Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-23
STOOD THE ORDEAL WELL.
Bright Colloquy Before the Ways and
Means COMMITTEES.

Mr.. w. c. Welborn, director of agricuI-
ture for the Philippine Islands. would be
called by lawyers a good witness. He was
recently before the ways and means COM
mittee of Congress urging the reduction in
duties on Philippine sugar and tobacco enc
tering the United States. The cross-ques-
tioning was pretty searching and sometimes
embarrassing Here are few sample ques-
tons and answers:
Question-.'What is your position In the
Philippine government
Mr.. Welborn-'Director of agriculture"
Question-'How long have you been
there?"
Mr.. Welborn-"Two- and half years"
,~uestion-"Iiave you held that position
all the timer
lower position. They found out what q
good man was and promoted me-
Question-"Where was your home In the
states and what was your politics?"
Mr.. Welborn--'I was from Mississiprf
and a democrat"
QUESTIONABLE In favor of free trade,
Mr.. Welborn-'I did not say so. 1 think
l have discovered democrat likes a little
protection now and then as well as a re-
publican. At least 1 want your protection
extended to our sugar In fact I don't see
SO much difference between democrats and
republicans as used to see. As passed
through Mississippi on my way here.
said to an old-time democrat, hear you
people are liking a republican President a
good deal better than when 1 left Well,
SIR he says If the President keeps the
gait he's going; If he continues to go for
the trusts and the railroad combines and
keeps turning the rascals out, I'll be gol.
darned IL We wouldn't be willing to put him
on the democratic ticket and elect him
again." Haughter)
Question-'What was your business in
Mississippi"
long time, cotton planter and to some
extent timber land owner"
Question-What effect did your interests
have on your tariff views2"
Mr. WeIborn-"Well, when / thought most
OF my cotton business, L was inclined to be
free trader, but when 1 thought of my
timber, wanted protection at least on
lumber" Qaughter)
Question-"How about your professor
Mr.. welborn-"oh well, L generally want.
ed to hold my job" Uaughter.)
Question-'Don you think you had bet
ter skip that matter of how the beet sugar
factory treats the farmers? We can't cor
rect that"
Mr. Welborn-"But the beet factory rep
resentatives have been in our backwards
over in the Philippines and found out all
the mean things they could about us; ana
besides, Mr.. Chairman, am under the ne
sugar cheaper than they think they can.
Ouestion-"Is the statement Mr.. II. of the
other side of the question made true about
the carabao in the Philippines?'
Mr.. Welborn-'Yes, sir, 1t Is true In spite
of the fact that he said 1t.
Questlon-"who appointed you to your
present position?'
Mr.. Welborn-"The Philippine commission,
I believe, or else the governor general or
the Philippines, and | was confirmed by the
commission I don't know exactly who did
appoint me, but 1 know have the job
Gaughter.)
Col Edwards-'T want to say that when
we first sent Mr.. Welborn to the Philip
pines we had asked Secretary Wilson to
fina us the best educated, practical. sue
cessful agriculturist in the United States
and he selected WelboFn-"
Mr. Welborn-'Yes, when the Secretary
told me what sort OF man he was look
ing for l said you're lucky to find me so
soon" Laughter.)
Question-"what salary does he get?''
Gov Gen. Wright-"Six thousand. I be-
lieve.'
Mr.. weborn-"No. 5000. But I'll get
six next year; am discovering myself ia
these people, Qaughter.)
Mr.. Smith of Michigan-"We think you
have already earned 1t.