The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1915-07-02
Just "A Square Deal

A remarkable record" is what Facts About
n Sugar says Of the progress OF the, sugar in
dustry in Hawaii Considering the limited area
Of the islands and the obstacles that had to be
overcome to bring much OF this area under cul-
tivation, il is doubtful says that publication il it
ever has been equaed by any other agricultural
industry in any other part of the world. Unremt-
ting labor, daring enterprise, generous expenditure
of capital, and scientific study of every detail OF
the business have united to carry the Hawaiian
sugar industry to the highest point of efficiency.
incidentally the growth which it has recorded
eTectualIy disposes of the claim advanced BY the
foes of the industry that its progress has not been
commensurate with the advantages it has enjoyed.
An industry that muItpies its output fifty times
in four decades certainly cannot be accused Of lack
Of progress.
Sugar production in laval was established and
built up, we may fairly say, in response to the
lrect invitation OF the United States. That in
vitaton in the form OF preferential access to the
American market, issued in 1876, when lla-
waii was an independent nation. and when its sugar
industry was in its infancy. In response to it prac
tcally all the industrial resources of this iflsular
community have been devoted to this indus
try, so that the statement often heard in the isl
tnds, that Hawaii'S bread is buttered both
sides with sugar" is literally true.
ugar grown IN Hawaii has enjoyed the same priv
Ieges in the American market as has that produced
n any part of the United States. The advantages
} Hawaii have been great. The returns to the
american people have been no less great. They
ave included steadily increasing supply of sugar
mounting now to no less than one-seventh of all
lat is consumed in the United States. They in
Jude also the command Of a market for over $50
10000 Of American products and the control of a
OSitlon OF strategic commercial and political i'm
Ortance in the great territory bordering the Pa
iic. .. ut
As result Of her decision to become part and
'arcel OF the United States, Hawaii has been com
~elled to accept certain commercial disadvantages
l connection with the handling OF Ter most i'm
Ortant crop. 1nthe effort to make her population
uly American she has been required to renqush
nreStricted access to limitless supply of cheap
bor such as her tropical competitors enjoy In
rider to send her sugar to the mainland under the
merican flag she is forced to pay more than other
acfc coantrieslpay for a much longer haul She
uys her machniery, her foodstufs, practically all
er supplies, in the protected market Of the Uni
I'd States. UndfF the terms of the free sugar law
: that law nOYtStandS, the only compromising
dvantage which she enjoys is to be with
.rawn while these handCaDS, which will make i'm
'ossble the continuation OF her one important in
ustry, are to, remain The result will be certain
nd overwhelming disaster.
With equal conditions as to labor. transportation
nd cost of supplies, Hawaii could compete in
agar production with any country. SO long as
lie European war maintains the price of sugar
or near its present level the free admission Of
oreign grown sugar will not embarrass her But
nth the passing OF this temporary influence at any
me after May |, 1916, such competition will be
apostolic. Hawaii asks for no special or excep-
)nal consideration. All that she asks is a square
al. Is that to be denied her?