The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-01-21

Washington, January 15.-The ways
and me@-s committee began hearings
today on the subject Of Cuban r~eciproc-
ity, with a large representation from
the various interests which could be
affected by legislation of this character
The Cuban industries were represent
ed by Messrs. Place, Mendoza. Dumois
and Francke, CHOSEN by commercial or
CARNATIONS in various parts Of the is
land.
The American interests gag in
sugar pro luction in Cuba were repre-
scented by Edwin f. Atkins, spokesman
for an organization controlling a large
part Of the sugar production of the is
land; Hugh Kelly, OF New York, and
-John F. Craig, Of Philadelphia.
/Wil!ism Haywood was present in be-
half OF the Hawaiian sugar planters
n Henry T. Oxnard for the domestic
beet sugar interests.
The tobacco and other interests ar
fected by Cuban production were also
well represented.
Edwin F. Atkins, of Boston, made the
opening statements in behalf of reci-
procity. He spoke of the norm over
production OF sugar throughout the
world, amounting to about 1900. 900 tons,
which had resulted in a crisis in the in.
dustry. European countries had met
this by bountieS SO that the German
producer, by means of a bounty, was
able to sell sugar at half a cent rer
pound below it's cost of production.
The cost of production in Cuba was zoo
cents per pound. which was somewhat
above the selling price. Mr.. Atkins
stated that there was now about $2O,-
900, 900 worth of standing cane in Cuba
and at present prices a considerable
part of this would not be harvested
The loss to labor, he thought, was like
ly to lead to disturbances. At the time
set for the withdrawal of American
troops there would be, in his opinion, Il
deficit in the irsular revenues which
were largely recruited from the
industry.
Mr.. Atkins stated tina a so per cent.
reduction of duties was desired on the
various large products OF the island
but in response to inquiries from Mr..
Payne he said hat the industry
felt they should have 100 per cent. re-
duction. He was opposed to a drawback,
Mr.. Atkins said that if present condi.
tions continued Cub probably would
become so desperate as to be forced into
annexation.
Louis Place, a merchant Of Havana
and head of the Cuban delegation, pre-
Sented the case from the Cuban. stand
point. At present, he said, Cuba was
buying large quantities or foreign
goods. and if reciprocity was brought
about with the United States. Cuba
would buy American cotton goods. wine
and many other articles now bought
abroad. He believed this market in
Cuba would amount to $3.50, 900, 900 with.
I'm two years.
Francis B.. Thurber, of the Tinted
States Export Association stated that
the primary consideration was one of
good faith on the part of the United
States to Cuba.
Hugh Kelley, of New York, who has
large sugar holdings in Cuba, said that
as an American he urged that reciprocal
concessions be made. He believed that
If there was no reciprocity Cuba would
ask for annexation and if this occurred
the voice of the American people would
be for admitting the island
Mr.. Mendoza, of the Cuban delega-
ton. pictured the distress il present
conditions were continued. and said the
loss on the sugar crop of the island this
year would approximate So. OOO. 900. He
strongly favored the free admission or
sugar and reciprocal concessions Cd
American goods entering Cuba.