The morning news., 1899-12-22
IMPROVEMENT VERY GREAT.
Mr.. DuvaII, of Havana, Tells of the
Governments Work in Cuba.


Mr.. Gus Duval, an attache of the Gus
toms service at Havana, has been in the
city for the last day or two. To repre-
sentative of the Morning News, Mr.. Duval
talked Interestingly concerning life on the
island and of the Improvements which
have taken place there since he first reach
ed Havana.
Mr.. Duval Is fresh from Havana, man
trained to the observation of men and
things, accustomed to the use of both his
eyes and his ears, and because of his en-
ployment and his duties thrown in con-
stant contact with every class Of the pop
ulation OF the island. For these reasons
he well knows whereof he speaks, and,
because of his French extraction, he can
tell tn estory with graphic emphasis.
THE government" said Mr.. Duval, lis
monthly in receipt Of large revenues from
the custom houses in the various cities of
the island. That at Havana, of course
the principal one in Cuba, Havana being
the city through which most of the inn
ports come, receives monthly more than
million dollars in duties. The receipts of
the other custom houses must bring the
total up to a very high figure"
Much of the money taken in," said Mr..
Duvau "has been spent in the
improvement and better sanitation
of the city. When 1 first went TO
Cuba, year ago. it was, verify believe,
the dirtest spot in the world. Filth was
everywhere and the cOmmOnest require
ments Of decency and prudence were dis
regarded by the Inhabitants of the city. 1t
was no uncommon thing then TO see 5000
or 1000 persons, men, women and children,
promiscuously huddled together. sleeping
in the streets. This would not be per-
mitted now, or anything approaching it.
The police force is strong and efticie0t
and maintains excellent order"
For centuries the filth and garbage of
the city, whenever it has been thought
necessary to remove it from the streets at
ALL has been carried down TO the harbor
and dumped in. This action has been re-
sponsibIe for much of the disease that has
been prevalent in Havana. The govern
ment is now engaged in dredging it up and
carrying il out to sea, where ii is dump
ed again. There is fairly efficient sew
erage system and the streets now are Kept
clean. Gangs of men are kept at work
cleaning out the houses of the city, the
places of business and the dwellings, and
the city is gradually becoming what 1t
was intended by nature to be, as delightful
a place to live as can anywhere be found"
'"The government is making expert
ments with different kinds of paving, as
phalt, pressed brick wood blocks and other
forms of paving material all having been
given a trial. Those in charge of this work
are now waiting to see what material
will give the best results and best stand
the wear and tear of the travel to which
it is subjected
Mr. Duval could not be induced to ex-
press his opinion as to the probable dura-
ton of the governments military occupa-
tion of Cuba nor as to the condition of
public sentiment towards the United
States. There was in his manner, never
theless, an indication that there was al
least ground to apprehend trouble, though
from what quarter it was likely to come
he would not venture a prophecy He
will be in the city to-day and tomorrow
leaving tomorrow night for Miami, Fla,
on his return to Havana.