New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-18
JAMAICA As 4 health RESORT
DIR. JOHNSTON TELLS OF CURES or CON
SUMPTION-CHANCES FOR AMERI-
CAN INVESTORS

DR.. James Johnston. the well-known African ex-
porer arrived in this city few days ago from
his home In Jamaica. He has come 10 lecture In
this country and Canada Africa and Jamaica.
and he will stay in New-York for short time
prior TO starting on his tour. He intends to re-
turn 10 jamaica in time for the opening of the
Legislative Council Of that island which meets In
February and OF which he T. a prominent member.
His lecture tour is being managed by Major J. b.
Pond. of this city. DR.. Johnston, when asked yes
terday as to the condition OF affairs I'm Jamaica.
was especially enthusiastic about the possibilities
OF the island az a health resort. lie said:
II have lived in Jamaica tweniy-four years now,
and am sure that l right I'm saying that
Americans do not begin TO appreciate what an ex-
ceent health resort II is. especially for those who
suffer from lung trouble. Many cases have come
to my notice OF persons with lung trouble. who
have been pronounced almost incursble. but who
have been completely cured by living for time in
Jamaica | think that Americans have thought
little of Jamaica in that light went 10 Jamaica
for this very trouble. and | have not had a sick
day for many years. | came here on the boat with
Robert 7. Porter. who sent 10 Cuba COM
missioner by your Government. and who has trav
elled far and wide lie says the same thing OF
Jamaica
THE facilities for living In comfort in Jamaica
are finer now than they We're. | think a great
deal Of pulmonary suffering could be easily re-
neved by visit to Jamaica. if Americans only
knew about H."
Dr Johnston secuted the idea that the annexa-
ton Of Jamaica TO the United States would take
place Tits not the men OF power and influence In
Jamaica who urge that" be said. but mostly
those who have nothing 10 do. As 10 the meaning
OF the agitation II Is just bluff directed at Great
Britain. We loaned to the mothrr-country money
To help her in the NapOleOnic wars Now are
IN need 81 money ourselves. and think the
mother country ought TO step forward with a loan
of $4,000. that British capital should be sent
down TO us. The agitation was meant to bring
that about through the fear OF a revolt which
might be Inspired. Jamaica is In crisis now.
The sugar industry has failed. and the sugar
planters have capital with which TO turn 10 the
raising OF fruit: II they had capital they could
make big thing out of Embarrassing There Is
money IN IT, and there Will be more in the future.
As IL Is. they are I'm bad way for lack Of cash.
We would rather have American capital than any
thing else, and any body who has 500 more
make a substantial profit out Of Jamaca's
oranges. grape fruit. bananas. shaddocks, etc.
American capital Is already coming slowly. The
predomlnance of the sugar industry in Jamaica and
British conservatism have kept the fruit industry
from developing before. little American push
would boom that trade, and fortunes could be
made. Perhaps you know that the boats called the
Admiral Sampson. the Admiral Farragut. the Ad-
miral Dewey and the Admiral Schley make tho
four days now, whereas I, used to take nine days.
The British make mistake In sending all their
capital 10 Mashonaland and Matabeleand. | have
been all through that part Of Africa myself. and
can assure them there no money therein crops
or gold or anything else.
DR.. Johnston said that Jamaicans were satisfied
with their tariff arrangements with this country,
and that our seemingly eXOrbitant duty on oranges
OF 81 30 a barrel really helped them, az II kept
away the Mediterranean trade.