The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-10-22
Ex-MAYoR MYERS BACK.
Sized Up State Politics In New
York on His Way From Cuba.

Sized Up State Politics In New
York on His Way From Cuba.
Hon. Herman Myers returned to Savan-
nah yesterday after a trip of observation
to Havana, where he went to determine
the ACCESSIBILITY of extending business. He
devoted his time more 10 gathering facts
about the islands, especially as to estab-
fishing local business relations with them,
buI he found there is little prospect in this
direction before spring. While the field
for business is inviting, there is competi-
ton to be overcome, which will require
great energy and perseverance on the part
of those who expect to do business there.
The result of Mr.. Myers observations
were contained in an interview in the
Morning News yesterday.
Returning from the islands Mr.. Myers
went to New York, where he remained
short time and incidentally noticed the
trend of state politics there Roosevelt is
relying very much on his military record
for success, and also on his fight against
the Chicago platform, which he is strong
ly arraying against The Democrats. Mr..
Myers said the free silver platform is an
element of weakness to the ticket in the
Empire state, but he thinks there is every
reason to believe Van Wyck will win, If
a vigorous campaign is waged
with reference to my visit to Havana,
said Mr.. Myers, Il may say I gave pretty
close attention to the people there. IL is
important to know who we are going to
deal with, their customs, habits and meth
DDS of doing business The people of
wealth are to be found principally
amongst the Spaniards, who are not only
in better financial circumstances than the
others, but seemed to be better educated.
This class, although, comprises about one
fourth of the Cubans. The other three
fourths struck me as being about on
par with our colored population. Some of
them are not as law-abiding as our colored
people. There is not much prospect OF
elevating them, except by the American
schools, and the great civilizing influences
which this country will introduce.
'There have been scarcely any business
relations between the islands and this
country, as all the trade has been carried
on with foreign countries. From informa-
ton 1 got the improvements n farms are
destroyed as a result of the war, and the
oxen, with which the bulk of work was
done are also gone, the Spaniards having
taken them for food. AS result of this
there is little sugar or tobacco on the ISL
and to-day.
"The goods the natives use, such as
wearing apparel and provisions, are from
Germany France and Spain. The first
things that will be in demand from this
country are cattle, flour, lumber and
building materials of all kinds. But no
business can be done probably until the
United States takes possession of the Gus
tom houses and puts goods coming from
this country upon an equal basis with
products from SPAIN
Mr. Myers is not inclined to think the
field is open there for emigration just yet
at least for those who expect to go into
business There is every reason to be-
lieve the country will be opened up to
business as soon as the United States gets
In fun possession, however, and that the
arms Of commerce will be extended into
all the principal ports of both islands.