New-York tribune., 1902-05-16
THE CUBAN SUGARINQUIRY
FURTHER TESTIMONY OF BEET
SUGAR MAN-SIR WILLIAM c.
VAN HORNES PLANS.

WASHINGTON. May u-H G. Leavitt. Of Ne
braska continued his testimony before the sub
committee OF the Senate Committee on Relations
with Cuba to-day He said that the Sugar
Trust did not receive all the benefits Of the pro-
posed concessions 10 Cuba II would be because the
trust made present OF the concession 10 the plant
He referred 10 the action of the in
duCing the price Of sugar Missouri River points,
and said il done for the purpose OF destroying
the beet sugar companies. Mr.. Leavitt said that
Francis 3. ThUrber, Of New-YOrk who had given
testimony before the committee. was a paid en-
pIoye Of the trust and was employed by the War
Department gather statistics but discharged on
account OF his bias in favor Of the trust
letter written by Sir William u. Van Horne.
Of the Cuba Company. was presented II showed
that this company had acquired 10000 acres OF
land. and gave general statement of the eondi-
tions in the island Sir William wrote that the
15O 90 acres acquired by his company were In the
provinces Of Santa Clara, Puerto Principe and san
tiago chiefly the latter. for speculation but
IN furtherance Of the cOmpany's plans for the
development Of the country along its lines Of rail-
way. The idea vas divide this land up into
small bodies making them available for individuals
of small means, and 10 establish az different points
sugar mills for handling their cane.
Mr. Leavitt. continuing his testimony. challenged
Mr.. Havemeyer 10 produce the blank form OF con-
tract said to nave been entered into with the beet
sugar brokers in the Missouri Valley BY the beet
sugar manufacturers. agreeing 70 supply beet
sugar at 10 cents a hundred less than the trust
asked provided they would not nandle cane sugar
or 10 furnish the names Of such brokers. The cut
in the price OF sugar, he said made by the trust
in the Missouri Valley for other purpose
than 10 ruin the beet sugar factories and esJao-
hsh a price for sugar which would cripple the
borrowing power Of the beet sugar companies
Mr.. Leavitt said that the Sugar Trust. IN hold
ing out 10 the public the hope and promise or
cheaper sugar 10 the American consumer If a re-
duCriOn Is made sugar coming rom luOa,
a direct fraud the people OF the tinted
States. He charged that the sugar trust NtS
undeniab bly, connected with the attempt 70 secure
the reciprocity legislation. although It's OrnceFS say
they have no interest ~ II and Will derive no
benefit from IL.
Senator Platt asked why he objected 10 me
interesting itself in this legislation when the
/ beet were doing the same thing. i ne
/ witness replied that the trust knew that Jne re
| duction designed for the Cuban planter would oe
I for IT'S own benefit
Senator PIatt closely questioned the witness re-
gardug the rivalry existing between the two con-
( and the efforts made by the beet sugar peO-
/ PIE 10 secure the customers OF the sugar trust
Mr.. Leavitt replied that IL was merely a question
/ of whether these customers wanted to buy beet
I sugar He denied that the beet sugar
/ people offered a reduction OF lo cents hundred
{ 10 the customers OF the trust If they would buy
/ beet sugar but admitted that they made an EFFORT
/ = competitors 10 the business.
} Senator Platt asked Mr. LeavJr If IL not a
fact that he believed the policy of the government
[ with respect TO Cuba turned on the controversy
! between the trust and the beet sugar men The
/ witness replied that there only one way. in
view ot existing market conditions In America
I and England and all she world, OF helping the
! Cuban planter. and that by putting money
/ IN his pocket before ne goes 20 America with his
/ sugar But II II IS made condition OF his re-
| 70 the American rehncrs ne Will never reap The
/ advantage