The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1920-07-14
The Great u. S.
Mistake in Sugar
industry of the British colonies and
almost excluded them from Europe
Continued from page two

industry of the British colonies and
almost excluded them from Europe
an markets. To protect the sugar
cane industries a convention was
called in. London, attended by all the
sugar cane and beet growing nations
in 1902, and it was agreed to with
draw the direct and indirect boun-
ties which might benefit the export
of sugar and not to establish boun-
ties of this kind during the con-
vention.
The worlds sugar trade, both cane
and beet, has increased from 1,15O,-
900 tons in 1910 to 100000 tons
in 1914, the year the war started.
The recent figures are not yet avail
able.
War Ruined Sugar Industry
France, Belgium, Germany and
other beet growing countries have
not been in a position to export sug-
ar since the war began. Two-thirds
of all European sugar factories have
been within the war zone and re-
ported destroyed, many of those IN
Germany and Austria-Hungary are
reported to have been dismantled to
secure the copper and brass for mu-
nitions of war, so that Europe will
be out of the competitive sugar pro-
ducing market for many years to
come. The beet fields in France,
Belgium, Poland, Austria-Hungary,
Russia and Galacia have been tram.
pied and fought over by opposing ar
mics for over four years and 1t will
take a long time to put them in
producing state. The lands nave
been ruined, millions OF workmen
slaughtered and the fields ravaged.
How long this will take no one can
tell, but the high state Of develop
ment achieved by the European beet
sugar industry from 1880, when 1t
started, represents period of eigh-
ty-four years, two-thirds of which
must now be done all over again. In
the meantime the demand for sugar
is rapidly increasing. The per capt.
ia consumption in almost every in
stance having risen from 30 pounds
in 1850 to 90 pounds in 1914, and IN
England from 81 pounds in 1870 to
SO pounds in 1913.
Government statistics compiled
from sworn statements show that re-
fined beet sugar can be produced at
a less cost than refined cane sugar.
On sugar cane estates where climat-
ic conditions are favorable, the cost
of production Is similar with the cost
of beet sugar, so that roughly speak
ing one ton of beet Is equal In re-
suits to one ton of cane, with, how
ever, a plus value in favor OF beets
on account of the tremendous feed
ing advantage to stock of the I'M
used residue of the beet.
The sugar beet has secured po-
sition in the sugar industry which
is dominating and, If given an oppor-
tunity, will continue to grow There
is a good reason for it. Napoleons
royal decree could never grow sug-
ar cane crop in France, but with the
sugar beet a product of the temper
ate zone it was different and the
crop could be under the jurisdiction
of the laws of France.
The same reason appealed to all
the countries of Europe and resulted
in prosperity to all their people.
Where sugar beets are grown the
people are prosperous, both in Eu-
rope and America. The sugar beet Is
directly responsible for the econom-
ic advancement of nations.
Beets. Politics and Progress
The sugar beet takes its place In
world politics, because political con-
ditions caused Napoleon to give I'M
mediate state aid to the development
of the beet sugar industry in France.
He saw at once that France was de-
pendent upon England and the far
away tropics for its supply of sugar
and that the supply Of sugar brought
from other countries in ships made
France dependent nation. Food
crops produced within the borders
Of France could bring prosperity to
the farmers, thus enabling them to
lend money to the government 70
carry on It's wars, and In addition 70
feed its people when outside sup
plies stopped.
Germany, guided by the same po'
litical and economic considerations
quickly adopted the methods In sug'
ar beet cultivation and development
and even went France one better In
liberality of bounties to farmers
and finally became the leading beet
sugar producer of Europe, beginning
at almost zero in 1880.