Evening star., 1902-01-22
Speaks in Behalf of the Beet Sugar
Interests.
DENIES THAT THEY FORM A TRUST
Mr.. Places Statement Regarding
Cuba's Position.
A SH RIP LLOQU

mittee today. The beet sugar interests of
the United States occupied most Of the
time, being represented by Henry T. OK
nard, president of the American Beet Sugar
Association, and by delegations from those
states interested I'm the production OF sugar
from beets. The cane sugar interests of
Louisiana also were well represented, and
Chairman Payne arranged to give them
part of the time.
At the outset Mr.. Place, head OF the
Cuban delegation, made a statement to
clear up misapprehensions on Cuba's posi-
ton. He had argued for free trade, he said,
that was the earnest wish Of Cuba.
But while this was the judgment of the
Cuban people, he said. they deferred to
the judgment of the American Congress on
the whole question. He added: I'VE want
what you will grant, asking no more ad-
vantage, nor as much, as we are able to
concede to your producers Without sug-
gestion as to limitations we leave to your
craftsmanship the relations which are to
prevail between us. The sovereignty is
yours over both alike and your determi-
nation Will be accepted by us as fully and
freely as by the American people them
selves
Position of Beet Sugar Association.
Mr.. Oxnard made an extended statement
of the position Of the Beet Sugar Associa-
tion. He said beet sugar production repre-
sented vast industry brought into ex-
istence by the legislation OF Congress.
which had invited capital to invest to an
extent little realized. Already the indus
try was lourishing in eleve.. states, with
many people employed and prospects OF
rapid development. Continuing, he said;
Stripped of sentimentality and all extra
neous considerations. and reducing the
Cuban demands for free or freer sugar to
it's simplest equation, IL Is this: Shall the
United States through its agriculturalists
produce its raw sugar and in its factories
scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific
refine its products. or shall II permit for
eign lands to export to it the raw ma
terial and content itself merely with the
refining? That is what l fear would even
tually come to pass IL you interfere in any
way at the present time with the existing
production of home sugar. Capital is timid
to a great degree and should Congress de-
eide that Cuban sugar must be helped at
the expense of American beet sugar then
il will at first hesitate and eventually turn
its back upon the future further develop
ment OF beet sugar and throw its fun force
into the tropical island which we have
unduly favored and stimulated. Sugar pro-.
duction in Cuba today is firmly established
and the chief industry OF the island. Even
our enemies must admit that beet sugar
is at the very inception Of It's development
in the United States"
Mr. Oxnard characterized the Cuban
proposition as most vicious, and asked why
ii was that the American sugar interest
should be singled out for sacrifice
No Beet Sugar Trust.
Mr.. Oxnard severely criticised the Amer
ican sugar trust and H. o. Havemeyer.
He insisted that II the duty is reduced on
raw cane sugar the diferential tarin on re-
fined sugar should be taken off, to lessen
the profits of the American Sugar Trust
/. L.
annexation of Cuba by the United States,
for if that should come to pass the Cuban
planter would be on the same basis with
the American planter as to labor, cost OF
machinery, etc.
Mr.. Oxnards statements as to labor con-
ditions in Cuba did not agree with some
other statements which have been sub
mitted to the committee. He claims that
cane sugar is raised by a semi-servile la
boring population. Employers of labor in
Cuba told the committee that labor is
scarce in the island and commands from
SD to $23 a month. The same labor in
this country is paid about S25. Mr.. Ok
nard admitted today that the ad va1orem
protection to the American beet growers Is
Chairman Payne asked Mr. Oxnard as to
the report that he had suggested an agree
ment with the Cubans. Mr.. Oxnard an
swered that no such agreement had been
made. There had been a discussion during
which IL was suggested that IL Congress
decided to grant concessions to Cuba IL
should be in the form of a rebate. He also
denied that there was any trust in the beet
sugar industry.
InstigatOrs of Cuban Reciprocity.
Representative Grosvenor of Ohio and
Representative Richardson of Tennessee
had a sharp exchange during Mr.. oxnard's
examination.
Mr. Richardson referred to a statement
ID.- *ka hot ha pStt
gated the Cuban reciprocity movement.
Reading from President Roosevelt's mes
sage recommending Cuban reciprocity. Mr..
Richardson said: "Do you mean to say
that was instigated in any such way?"
Hold on" interrupted Mr.. Grosvenor OF
Ohio, II denounce such proceedings"
How, sir?" asked Mr. Richardson.
Il say / denounce that inquiry"
Your denunciation does not amount to
anything" hotly retorted Mr.. Richardson.
There was warm passage of words be-
tween the two committeeman, but the
chairman ruled that the question should be
answered
Mr. Oxnard dipIomaticaIly ventured the
assertion that the President and Secretary
OF War did not know the facts of the
case when the recommendation was made.
Both ignorant?' sarcastically inquired
Mr.. Richardson.
Mr.. Oxnard finally secured an opportunity
to disclaim any purpose Of rejecting on the
President. whose recommendation for Gu
ban reciprocity he believed was due to not
having all the facts in his possession.
The hearing was adjourned at noon until
l:S0 pm.
Michigan Beet Sugar Industry.
At the afternoon session Nathaniel Stew
art presented the case of the Michigan
beet sugar industry. He said that 81 ,700,-
600 was now invested, and this industry had
grown up within three years. He argued
that Congress had induced the investments
and should not destroy It by granting con-