The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-04-11

cents a hundred less than refined Cuban
sugar and that Nebraska and Colorado
beet sugar can be placed on the Kansas
City market for Is cents a hundred less
than Cuban sugar and that Cuban sugar
can not compete at all with its beet rival
on the Denver market. He quoted from
the statement made by the Oxnard Beet
Sugar company at their annual meeting
held April 1, 1902, that they can manu-
facture refined sugar below the cost of
granulated sugar made from imported
rawsN He read the evidence of all the
beet sugar experts to the effect that the
proposed reduction in the Cuban tariff
would not lower the price Of refined
sugar and argued that therefore the
beet sugar industry would not be in
iured by the proposed legislation. He
devoted much time to the proposition
that the Cuban planters and not the
sugar trust would get the benefit of the
concession.
Turning to the benefits which would
accrue to US from reciprocity with Cuba
he reviewed the case of the Blaine reel
procity which existed from 1891 to 1894.
showing that while our exports to all
other countries fell off materially during
this period owing to the depreciation in
silver and other causes, that our trade
with Cuba more than doubled and that
our exports to countries with which we
had reciprocity agreements were the
only ones that showed an increase. Re
ciprocity here would give the United
States a monopoly of the Cuban mar
kets. A moral obligation, he said, rested
on the United States to aid Cuba from
the fact that the PIatt amendment was
accepted only upon the virtual promise
of tariff concessions.
In closing Mr.. Long said:
THAT it is our duty to complete the
work undertaken in Cuba is recognized
by every patriotic American. We can
discharge that obligation and still do no
harm to any American industry. Spe-
cial interests have endeavored to pre-
by the cry that their particular indus
tries will be ruined if reciprocity with
Cuba is adopted. The facts do not war
rant this assumption and if this con-
gress does its duty, as did the congress
that passed the resolution of interven-
ton. it viii provide before this session
ends for reciprocity with Cuba which
will bring happiness and contentment
to the people of that island. further pro-
mote the prosperity OF the people of
the United States and honorably finish
the work undertaken when the war with
Spain began"
Mr.. Long met a volley of questions
from the opponents OF reciprocity on
the Republican side. At various times
during his speech he sustained the fire
of Mr.. Prince Gll). Mr.. Hepburn 0a).
Mr.. Needham (Cal), Mr. Kahn (Cal),
and W A Smith t4ich-) He ridiculed
the Republican adveFsaries of reciprOc-
ity, who, he said, refused to yield any
concession to Cuba because they al
legged II threatened the pfOleCllNe SyS-
tenn, but who deliberately proposed to
adopt a revolutionary course to take
the differential off of refined sugar
which he said had been placed in the
Dingley bill for the express purpose OF
protecting the beet sugar industry.
At the conclusion Of Mr.. Longs speech
Mr. Shafroth (Colo) made a speech in
opposition to the bill.
IN THE SENATE
Washington, April 11.-Soon after
the senate convened today the river
and harbor appropriation bill was re-
ported by Mr. Frye and placed on the
calendar.
Bills were passed as follows: Author
izing the Federal railway to construct
a combined railroad. wagon and foot
passenger bridge across the Missouri
river at Oacoma, Lyman county South
Dakota: providing for the use by the
United States Of devices invented by
its naval officers while engaged in its
service and covered by letters patent
The senate has agreed to vote on the
Chinese exclusion bill before adjourn
ment on Wednesday next.
To pay $1,000 to the widow of Judge I.
c. Parker, for extraordinary services