Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1912-08-19
PLAN DEVISED
TO END SUGAR
TARIFF turmoil
BY C. S. ALBERT.

Especial Bulletin Correspondence
WASHINGTON, d. c., Aug. 5.-A
plan has been devised whereby it is
proposed to give the producers OF sug-
ar long period of relief and freedom
from tariff legislation and anticipat
ed changes 1t is intended to secure
some guarantee under which cane and
beet growers may develop their bust
ness, enlarge their plants and be re-
leased from continual anxiety con-
corning such lowering of protective du-
ties as would prove ruinous.
Senator Thornton of Louisiana orig
mated the plan. He is now working
day and night to make it operative
His program is thus outlined:
The Senate conferees on the pend
ing sugar bill must stand firm and
permit no compromise involving low
er duties than those contained in the
Lodge-Bristow substitute for the House
free sugar measure. Mr.. Thornton
has pledged all the Senate conferees,
Republicans and Democrats alike, to
accept no suggestion of compromise.
A visit will be made by Senator
hornton to Governor Wilson, at Sea
Girt, and the Democratic presidential
nominee will be strongly urged to ex-
ert his inflence with the House Demo
Gratis to accept the Senate substitute
Governor Wilson has declared himself
in favor of gradual reductions of tariff
schedules. He thinks the duties should
be lowered trifle at a time. He has
indicated that reduction of 80 per
cent. on sugar would be ample, but
1t should not be all made at one re-
vision.
The present cut proposed by the
Lodge-~IIsto substitute is between
IS and 16 per cent This will be call
ed to Governor Wilson's attention and
he will be requested to impress on
the House leaders the fact that this is
sufficient to begin modification of sug-
ar rates. He will be further asked to
inform them that with this lessening
of protection no change should be
made in the sugar schedule if the
Democrats come into power after
March 4 next.
The Democrats of the Senate have
been virtually pledged by Mr.. Thorn
ton to omit sugar from all tariff pro-
grams if the Democrats obtain com
plete control of the government as a
result of the November elections.
II Senator Thornton's plan should
be carried into execution the House,
at the suggestion of Governor Wilson,
would accept the Senate substitute
and it would thus go to President Taft
for approval. Being a Republican
measure it is predicted, that he would
sign it. T. ..,... 49,. ~.'
Through the influence of Governor
Wilson all possibility of sugar revi-
sion for the next five or six years
would be removed by accepting less
ening in protective duties of between
is and 20 per cent. Business could
be pushed on an assurance of freedom
from injurious agitation for the Pc
Rod of years indicated.
AS it stands, the program mapped
out by Senator Thornton has the
sanction of the Louisiana sugar pro-
ducers and doubtless will be approved
by those of Hawaii. Its chief purpose
Is to secure long period of immu-
nity> from detrimental demands for |
with the tariff on sugar.
Senator Thornton will visit Govern |
Or Wilson whenever he thinks the cru
cial moment has arrived. He is watch |
ing developments in the Senate and |
House. 1t is his desire to have per-
fected sugar legislation before ad |
lournment, but wants coupled with it |
4 solemn assurance of peace and free |
1om from alarm for at least five |
years.
From the fact that the House has
'efused to compromise, the plan out
ined above has probably failed.