The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-02-19
THE BEET vs.. CUBA
Some Pertinent Suggestions by a
Beet Sugar Maker.
SURVIVAL OF DOMESTIC INDUSTRY
Conditions Affecting 1t Are Too
Numerous to BE Covered by
CONGRATULATIONS.

A California beet sugar manufacturer,
IN the course OF some personal correspond
ence, to express his view of the question
of freer trade with Cuba writes the fol-
lowing:
You ask me to give your an opinion upon
the questions now somewhat agitating the
country regarding a change in our laws for
the benefit Of those interested in the present
land" future state Of Cuba, and more par
|ticularly in the sugar interests of that coun-
try. cannot plead ignorance of the subject,
having made a close personal examination of
the resources and business of the island of
Cuba, and having been personally, connected
with the business of producing and manufac-
turing sugar for many years; but I may not
be wholly impartial, as I have most of my
capital still invested in the beet sugar in
dustry in this state 80
! The facts are, simply, that various parties
are endeavoring to have congress pass law
for the relief of Cuba by means Of re-
| mission Of the duty on sugar (either in whole
| or in part. as imported into the United
States. These parties are:
First, the sentimentalists who like Gov
| ernor Wood, the New York Post. Tribune and
other papers are enamored Of the idea that
the Cubans a heroic but down-trodden
race for whom the people of the United States
should show the greatest possible sympathy
by giving thera the greatest possible number
of dollars. If this were to take the form
of a subscription, and every man give Of his
own means according to his own Wishes no
body could ind fault. But as the intent
is to have the general consumer Of sugar pay
the donation by keeping up the price, and the
taxpayer make good the deficit caused by
withdrawal from the treasury of the duty
so abrogated, it is at. least only fair that
these people should have voice in the
matter. }-.as
Now it is a well-known fact that Cuba has
for many years drawn the principal part Of
her revenue or income from selling her sugars
and part of her tobacco in the United States;
but the money SO obtained has been largely
spent in other countries, and at no time prior
to the war between the United States and
Spain was there any "Americanism or feel
ing of respect gratitude on the part OF the
Cubans who reciprocated in trade only SO far
as they were obliged to in self interest A
personal knowledge of Cuba before the war
warrants this opinion. Therefore, l am OPP
posed to the ''sentimentalists' save that am
willing to subscribe, personally, to any relief
fund made necessary by change III condl-
tons.
Second, the Americans and other foreigners
who have invested in Cuba and would like
to see boom in business there TOT their
own personal profit. While I might be able
TO congratulate then; on the favorable result
of business enterprise, would not force the
American taxpayer to furnish the "needful
for their boom.
Third the sugar trust, which on the prin-
cipal Of anything to beat Grant," would
like to throttle the growing industry OF heet
sugar by opening up increased production
in Cuba so long as the sugar would have to
pay toll to them in refining, even II they
made nothing out Of large investments them
selves. It is hardly necessary to apologlze
for lack Of sympathy for the sugar trust
M attemDt will be made.
Survival of the Domestic Industry.
The article in Til g Jour n a headed
"Beet Sugar and the Tariff" is a very fair
statement Of the existing conditions, as far
as it goes. You say you have "been inclined
to believe that the beet sugar industry could
survive and flourish under a modification Of
the sugar tariff in favor of Cuba" etc., ETC.,
and to degree you are right. Where the
beet sugar culture has been long enough in
operation to fully test the lands adapted to 1t,
and where nearness to source OF supply
renders possible the employment OF large
numbers of laborers at such times as wanted
and at wages comparable with the wages
paid in Cuba or other competing countries,
the beet sugar industry would certainly .sur
yiye' at least until imports from equally
favored localities should become so great as
to render null any benefits from the tariE.
But it is all a matter of supply and de-
mand,' or cost of production ana selllng
prices This no man can decide In advance
and therefore no opinion Is OF, more than
general application or value without taking
into consideration the circumstances and con-
ditions of each particular case referred to.
Given "a fair field and no favor" between
Cuba and the United States in the matter of
tariff. what would you have? In the one
case (Cuban cane sugar. you would have an
immense area of the most valuable sugar
land in the world, with climate admirably
adapted TO rapid agricultural growth by rea-
son Of extreme heat and moisture IN summer,
and most suitable weather, owing to its cool
ness and dryness in winter, for economical
harvesting and manufacture, as well as a
large population accustomed and able to live
cheaplyS and work for low wages. In the
other ease you would have a half tried ex-
pertinent in new industry requiring large
percentage Of manual labor to which the
American farm hand is not accustomed and
which. as yet, machinery has but partially
replaced and you would have lands which,
although most suitable for many crops, have
to be carefully selected and tested as we'll
as extensively fertilzed, to produce sugar
beets to advantage. Labor conditions, while
varying, must always be against the pro-
Queer as compared with ordinary sugar coun-
tries.
Future of Beet Sugar In the U. S.
There remains but one question--can these
conditions ever be changed, and the methods
Of beet culture and sugar manufacture be
improved so that the industry may stand
alone and be independent OF government
protection? Enthusiasts may say yes; I
Say hope and believe so. There is one
point in favor Of the beet-sugar manafac-
tuter which, unfortunately. e only fully ap-