Speech #750097909

I respect the fact the gentleman believes the question is practical if he asks it. but on this occasion I disagree with the gentleman. Returning briefly to the bill. we must keep in mind that the commerce of the islands is in raw sugar. not refined sugar. We must keep in mind the fact that the American consumers pay a substantial sum in order that the quota law may be carried into operation. It must also be kept in mind that we are dealing with a purely continental question. The consumers of sugar live in the United States. The people in Hawaii and Puerto Rico produce far more sugar than they consume. They consume very little--small in proportion to their production. It must be borne in mind that as a result of the quota law the people of Puerto Rico and Hawaii receive many millions of dollarsfrom $30.000.000 to $40.000.000 a yearmore than they. would receive if they were selling their sugar at the world market price. Looking at it from a practical angle. realizing that this bill is necessary for the protection of our cane- and beetsugar producers. it is only fair. reasonable. and proper that the refining activities of the sugar business and the interest of thousands of employees should be also protected. We must also realize that the employees of the refineries of continental United States receive much higher wages than are paid in these islands. and by "islands" I also include Cuba.