Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-29
POST BELLUM CUBA.
A NEW YORK MERCHANT TALKS
OF THE ISLANDS FUTURE.
HOW SHE WILL Be REVIVED.
Under American Rule the Island
on Earth-A Source of Profit-Pa-
thence and Thrift Required.
CFor the Dispatch.)

NEW YORK, May 2S.-When the war Is
ended, the yellow flag of Spain is elimi-
mated from Cuba, and the yellow rule
of the Dons is a thing of the past, a new
arimy will invade the Pearl Of the An
TILES 1t will be a peaceful army, this
one that follows on the heels OF our vic
torlous warriors, and merchants and
traders will be its component parts. Then
will be seen the beginning of an era Of
prosperity in Cuba such as has never
been dreamed Of by the natives Of that
misruled land. There is no fairer spot OF
the earth than Cuba; no land more suit
able for profitable cultivation; no region
Offering better commercial facilities under
the right kind of rulership. And no one is
better qualified to testify to the truth OF
this than Charles Rabadan, a prominent
member Of the New York Produce Ex-
change, who, although a native of New
York, has passed much of his life in
Cuba.
A VALUABLE SYNOPSIS.
In an interview just had with the
writer, Mr.. Rabadan gave this valuable
synopsis OF his ideas regarding the future
Of the island under American rule:
Before the war in Cuba We were ex-
porting TO the island goods to the amount
Of from $20O00,000 TO S25,Oo00oo annually.
The exports included all kinds Of proyis-
ions, as well as almost every article or
manufacture. This trade was crippled by
the long drawn out strife between the in
surgents and the Spanish troops, and 1t
was the loss of this trade that decided
the American people upon having a voice
In the settlement of affairs in Cuba.
Now that there is no room for doubt
that Americas former trade with Cuba
Will be restored with the impetus or
American enterprise and genius added. it
is well to look beyond the era Of battle
and bloodshed and see in what condition
we shall find Cuba when it becomes our
duty and our profitable pleasure to bring
prosperity to the island.
A THING OF THE PAST.
Machinery on the island is a thing of
the past. What is not rusting in the field
has been broken up and shipped TO Ameri-
ca as old metal. Cuba must have an en-
tirely new outfit of machinery. and this
will mean an enormous business for the
American houses that export machinery.
But first Cuba must have the money 10
buy machines, and to get the money
she must first carry on a hand-to- |
mouth trade with America, and |
practice economy until she can af- |
ford to make purchases OF expensive |
plants. Cuba, after the war, may be !
likened to an ill-used individual who has !
Just been rescued by a powerful friend |
from persecution and poverty, and told |
to go ahead and begin life anew. with !
the promise OF every possible assistance |
from the benefactor. The rescued man |
must work and save, beginning in a small 1
way. and patiently mount the ladder.
ut may be stated at this point that the /
man is not SO poverty-strioken |
as some may think. Much gold has been 1
boarded by Cubans during the days of /
and this will be brought out |
from its hiding-place when peace is de-
clared.
A MARKET FOR NECESsARIES.
First, then. with peace will be opened |
In Cuba big market for the necessaries |
Of life. The nucleus OF the Cuban traders
In the new days will be the merchants
who are ready TO open shop again just !
as soon as substantial government is
assured TO the island. This government
must be an American one. Most en-
phatIcally it cannot be an insurgent gov
The Cuban merchants will not
settle down to business under an inde-
pendent Cuban administration.
Careful legislative nursing will be re-
quired TO enable the Cuban merchants 20
work out their own salvation. The making |
OF Cuban ports free exclusively TO Ameri- |