The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-14
BLAMES HOOVER
For Sugar Shortage-His Policy Di
verified Supply.

washington, Dec. IA. = Herbert
Hoover's food administration was
blamed by Claus Spreckels today for
the sugar famine in the United States
Testifying before the senate sugar
coal investigating committee, Spreck-
els leading independent, stated that the
food administration had tied the nanos
of American refiners by an agree
ment which prevents their gettlhg
sugar to refine.
Chairman Reed, early in today's
open hearing, brought out the follow
ing facts:
There is no world sugar shortage;
this years crops is larger than last
years; the food administration made
American refiners agree not to- import
any sugar, other countries have de-
creased their sugar consumption, Eng
land and France fifty per cent; sugar
has been diverted to other countries
right through the United States; the
American Sugar Refining company,
known as the sugar trust, controls
nine-tenths of the output in thfs coun-
try
No Sugar to Refine.
Gould you get sugar today to run
your factory" asked Senator Kenyon,
Iowa
mo, the sugar has been diverted"
replied Spreckels. I'VE were anxious
to pay the price but the food admin
istration would not let US. My re-
finery is not running now; it has no
sugar to refine. We had an oppor-
tunity to buy sugar in October and
September. but the agreement with
the food administration forbade our
buying it. Then some CT the sugar
went to Canada 1t went right thru
New York.
session by Curtis H. Linley, chief
counsel for the food administration.
Chairman Reed explained at the out
set that the committee would decide
later whether Hoover would be per-
mitted to cross-examine witnesses.
Seeking to learn why the food ad-
ministration restricted importation OF
sugar, Reed read a statement made
| last May by Hoover that a serious
sugar shortage was imminent unless
the supply was conserved. This state
ment made last May, estimated the
1,25G, 900 tons below that of the pre-
ceding year.
Crop Larger Than Last Year.
"As a matter of fact, the crop was
| in excess of the year before" said
Spreckels.
Spreckels said refiners at first re.
fused to sign the non-importatior
agreement. which included fixing o.
the price to the public.
| food administration before the refin
ers finally signed the agreement,
said Spreckels.
10000 Tons Left Over.
'"The world supply is approximate.
the same as former years." said Mr.
Spreckels. THE available supply O
the United States is the same. Their,
is no shortage Of sugar in this country
except in spots. The United State
has ample today but not in. the east
ern Atlantic states"
Mr.. Spreckels said there still 80,
900 tons of last years crop unused ant
estimated the 1917-191S crop exclu
sive of that produced by Germany
her allies and Russia as 1920. 900 ton
in excess of the amount produced il
'the same territory last year
while the 100000 tons of old su
gar exist it is a question of tonnag,
in distributing it," he said.
By eliminating Java there would b.
$50, 900 tons less than the availab BILE il
sight last year, Mr.. Spreckels said.
He estimated the Cuban crop thi
year at about 500, 900 tons more thai
ever before