Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-01-15
CUBAN RECIPROCITY.
Ways and Means Committee Began
a Hearing of Subject Today.

Washington, Jan. 15.--The ways and
means committee began hearings to-
day on the subject OF Cuban recipro-
Guy with a large representation pres
cnt from the various interests which
would be affected by legislation OF this
character The Cuban industries were
represented by Messrs. Place Mem
doza, Dumols and Francke, chosen by
commercial organizations In various
Parts of the island
The American interests engaged In
sugar production In Cuba were repre-
sented by Edwin +. Atkins spokesman
Tor an organization controlling a large
part of the sugar production OF the ISL
and, Hugh Kelly. of New York, and
John +, Craig, Of Philadelphia VIII
liam Haywood was present In behalf
Of the Hawaiian sugar planters, and
Henry T. Oxnard for the domestic beet
sugar interests The tobacco and other
interests affected by Cuban produce
ton also were well represented
THE OBJECT.
Chairman Payne stated at the outset
that the hearing was in reference TO
that portion Of the Presidents mes
sage relating TO reciprocity with Cuba.
The committee would first hear those
favorable TO Cuba, and Mr. Payne stat
ed that the committee desired TO be
informed rs TO the effect Of reciprocity
both on Cuba and on the people OF the
United States,
ATKINS FOR RECIPROCITY.
Edwin H. Atkins, Of Boston, made
the opening statement In behalf OF reel
procity lie spoke OF the enormous
oyer-producton Of sugar throughout
the world amounting to about 1.50O, 900
tons, which had resulted In a crisis In
the Industry European countries had
met this by bountles so that the Ger
man producer, by means Of a bounty,
was able to sell sugar at a half cent
per pound below its cost OF production.
The cost OF production In Cuba was 26
cents per pound, which was somewhat
above the selling price. Mr.. Atkins
stated that there was now about S2e-
100000 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 lead to disturbances. At the time
set for the withdrawal Of American
troops there would be- In his opinion,
a deficit IN the insuar revenues which
were largely recruited from the sugar
Industry.
KNOCKS" BEET SUGAR.
Mr. Atkins stated that 50 per cent
reduction OF duties was desired on tho
various large products OF the island,
but In response 20 inquiries from Mr..
Payne he said that the sugar Industry
felt they should have a 100 per cent re-
duction, Mr. Atkins stated that the
opposition TO Cuban reciprocity came
from several sources, namely, the do
nestle beet sugar Industry, the Ha-
waiian planters and the sugar interests
OF Porto Rico and Louisiana, aggregat-
ing 100000 tons production. To Mr.
Payne he stated that a very large per-
contage Of the Cuban sugar Industry
was owned by citizens Of the United
States
REDUCE SUGAR PRICE.
Aside from the advantage Of reel
procity 20 cuba Mr. Atkins said II
would be- Of material advantage to the
United states. including a reduction OF
the price OF sugar 10 the people. Asked
by Mr. Payne Il his sugar business was
profitable last year. Mr.. Atkins said
he conceded that Ii had been. but gem
cral inquiry among planters showed