Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-09-17

HAVANA, The editors Of the New-York
Gazette have received from their correspon-
dent at Havana, 1nder the date of August IL,
the annexed account Of the Aourshing condt-
ion Of that place.
Agreably to your desire, requesting de-
tailed account OF the agricultural, commercial
and financial condition Of this city. present
you the following statement.
There are probably few countries that offer
so flatterng prospect. Its advancement with
in these last years is really astonishing, moth
Whilst anding the depressed value of coffee,
and chat an immense capital is invested in
nearly one thousand coffee plantations which
yicld no income to the proprietors; In the dis.
tnct of Matanzas thirty now sugar estates went
into operation last year; the averag. value
whereof is $780, 900 each. As an ilustrat ion
of the enhanced value Of land l20 miles from
Havana, a caballera equal 10 SO acres)
which a few years since was worth $50, now
sells for 5000. This is decisive indication Of
the prosperous state Of agriculture.
But the increase in the value and bulk Of
mportations, proclaim the progressive i'm
provement of public wealth. The amount Of
mportations accruing during the last six months
was eight and half millions Of dollars, which
ters of 1927. The total amount Of irnporta-
tions and expectation. in this city only, was
fourteen millions Of dollars the last six months,
whilst that Of the corresponding period Of 1927
vas eleven millions.
The increase in tonnage Of entry, during the
last two quarters, was IL, ,252 tons. from which
is to be inferred that commerce prospefs; that
the consumption is increased; that the value Of
agricultural produce is augmented; that the
DO pulation has increased. and that the wealth
Of the country is in rapid state Of progress
sive improvement. Independent ofthese facts,
which are sufficient to form correct idea of
its situation, l must add. that there has been a
surprising fall in the interest on money: for, two
years ago, the rate Of interest was Is per cent
and at present, it can be obtained on good
security, at 6 per cent, per annum,
In every other respect, two objects only en-
gross the attention Of these people; namely,
the accumulation Of wealth, and tho enjoy
msnt Of it. The most profound tranquility
prevails, and the inhabitants, after their occu-
pations, think Of nothing but amusement. The
hand Of government is neither felt nor percei.
we'd; prosecutions. party spirit, revenge or tu-
mults never occur to interrupt our peace.
We have very respectable land and naval
forces, and from their excellent management,
we have never been disturbed by those who
envy our lot $500 men have lately arrived
from Spain: they were Immediately marched
of to the barracks in the country TO be accIi.
mated. A frigate Of the largest class has also
becn added to our navy.
The expenditure 10 Of course immense; but
nevertheless, fortunately, no kind Of direct
taxation 10 known here; and the indirect tax
o. are 90 admirably conducted by the Inten-
dsnt Penilos, that they not only meet all the
heavy demand Of q brilliant army and navy,
but a surplus fund exists to be applied to in
ternsl improvements aud institutions. To the