Messrs. Place. Mendoza, Dumois and
Francke. chosen by commercial Or.
CARNATIONS in various parts Of the
island
The American interests engaged in
sugar production in Cuba were repre-
scented by Edwin r Atkins. spokes-
man 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 present in be
nalf Of the Hawaiian sugar planters
and Henry T. OXnard for the domes-
tie beet-sugar interests. The tobacco
and other interests affected by Cuban
production also were we'll represent
ed
Chairman Payne stated at The out
set that the hearing was in reference
TO that portion of the Presidents mes
sage relating 10 reciprocity with Gu
ha The committee would first hear
those favorable to Cuba. and Mr.
Payne stated that the committee de-
sired 20 De informed about the effect Of
reciprocity both on Cuba and on the
people of the United Staes.
Edwin F. Atkins OF Boston made
the opening statement in behalf Of re-
cipr0city. He spoke of the enormous
overproduction of sugar throughout
the world amounting TO about ! 500
Uo0 tons which had resulted in a cri-
sis in the industry European coun-
tries had met this by bounties so that
the German producer. by means of a
bounty was able 70 sell sugar at a
haltcent per pound below its cost OF
in Cuba was &c cents per pound.
which was somewhat above the sell
ing price Mr. Atkins stated that
there was now about $4,000 600 worth
OF standing cane in Cuba. and at pres
eut prices a considerable part OF this
would not be harvested. While not
an slsrmist. he said the effect would
be serious loss 10 the planters and
the labor employed The loss 10 la
Dor. he thought. was likely TO lead TO
disturbances. At the time set for the
withdrawal Of American troops. there
would be. in his opinion. a deficit in
the iusular revenues. which were
largely recruited from the sugar in
dustry
Atkins stated that 50 per cent.
reduction OF duties was desired on
the various large products Of the isl.
and but in response 10 inquiries from
Payne he said that the sugar indus.
try felt they should have 100 per
cent reduction Atkins stated that
the opposition 20 Cuban reciprocity
came from special sources. namely
the domestic bee, sugar industry. the
Hawaiian planters and the sugar in
tsreStS % Porto Rico and Louisiana.
sEgreEating $4,000 tons production.
To Payne he stated thar a very large
percentage OF the Cuban sugar indus
Try was owned By citizens Of the Unit.
ed States.
Hugh Kelly OF New York, who has
large sugar holdings in Cuba. said
that as an American ne urged shat
reciprocal concessions be made He
believed that If there was no recipro-
city Cuba would ask COR annexation.
Il this occurred the voice % the Am
erican people would De for admitting
the island.
Mendoza OF the Cuban delegation
pictured the distress II present condi.
tions were continued. and said the
loss On the sugar. crop this year
would Approximate SIe0eo.V00 He
strongly favored the free admission
of sugar and reciprocal concessions
on American goods entering Cuba.