The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-20
THEPROPOSED
SUGGESTION WAS MADE TO
SOUND PUBLIC OPINION.

Two or Three Members OF the Cabinet
Said TO Favor It-suppOrt Expected
From the Democrats Senator Teller
Points Out why Il would He Good
WASHINGTON, March is.-The suggestion
OF placing duty on coffee was advanced
by Representatives and Senators In order
to sound the public and II was realized
that there might be considerable opposi-
ton TO II. Chairman Payne Of the Ways
and Means Committee, a we'll known stand
patter scents in the movement a possible
revision Of the tariff and scouts the idea
Of a deficit He thinks sthe Treasury has
plenty Of money as things are, and that
the revenues and expenditures will balance
each other next year. IL Ia contOnded,
however that at least two, II not three
members OF the Cabinet are personally In
clined toward a duty on coffee. although
they do not care TO announce their views
at this time, but Il Ia said that some one In
authority will make a statement for pub
hoation later on An official high in Admin
istration circles, directly interested IN this
subject, said
III duty on coffee and tea would en-.
courage their production in our insular
possessions / would be inclined to favor II
as In line with the traditional protective
policy Of the Republican party
The Republicans in favor Of the PROPOSE
hope TO obtain considerable support from
the Democrats Louisiana and Texas have
lands which some agricultural experts
declare are especially adapted to the
production OF coffee. The only reason
coffee IL not produced Ia the South, it Ii
said, is that there is no duty on It, and the
South cannot compete with Brazilian cheap
labor without a duty. and support IL eX-
pected from Colorado, which has extensive
beet sugar interests and Is naturally anxious
to Offset the efforts 70 admit Philippine
sugar and tobacco free Of duty.
There are many reasons why this would
be a good thing to do. Senator Teller said
to-day, advantageous TO both the United
States and TO the people OF our islands.
II they can be persuaded TO turn their
attention 10 coffee, the islands would de-
velop a crop that would pay them we'll
and would not interfere with any OF the
industries Of this country. Every one
knows that the admission Of sugar free
would operate to the disadvantage Of the
sugar growers Of the United States.
THE beet sugar industry is increasing
rapidly. but the growers OF this country
labor Of the Philippines, where sugar can be
raised and put on board ship for 20 cents
a hundred pounds. In Colorado last year
we raised 65, 900 tons OF beet sugar and some
Of our farmers cleared upward Of $40 per
acre. No crop that they can put out will
give them such a profit as this, and the In
dustry has developed to such an extent
that a new factory. involving over a million
dollars in outlay, Is now being constructed
100 miles east Of Denver; Similar CON
ditions exist in Michigan, Nebraska, Utah
and California. The soil and climate OF the
Indian Territory and Oklahama are pecu-
larly adapted TO sugar beet culture and II
is one OF the coming great industries OF
a large section Of the Western country.
Coffee we do not and cannot raise in
the States anywhere. The soil and climate
OF the Islands make them the ideal place
for the development of this great staple
article OF consumption in the United States,
and IL this market Is assured TO them through
the advantage Of free entry as against
small import duty on the cOtee OF Brazil
and other countries every incentive will he
given 10 the development Of that industry.
I have not given the details OF the subject
consideration. but with regard TO the gen
eral proposition look upon il as a good
thing to do
Senator Carmack Of Tennessee Is one Of
those who oppose the idea OF a five cent
duty. i see no reason why the existing
deficit should he met by the taxation Of
this particular article said Mr.. Carnack,
'and il such hill were proposed should
be compelled to vote against u. BY reason
OF the expenditures OF this Con gress there
Is necessarily a deficit. Two ways are
open through which to meet it-reduce
expenses. especially In connection with
the army and navy, or remove some OF the
prohibitory duties and create conditions
that will enlarge our import trade and
thus increase customs duties. / am not In
favor Of taxing coGee.-