New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-31
PINAR DEL RIOS PROSPECTS.
FEW TRACES SEEN OF THE WARS
DEVASTATION.
PLANS FOR AMERICAN OCCUPATION RAILROAD
IMPRovEMENTs-IHE CROPS AND
THE WEATHER


Pinar del Rio Cub6. oct. 25-some American ON
GERS came 10 this town few days ago 70 look up
the site for American camp. No parade was
made OF their presence. but their coming
grateful indication that something being done
toward American military occupation. Lieutenant,
Rowan had previously been here and had conferred
with General Nelasco commanding the Spanish
troops in the district ard with the Cuban General
Lorente, whose headquarters are shor, distance
out Of town. The only other Americans who have
visited the place were two three tobacco buyers.
who every season Nothing in their presence
gave hint OF the conditions. Tobacco would
continue to grow in Pinsr del Rio whether Spanish
sovereignty was in force not. and buyers would
continue to come from the United States
II Is not likely that a large garrison viii ne es,ao-
lished here. Yet the presumption is that the mill
tary control Of the western end of the island will
be centred at this point. There other place
except the little part % Coloma on the south coast
fifteen or twenty miles away. That Is not adapted
for a camp. though supplies may be landed there
and carried overland by supply trains. the road
is excellent one o. they can be sent ny railroad
from Havana.
The town OF Pnar itself is healthy The rolling
country around it which the Inhabitants call hills
would make ideal camping sites. The real hills are
further way 10 the north and west. tho taperins
end Of the Vueta Abajo II is not necessary 70
far for camps Indeed. the garrison might
be located in the heart OF the town. II is not sub
ject to the yellow fever Of ports and free
from malaria as any spot in Cuba IS likely 10 be
FEW EFFECTS OF THE WAR SEEN
These statements regarding the details 81 occupa-
ton only premise other conditions In no
part of the island is less OF the effects ~ three
and half years of internal war In The zone OF
which Pinar del Rio is the centre eighteen thou
sand people. Most OF them engaged IN cult-
waiting the soil. The lack Of oxen which has been
felt so severely elsewhere. Is not serious draw
back in this neighborhood. while other cattle arc
also % be had in numbers sufficient for the de-
REPRESENTATION in mild form While traces OF 1t
ietminatd Enog ,I "a Tilo ibt '' TSs
evidence that they are doing il can he seen for
that were unthatched and the poles eft standing:
and few ruined biildngs destroyed during
MaceO's invasion. over which the vines have not yet
grown there are few signs Of devastated country.
province. but It's rarity makes this section the
attractive The prospects for agricultural recupera-
lishel are almost glowing
All this Is said with the fun knowledge that the
tobacco crop this season may not come up to what
# Was year ago. The uncertainty following ths
signing of the protocol perhaps retarded the seed
Ing little. The inhabitants expected that tho
United States would take immediate possession:
When that did not happen they had a period ~
talked politics But tho chief drawback is one
that has no bearing on Amer,an military occup,-
ton. This Is the weather The rainy season has
lasted later than usual. and the rains have been
heavy enough wash out the young tobacco plants
which had not been taken from the hotbeds. The
veguero or small tobacco farmer Is dreadlng lest
I
though he may have 20 face scant crop. and ne
will have a hard season.
MEANS OF SrSTENANCE NOT LACKING.
The means Of sustenance sufficient for the sup
port Of the population not wanting in spite "
the tobacco shortage. In every direction around
Pinar can he seen green fields Of bonatas or sweet
potatoes while there are also many small fields os
yucca and Of malaguo plants with fbrous roots
which are used for food. Some bananas are Grown.
and there Is rice in the owanis along the creeks
nplgnhOrhOOi
industrial development The Western RAILWAY.
Scme im5roVemens whI,h Mere hold back during
the Instruction. The line from Havana to Pinar
is 10 he Strengthened and new bridge building done
The material for these Improvements NAV he seen
piled up along the route More than this he line
is TO be extended from Pinar into the NILS TO ne
west. The managers Of the company have decidef
that l. VIII pay TO gse rr instead Of
muie freightage Shrty or forty miles Of railroad
consequence 10 the whole island any more than 4
would he 70 New-York State. But 10 r single
del RIO bears that relation to tho whole Of cuba.
The entire district will benefit by this little railroad
extension
SPANISH AND CUBAN TROOPS
With these Industrial and agricultural prospects
stated Il must be said also that tho promise ~
rccuperation will he quickenef by the establishment
OF American military authority. There are two
thousand Cuban soldiers in this part az the prov
ince and almost an equal number Of Spanish troops
Tvo-thris OF the insurgents under Genera!
I.orente IN smaU camps within few miles 81 Pinar
The remainder are encamped at Puente de Cole,
dozen miles away They 10 not forage on the
country. Instead they send ont small squads 10
solicit food from the people In the villages " nef"
thew have anything Cubans and Spaniarts both con.
tribute II Is an uncertain means of existence. ana
cannot he continued indefinitely. The 'upan gem
erals have excellent control AMI their authority =
respected No collisions have occurred with the
Spansh troops and self-restraint IS shown on both
sides Nevertheless the tension Is painful Inc
Cubans say they will disband as soon as me span
sh troops go. General Velasco. the Spanish com
nander does know when that viii be Though
II might not be possible for the Spanish forces 10
depart for two three months. the prest nee OF
small American garrison in Pnar would relieve
the strain which must exist so long as the TWO
armed forces continue as at present IN respect 70
the future there n sharp cleavage. The Spanish
classes want immediate and even forcibe annexs
ton The Cubans want 70 try the experiment or