New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-30
CyRIN FINANCES.

Thero can hardly be two opinions as 10 me
character If tbe financial statement made by the
Government regarding Cuba. Even those VINO
have heon most disposed 10 find fault will be
Obliged to admit that it is not only highly en-
couraging but also highly crediable statement.
II is most encouraging to find that in the
first half year after peace was restored WIN
business prosrated. plantations devastated, rail-
roads and coast lines wrecked and labor every
where disorganzod. Cuba was able 10 return
revenue exceeding 10y $1,4SOO2l % the eXpendl-
lures of government on the island. Moreover
these expenditures were Of necessity much
greater than would be found requisite after
new system had been established. They IN
cluded S1713O1l 20 in sanitation. and the LABOR
Of cleansing Havana and other places. when
cost nearly third Of tho whole sum expended
will not again b. found 50 costly. il IS reaSona-
bic 10 hope while Americans retain control oil
affairs But q good part Of the S3OJ.2b' Oo spent
I'm the erection and Improvement Of barracks
1903 81 I'm hospitals and charities $2'Ob'4 J.
i'm public works. harbors and forts SNS.9l4 % IN
aid Of the destitute and $40 203 90 in quarantine
will probably not have to be repeated, at least
for wears How far the sum spent in establish
ment equipment and maintenance OF the kura
Guard and administration, Sll3,363 10, VIII
prove an outlay once for all not needing repe-
tition yearly. can only 9e coniectured' and 1t IS
fair 10 quote the statement Of military officers
that there has not yet been time TO effect all the
economies that are desirable in civil govern
meuf. for which S3l21l60l was spent, or in
municipal government which cost $I23,2sl 81
Evidently there IS the best of reason for be-
lievlnC that these expenditures ut the outset
amounting to 5000 9sS IS in the first six months
OF American occupation cover large OUTLAWS
which viii not have to be repeated. But with
the passing Of the unhcalthful season the work
Of sanitation will be pushed much further than
# has been. with heavy OUTLAWS for permanent
works and toward that requirement the Govern
ment already has on hand handsome balance
from tho half years receipts. amounting 10
SG9S2Ol02 20 II is not strange that such haIf
wears work seems amazing 10 Cubans and span
iards alike. and Americans will not hesitate 10
pronounce II highly creditable 10 the officers IN
charge that a system so efficient and free from
the corruption incident 10 Spanish rule has been
SO promptly established and brought into work
ing order Mistakes have undoubtedly been
made by those I'm control. In some things they
have doubtless failed to impress public opinion
as we'll rs they might But il will go far 10 the
credit Of American government tn 'uba mat IL
has shown from The outset how lighter scheme
Of taxation than Spain imposed. with efficiency
and honesty in handling. has provided revenue
largely exceeding the exceptional OUTLAWS found
needfu
IL is worth much 10 know. also. that the reve-
nue. is not sinking but rising as the receipts in
July were at rate - per cent greater than FOR
the previous half year The customs receipts
alone 81 POI .537. We're at a rate considerably eX
cooding all receipts for the preceding months
and the internal. S5G3Gl; the postal Sl5."O'
and tho miscellaneous SG3 433, brought mp the
total collections 10 Sl330324 while the month
disbursements were only Slo20.S1'. Though
the outlay is larger than the average for the six
other months II Is 20 be remembered that II took
some time 10 get new machinery into working
order. 40 doubt part Of the receipts and also
Of the disbursements afterrard found needtul.
were omitted in carly months, and some part Of
the sums collected certainly failed 10 become re-
CENTS at the outset because they followed the
ancient habit and drifted into pockets OF Span
lsh officials When the year closes II viii prob
ably be found that the gradual revival of indus
trlos and of exterior trade has established the
revenue at a somewhat higher rate than that at
tanned IN July. which would nevertheless suf-
fee for the expenses Of government on the ISL
and with liberal balance each month for those
permanent improvements which are still so
much needed.
----------------------