The age-herald., 1902-01-24
LOUISIANA HAS
 STRONG PROTEST Representatives Say Reciprocity Would Cripple Sugar Industry TRUST IS BEHIND MOVEMENT Ex-Governor Yarmouth Says If Concessions Are Granted Cuba it
 Will be Practically a surren-
 der to the Monopolies.

Washington, January 2S, -- The Cuban reciprocity hearings before the ways and means committee today were devoted chiefly to the cane sugar interests of Louisiana who are opposing the proposed concessions to Cuba on the ground that it will cripple the sugar industry of that State A number of large planters and manufacturers of the State were present and the allied forces of beet sugar and tobacco. which are similarly opposed to concessions to Cuba, were also numer- ously represented.
 The opening statement in behalf of the Louisiana interests was made by J. D. Hill of New Orleans. an extensive plant CT. He pointed out that there was no need of making an appeal in behalf of Cuba, as the island was gifted by nature so as to produce sugar at exceedingly low rates which could enter into fair compe- tition with the rest of the world. He compared the status of Cubs with that of the South after the civil war, and 6HOWtu lfidl lut OOutH iido NOi hSo One it's own salvation without making ap- pea1s for special favors. Already hun dreds of millions of dollars had been in- vested in sugar production in Louisiana and the industry was still far short of it's full capacity. He urged that this indus try should not be subjected to foreign competition. which would surely injure if not destroy it.
 Sugar Trust Behind 1t.
 MT. Hill asserted that the sugar trust was behind the Cuban movement. and presented statistics to show that the re- suit of concession to Cuba would make the sugar trust the real beneficiary, con- stituting the organization as a colossal monopoly in Cuba.
 MT Hill said it was matter cf amaze ment that at time when Germany was using the utmost effort to develop the sugar industry. those who represent the American people should consider a propo- sition which would have the effect of de- stroying the American industry and of placing the product of sugar under for
 
 were no longer used for sugar MT. Hill said there was no other line of produc- tion to which they could be profitably turned.
 In answer to questions by Representa- tive Long of Kansas, Mir. Hill said that a 50 per cent reduction would reduce the price on raw sugar, but not on refined the price on the latter being fixed in Hamburg. This reduction of duty would not inure to the Cuban planter, but to the foreign purchaser
 Mr. Hill opposed any reduction on raw or refined sugar. but If such reduction became a necessity he did not favor re- duction on the refined article. Ex-Governor Yarmouth of Louisiana made vigorous speech opposing conces- sions to Cuba. It was a proposition, he said, from the "syndlcates and grandees of Cuba, who had the cheek to come be- fore an American Congress and ask that the industries of our people shall be de- stroyed so that they could make money out of our merchants" He referred to General Woods activity in the movement, which indicated. Governor Yarmouth said that Governor Wood had become in- fatuated with Cuba and his Spanish as- 
 sociates.
 Had Not Improved Credit. He said this might be part of the Governor Generals duty. but 1t had not improved the credit of Americans and | banks of Americans, and other banks. | The speaker maintained that the Cubans who were urging this concession were buying their goods in Spain snd England and yet had the cheek to come to an American Congress for help" The poor Cubans. he said. seemed to have been en- tirely Host in the shuttle, and Congress was now asked to take up the people who helped Spain to crush the life out of the Cubans.
 James W. Post of the New Orleans Board of Trade, J. s. Farr. Thomas Wilkinson, George W. Mott and D. D Colcott of Louisiana all opposed Cuban concessions Robert OXnard of San Fran. cisco and D. c. Vorbin of Washington spoke for the beet sugar industries ir l these localities
 During the examition of Robert OK nard, Representative Long presented a letter from John D. Spreckles, the Cali fornia sugar producer. to members of the committee. MT. spreckles in his letter said that in his opinion the beet sugar industry could stand small cut on raw sugar, but not on refined sugar. MT. Oxnard declined to discuss the state | ment in Mir Spreckles' letter. Owing to the large number of persons desiring to be heard Chairman Payne decided to continue the hearing till tomorrow, those opposing Cuban concession to have until noon. after which time it is expected that some of the officials of Cuba will be heard in favor of reciprocity