The Minneapolis journal., 1902-03-15
WANT HIM EDUCATED
Millers Think Fletcher Isn't On to
the Situation.
THEY DISCUSS HIS STATEMENT
He Cites the Same Figures Used by
Stevens In Defending His
Position.

Local millers and grain men say that
Congressman Stevens of st. Paul Is deal
ing in small things when he uses in de-
tense of his opposition to Cuban reciproc-
lty the argument that the island of Cuba
consumes very little of the hard wheat
flour of the northwest, preferring flour
made from the soft wheat of other sec
tions. Because Cuba Is not buying much
hard wheat -four Mr.. Stevens considers
that he is not antagonizing the interests
of mort hwestern millers. The -four man
ufacturers and the grain men make the
point that every miller in the country is
anxious to see the flour surplus Of Amer
lea sold in order to keep the immense
domestic trade in a healthy condition. If
Cuba takes portion OF this surplus no
matter from what section or of what
grade, 1t does that much to keep the do
mestic demand healthy which is benefit
to the mills Of the northwest as we'll as
those Of any other section Of the country.
The question Of disposing of the surplus
abroad Is an important item in the flour
industry and the millers consider that
northwestern representatives in congress
should do all in their power to encour-
age Cuba to increase her purchases Of
American flour no matter what kind. Dur
ing the past year Cuba has been gradually
increasing her purchases of northwestern
II
millers are willing to take their chances in
educating the island to the use of north
western -four. .-....
Congressman Fletcher's explanation Of
his attitude which is about the same as
that OF Congressman Stevens is discussed
by both grain men and millers. The opin-
ion grows that Minneapolis representa-
tive mas taken the wrong tack on recipro
city and that he needs a little education
on the benefits of better Cuban mar
ket to northwestern flour. Congressman
FLETCHER like Congressman Stevens, they
say, loses sight of the fact that increased
prosperity in Cuba means increased pur-
chases of everything, flour included There
is also a general opinion among the mill
ers and grain men that the United States
is under moral obligation to assist Cuba,
that the comparatively small beet sugar
interests should not be allowed to stand
In the way, and that reciprocity is the
best and most practical method.
Fletcher Tells Why.
Congressman Loren Fletcher in defense
OF his position on Cuban reciprocity, says
that he is not antagonizing the interests
OF the northwestern millers as the United
States does now and will continue to sell
Cuba all the flour she can use whether
there is reciprocity or not. He makes the
same points as Congressman Stevens on
the monopoly which American flour en-
joys In the Cuban market. Mr.. Fletcher
mas issued this statement:
During the year 1901, the United States
furnished over SO per cent Of the corn con-
sumed in Cuba and over 9S per cent of the
oats. Also we supplied that island with over
96 per cent of the hog products, and the
only reason we do not sell them all of their
beef is that the jerked beef of South America
is cheaper and they prefer to buy it in Cuba.
q W in foU np +ho
largest possible extension of the market for
our flour and all other western products. But
this can only be done by pressing foE the
general reciprocity policy and adopting reel
procity with France and other countries
which will greatly add to the volume Of our
western trade abroad. '... a-s-.. + +.
But the eastern republican leaders are op-
posing this policy of reciprocity on the
ground that 1t would injure some of the
protected manufacturing interests of the east.
We western members have always stood
by our eastern republican brethren, but now
when it has come to be a question of build
ing up some Of our small interests, like the
beet sugar business, we are given the cold
shoulder.
Only a few years ago practically no beet
sugar was raised in the United States Last
year 900 tons were produced and the
agricultural department reports that within p
few years it can be safely predicted that the
greatest part Of the sugar consumed in this
country can be raised as cheaply as it can
be purchased elsewhere. .a . s#
Why not protect this infant industry, which
promises so much for the future, when it is
now about the only one which benefits the
farmers? If we are under any moral obliga-
ton to Cuba to help them now, why not take
money from the general treasury and let all
bear the burden, and not tax an infant in
dustry which Is just coming into existence
10 Cd to ho1yc
slight reduction for a few years and then
cut off the reduction. II the beet sugar in
dustry ever needs assistance, it is now. A
few years later it will take care of ITSELF