The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-01-24
CHEEK OF THE eUBANS
YARMOUTH STRONGLY oP- POSES CUT ON SUGAR RATES.
Says It is Evident That Governor General Wood Has Become In- fatuated With His Spanish
 Associates.

Washington, Jan. S.-The CuDan re" ciprocity hearings before the Ways and Means Committee today were devoted chiefly to the cane sugar interests or Louisiana who are opposing the proposed concessions to Cuba on the ground that it will cripple the sugar production of that State. A number of large planters and manufacturers of the State were present and the allied forces of beet sugar and tobacco which are similarly opposed to concessions to Cuba also were numerously represented.
 The opening statement in behalf of the Louisiana interests was made by J. D. Hill of New Orleans, an extensive planter. He pointed out there was no need Of makiu= ln appeal in behalf or Cuba, as the island was gifted by nature 50 as to produce sugar at exceedingly low rates, which could enter into fair competition with the rest of the world. He compared the status of Cuba with that of the South after the Civil War. and showed that the South had worked out it's own salvation without making appeals for special favors Already hundreds of millions of dollars had been invested in sugar production in Louisiana and the industry was still far short or it's full capacity. He urged that thls industry should not be subjected to foreign competition which would surely injure if not destroy 1t.
 MT. Hill asserted that the sugar trust was behind the Cuban movement and presented statistics to show that the re- suit of concession to Cuba would make the sugar trust the real beneficiary, con- stituting the organization ss a colossal monopoly in Cuba.
 MT. Hill said it was matter or amazement that at time when Ger many was using the utmost efrort 10 develop the sugar industry, those who represent the American people should consider a proposition which would have the effect of destroying the American in- dustry and of placing the product or sugar under foreign control. If the lands of Louisiana were no longer used for sugar, MT. Hill said, there was no other line of production to which they could be proftabIy turned.
 In answer to questions by Representa- tive Long of Kansas, MT. Hill said that 50 per cent reduction would reduce the price on raw sugar, but not on refined the price on the latter being fixed in Hamburg. This reduction of duty would not inure to the Cuban planter. but to the foreign purchaser,
 MT. Hill opposed any reduction on raw or refined sugar but if such reduction be- came a necessity, he did not favor re- duction on the refined article.
 Ex-Governor Yarmouth of Louisiana, made 8 vigorous speech opposing conces- sions to Cuba. It was a proposition. he tI nd 1 of Cuba, who had the cheek to come be- fore an American Congress and ask that the industries of our people shall be de- stroyed so that they could make money out of our merchants"
 He referred to General Woods activity In the movement, which indicated, Gov ernor Yarmouth said, that Governor Wood had become infatuated with Cuba and his Spanish associates.
 This might be a part of the Governor Generals duty, but it had not improved the credit of Americans and banks. The speaker maintained that the Cubans who were urging this concession were buying their goods in Spain and England, and yet had the cheek to come to an Ameri- can Congress for help" The poor Gu, bans he said. seemed to have been entire- ly lost in the shuffie," and Congress was now asked to take up the people who helped Spain to crush the life out of the Cubans.
 James w Post of the New Orleans Board of Trade. J. s. Farr Thomas s. Wilkinson. George w. Mott and D. D. Colcott of Louisiana, all opposed Cuban concessions.
 Robert Oxnard of San Francisco and D. C. Corbin of Washington, spoke for the beet sugar industries in those localities.
 During the examination of Robert OK nard, Representative Long presented letter from John D. Spreckles, the Cali forna sugar producer. to members of the committee. MT. Spreckles in his letter, said that in his opinion the beet sugar industry could stand a small cut on raw sugar, but not on refined sugar MT. Ox- nard declined to discuss the statements in Mir Spreckles's letter.
 Owing to the large number of persons desiring to be heard Chairman Payne de- cided to continue the hearing tomorrow, those opposing Cuban concessions to have until noon. after which time it is ex- pected that some of the officials of Cuba will be heard in favor of reciprocity
 King Victor Honors Marconi.
 .,..,.... Ion -EIpr Edward u,uuufsI