New-York tribune., 1902-06-28
ZIP PL4TT DEMOLISHES BEET
SUGAR ARGUMENTS.
SHARP DEBATE BETWEEN THE
CONNECTICUT SENATOR AND
MR. TELLER

delivered "a spirited speech in opposition rec-
orocitv with Cuba He charged that the entire,
-e,iprocity propaganda had been hacked by the
Sugar Trust and by Americans who We're in
lerested financially in Cuban sugar plantations
The purpose. he said, to strike down an i'm
nsrtsnt agricultural industry of this country
HeSwas willing TO join in a general revision of
The tariff meet changed conditions but unless
the duties OF iron and steel and other products
were reduced together with those on sugar in
order that the arrangement might be equitable.
the beet sugar growers never would consent 10
reduction their product.
sir Piati, Of Connecticut chairman OF the
Committee Relations with Cuba replied TO
the Colorado Senator. He maintained that there
was nothing soTGid III the desire 10 promote re-
riprocal relations between the United States and
Cuba, and said that the making of some con-
ressions 10 Cuba Il plain duty Of this coun-
ry L was duty which this government owed
to itself mel 10 Cuba. because absolutely
friendly relations with the new republic We're
z necessary means of defence 10 this country
unless the United States should annex the ISL
and Thai he hoped would not be done as he re-
sardei annexation grave menace TO our il
stitution~
SENATOR TELLERS SPEECH
Mr Teller in beginning his speech said he did
not iIl'ih Il proper 10 leI lfllS session or Con-
gress adjourn without submitting some facts
the subject OF Cuban reciprocity. After
ssking for the printing of several documents.
he referred To The reports Of distress in Cuba
and the statements that unless the United
statss-s should give relief to the island a revolu-
tion would occur Mr.. Teller declared that the
statements were untrue and that there never
had been any condition in the island which
warranted them. Il had been proved. he as
serted thai such condition existed. Il say"
he added, ''mea assuring my words, that never in
my experience in public life has there been
patent open attempt deceive the
American people as this" The attempt at de-
oeption he declared. was made by those who
vcro relying on the we'll known desire Of the
American people to assist any other people in
distress.
BEET SUGAR IN THE WEST
Discussing the beet sugar industry Mr. Teller
said the question of great Importance
10 the people of the West They studied it.
and il df not take them long to ascertain
that the American Sugar Refining Company
he American Sugar Trust-was particularly
active in urging the reduction of the duty
Cuban sugar There desire the
part of the Cuhans to secure a reduction
Of duty on tobacco. but that lost sight Of
IN view nI Iilt iIopdSdlaut Acl a icdu1tiJh VI
the duty OF sugar.
There has been he declared, more misrep-
resentation and misstatement about our obi-
cations to Cuba than about almost any other
question. Every obligation which this country
vas under TO Cuba has been performed" He
challenged any Senator TO indicate any Obliga-
tion which the United States was under to the
island.
DISTRESS IN Cuba DENIED
There is no distress in Cuba he declared.
and my correspondence with the people of the
island proves this. The Cubans not mendi
cants ar cur hands. The American holders of
sugar lands in Cuba and the American Sugar
Refining Company are at the bottom of this
effort To change financial system with ref
to Cuba
Mr. Teller said that Cuba of the
richest countries in the world. and he referred
70 her exports. He asserted that the Cuban
laborers received from SOB to $50 month in
gcld-a sum, he thought. that would enable
them to live as we'll as the laborers in this
country.
Discussing the diplomatic situation Of the
Cuban Government Mr.. Teller expressed the
belief that the Platt amendment ought not TO
have been adopted by the United States as it
"A violation-an unnecessary violation-of
He pointed out that Cuba might make a COM
nnercial agreement with Great Britain, for in
stance. in which the latter country might have
advantages over the United States. He hoped
no such agreement would he made but Cuba
rould make such agreement if it desired
He said that. notwithstanding the fact that
thousa nds of Ia borers had recently arrived in
Cuba from Spain, labor in the islands
scarce and high priced In such circumstances
here could be- in his Judgment. no serious dis
tress
Referring 20 the bin passed by the House,
Mr. Teller said When the differentia1 was
taken off there great falling off in in
terest in reciprocity the part of the Sugar
Trust"
On the part of the beet sugar people, too"
hterjected Mr.. Spooner Uaughter)
No no. replied Mr.. Teller; we did not go
nat far"
He understood that reciprocity treaty with
Cpba would be presented at the next session OF
the Senate. i think" said he, that ii will be
exceedingly unfair to the American sugar grow
ers, both beet and cane, make the proposed
concessions to Cuba and let her maintain her
present labor laws, and compel the States of
colorado. Louisiana, Texas and other states 10
compete with Chinese labor in the island
READY FOR TARIFF REVISION.
J am willing to join you" said he. addressing
the Republican side upon general revision of
the tariff, in making a proper reduction OF the
'arlf TO meet changed conditions, but / do not
propose &c submit reduction alone on the
ohiy product Of the American farmer that mas
any real protection. When you get ready TO
axe 20 per of duty off of steel and iron i
speak for my people when ] say We will agree