The Washington herald., 1910-03-29

That a scandal of large proportions Is
brewing over the acquisition by the sugar
trust of a large tract of friar lands in
the Philippines is averred by Representa-
tive Martin, of Colorado, who made a
speech on the subject In the House last
week.
Mr.. Martin was prompted to discuss the
case yesterday by reason of the presenta-
ton 10 the House of letter from Attor-
ney General Wickersham. IN which he
entered a denial TO the charge made by
Mr., Martin that "the former counsel OF
tho sugar trust is at the head OF the De-
partment of Justice Of the present ad-
minisuation.'
Mr. Wickersham's letter, which was in
corporated in the Record by Representa-
tive Bennett. Of New York, is. in part. as
follows:
Il never was attorney for the sugar
trust-by which. understand, is meant
the American Sugar Refining Company
and its allied OF subsidiary corporations
nor had any professional or business re-
lation to it. The only possible foundation
for such a statement lies in the fact that
one of my partners was. some three
years ago, retained as one OF coun-
sci for the American Sugar Refining
Company in a single suit brought against
IT, and pursuant 10 such retainer he as
sisted IN the defense OF the company in
that action and on an appeal taken from
a judgment in its favor; but in that suit
was neither consulted nor did I render
service"
Partner Was Henry w. Taft.
The partner referred to by Mr.. Wicker
sham is Henry w. Taft. and the case the
Attorney General has IN mind was the
suit brought three years ago by the Penn
sylvania Sugar Company against the
American Sugar Refining Company, in
which eonspir scy was charged against
the New York concern. The American
Sugar Refining Company made a settle
ment out of court. paying over TO the
Pennsylvania company the sum OF 81
OoO.OOO
In hts speech in the House last week
Mr.. Martin was very bitter in his refer
ences 10 the Attorney General. lie
stated. in substance. that the act gov
erning the disposal Of lands in the Phil
ippines prohibited the granting Of more
than $500 acres 70 any corporation or
association operating in the islands. The
transaction by which the sugar trust was
enabled 10 acquire approximately $500
acres Of friar lands vas made possible.
Representative Martin charged, under
the terms Of the opinion rendered by the
General This opinion. Mr.. /
Martin alleged. was contrary to the law /
governing the case.
In commenting upon the Wickersham /
letter. submitted to the House yesterday, |
Representative Martin said:
The Attorney General. you viii OBJ
serve, carefully avoided making any de-
NAL Of the principal feature OF my
charges, to wit: that his decision gave
the sugar trust $500 acres of friar lands
for price less than the government paid
for them, and that there was no warrant
Of law for such sdecision. The law plainly /
limits the sale or public lands 10 any /
one person OF company to $500 acres, and
there is no question of the friar lands /
being public lands.
Mr.. Wickersham says that his part 1
ner, who was Henry w. Taft, a brother /
Of the President, and not he, was at
t0rney for the sugar trust This dis
avowal will not carry much weight.
II shall continue my efforts 10 show
Up what believe is but the beginning OF /
a gigantic deal of the friar lands by the /
sugar trust, all made possible by an
decision Of the Attorney
I shall decide upon a further
course within a day or two
There are 40s.oc0 acres Of these friar
lands in the Philippines, acquired by the
az a cost Of s7,200,e00, which
IS SIS per acre. The sugar trust acquired
5000 acres for IS an acre"