The times., 1899-09-03
eENERA1 woop oN sANrIAeo.
\ Report on the Existing Conditions
I'm the Province.


In response to a request by the War De-
partment for a report upon the existing
conditions in the province OF Santiago and
Puerto Principe. Cuba. Gen. Leonard Wood.
Military Governor az Santiago. has treated
the subject exhaustfveiy in a statement
which has just been transmitted 20 the de-
partment. General Wood begins his re-
Port by expressing the opinion that mill
tary control OF the islands must be con-
tinued for some years. He advises that the
department commanders be given power TO
enforce vigorous administration Of af-
fairs and to suspend any official who may
De incompetent or dishonest. Great de-
lay and unsatisfactory results. he says, at
( tend the present system of referring these
important questions to the Governor Gen
eFal at Havana.
After devoting considerable space to the
physical features and geographical deserip-
ton OF his province. General Wood offers
number OF suggestions for the improvement
and building up Of the country. He is en-
thusiastic over the unlimited opportunities
which the country presents for industry
and capital He says he knows OF no Sec
/ ton OF the United States from which such
/ great returns can be expected as IN Cuba
/ with the provision that a stable govern
are recommended. as well as the improve
ment and building OF rail and wagon roads
and the dredging OF streams. Many of the
wagon roads which have fallen into decay
during the long periods of war 10 which
the country has been subjected. he says.
can be repaired and reopeHed with much
less work and expense than would attend
the building Of entirely new roads
While there is some malaria in the
Z T1rf fr-a
clan, asserts that with proper sanitary
| treatment, perfectly healthful conditions
can be restored. It Is asserted that some
/ time will be required to rid the seaport
towns OF yellow fever. Since the occupa-
tion of the province by the United States
much has been done TO improve the sani-
taTy condition In Santiago the wafer sup
/ ply has been doubled and the death rate
+ reduced 40 per cent. detailed account is
made Of the agricultural conditions. as well
as the occupation and industries OF the in
: habitants. Inland transportation is con
Quoted almost entirely by wagons and pack
\ trains The construction OF the proposed
Central Railroad from Santiago to Santa
I Clara IS regarded as of vital importance 10
/ the prosperity OF that section The miner
al wealth OF the country is also mentioned.
and while some mines are being worked
the report states that there are many de-
posits Of minerals which have rot been de-
veloped.
Lands which have never been reduced
TO private ownership are described as pub
lie lands. and are Of two kinds-State and
municipal. No system for their disposal
has been adopted, and a complete survey OF
/ them has never been made An immediate
survey is needed. says General Wood. Ed
ucation IS very backward. and lack OF
transportation and means has retarded
anything like an educational establishment.
/ The postal system Of the province has
greatly improved under American direc-
ticn, and direct mail from New York to
Santiago is recommended.