The morning news., 1897-02-19
time:

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. 10000 10000
........................... 6O.O00 50,OO
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES loUNO 4,9OO
10 Observation-Disclosures. loo 450 16t 900
IL .......''..''..........''' 5000 5000
u ........................... 10000 10000
Totals ga, 900 1.254, ,525
These shipments by no means represent
the total weekly output for Tampa. Ybor
city and West Tampa, but are merely a
sample brick, taken at random from the
solid structure that the enterprise of a few
energetic men has reared upon the sands
Recent advices from Cuba seem to indi-
cate the prospect of a much larger tobacco
crop than has been reported by some of
sending out sensational stories to the
northern papers, and who have described
Tampa as being in the last ditch. The
seasons have been such in Cuba that many
new seed beds have been planted, and
more confidence seems to be felt by the
planters who have hitherto been so seri-
ously harrassed by the opposing forces. A
prominent manufactures estimates the
crop at 100000 bales, but says stocks are
light, and that unless the order prohibit
ing lmportatlonS OF tobacco TO this Coun-
try be recalled. prices are likely to ad-
vance. Some grades have already doubled
in value, and manufacturers are looking
to other sources for supplies.
1t is almost impossible TO induce eX-
perts to express an opinion upon the quail
3ty OF the tobacco thus far produced in
Florida, or as to the prospects Of making
its culture one of the states esta blished
industries. Their attitude may be de-
scribed as painfully non-commiftai; and,
when II is remembered that even in the
Nuelta AbaJo but a small proportion of
the lands viii produce tobacco of a high
grade, the local manufacturers may be
held cXcusable for their non committal at
utude.
Much to the general surprise, move
ment, apparently well organized, has been
set on foot to throw the municipality into
the hands OF receiver. That any such
radical measure should have been sug-
gested is due TO the eXertions of Chauncey
Wells, one of the towns Oldest citizens,
and the holder Of considerable amount
of real estate. This step is due partly to
the taxes assessed. and partly to the
manner in which the assessment has been
made. Mr.. Wells and his friends are loud
in their denunciations of the manner In
which they have been oppressed in this
direction, and describe the valuation Of
lots at-for eXample-$400. which they are
offering for 500 or $780, as an outrage.
number of property owners are with Mr..
Wells IN his crusade, and If the $500 nee
essary to cover the legal expenses be
pledged, a serious attempt will be made
to secure the required receiyership,.
While there IS generally believed
plant, conservative citizens dep
recate any rash steps, and it is not be-
lieved that the Wells faction will succeed
in their object. one great cause of the
trouble is 70 be sought in the resent
ment felt by "a large class Of citizens
against Mayor Gillett In consequence of
the reforms instituted by him upon his
assumption of office. Tampa is largely
peopled by foreigners, who look with min
gled rage and amusement upon the puri-
tanical notions which evidently form no
inconsiderable portion of Mayor Gietts
stock in trade, and II remains to be seen
whether 1t is wise to antagonize the classes
which have made the city what il is.
Experience has shown that it is impossi-
bic TO hold Cuban cigarmakers in towns
where they are shut out from the reerea-
tions and mild dissipations to which they
are accustomed.
TIL.
city proper has by no means driven them
from the community. They have simply
gone over into the Fort Brooke military
reservation, which surrounds the town
ana which has become n highly convent
ent Alsatia for the tough element of both
sexes. and all colors. This state Of af-
fairs is deeply resented by the saloonkeep-
ers, who having paid the heavy municipal
license, are forced to close their doors on
Sundays, while their customers skip light
~ across the railroad tracks into Fort
Brooks, where everybody does as he
pleases4 The Sunday side door no
longer exists In Tampa, but 1t Is doubtful
II the city ever invests In another re-
form mayor.
The canal at Port Tampa, which was
some time since undertaken by the Plant
system, is progressing rapidly toward com
pletion, and the operations Of the great
steam dredGe which is employed In the
excavations daily affords an interesting OBJ
1ect lesson IN engineering to the visitors
az the Inn. This famous and unique re-
sort has entered upon a new lease OF pros
pertty under the competent mana cement
OF that experienced hotel man. MIR. Muir
dick. The canal Is now completed 10 a
point opposite the Inn, and IL utilized by
the Havana steamers which take on and
discharge cargo I'm fun view Of the broad
veranders of the hotel. When the canal
shall be completed, all landings will be
made at the docks TO be constructed on
the main land.
The country around Port Tampa city is
fast developing into a very promising and
productive truck section. Some Of the
marsh lands In this neighborhoOd are as
rich as any in the state. and need only TO
be reclaimed and cultivated TO prove high
Iy remuneratiVe. Some of the celery raia-
ed here has been by experts pronounced
superior 10 that produced by Neylands,
the great NbOr city trucker, who will
this year probably sell from eight acres
over $4,000 worth Of celery Two OF this
gentieman's sons are associated with him
In business, and one has moved 10 New
York, where he will open a commission
and brokerage agency for the sale OF
their own and other Florida produce.
The entire section around Tampa is At
tracing the attention Of orange growers
and investors from other parts OF the
state. and IL will not be many years be-
fore this entire country VIII be one great
orange grove. The appearance OF the
groves IN this country Is revelation 10
experts from the more exposed sections
of the orange belt The sight OF such an
orange grove as that belonging 10 Cen.
Hazen OF Marion, o.. at Tbonotassassa.
eleven miles from Tampa, Is al shat is re-
quired 20 convince the incredulous that
there Is at least one section OF the stafc
where killing frosts are unknown. Man
atee county affords many such fnetancca
and all along the river from Palmetto up-
ward. may be seen cleaning darkiy
Of the orange and lemon.
Some Of the richest hammock land In the
state is TO be found along the Manatee
river, and one OF the county's famous show