The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-02-01

street, Cuban organization too much
given perhaps to gaming for the con-
dition Of the people, has failed. Its
building is shortly to be occupied by
the Spanish club. an organization of
good character and morals, whose 50.
cial features are among the most
pleasant Of the day.
Many of the streets crossing the
Prado in the northern section which
were last spring In a wretched state
have been so decidedly improved as
hardly to be recognized. Colon. Troca-
dero. Animas, virtudes and some near
or the sea have been substantially ma
cadamzed. attention having heen Civ
en- to drainage. whereby the lakes ana
puddles before making them alnios.
impossible in places are altogether
done away with. The prado itself has
been made the recipient of a great deal
of labor, but the street Is so abused
by heavy traffic. which should be made
to take to the side streets, as in all
cities having boulevards for light driv.
ing, that 1t is difficult To keep 1t in
repair. Eventually 1t will pe paved
with cement blocks or asphalted and
made most beautiful drive. At rrcs-
ent 1T quickly becomes dusty in dry
weather and muddy in rainy seasons.
"A SOURCE OF REGRET.
Law-abiding Americans, who realize
that their example is far-reachng
among people whom our government
Is trying to teach the principles OF
good conduct and correct self-govern-
ment, regret to see the encroachment
upon the better part of Havana's resi-
dence and business district of Ameri-
can bar-rooms. This is no. necessar-
1ly question of morals or religion,
nut of governmental economics. A
rev nights ago there was an "opening"
or one of these places on the Prado.
RAISING 1t late at night ! noticed that
II was crowded with American pros
pectors and residents in a more or less
glorious state of hilarousness, many
or them we'll beyond self-control. while
the walks outside wAye crowded with
observing Cubans of the middle and
lower classes, whose remarks about tn,
'malO American" were not to our cred
II. drunken American is always n
PAD American, Il half-drunken Ameri-
can Is always a half-bad American,
Whlle Cuba Is an American camp,
might 1t not be we'll for the govern
ment at least to limit the number OF
such places that it licenses. and thus
AVOID IN good part the frictiors and
annoyances between our people and
the natives growing out of the habits
of bibulousness?
While reconstructing this island IT
might as well be done right. so far as
our people and their relations to If are
concerned. Dives Of various kinds have
peen concentrated into and limited to
various districts of the city, where
valuable residence and business prom
ertles are not deprecated BY their
presence. Likewise the Prado and
other good residence sections should be
protected by the military authorities
from the encroachment of the saloon
The market places Of Havana have
been improved in many particulars,
though some Of them will bear further
oVerhauling and sanitation. The street $
IN the worst sections are daily sprinkled
with disinfecting fluids, and whenever
yellow fever or other serious illness
shows itself in a particular district the
sanitary force gets after it at once
All the sewers for surface water drain
age are daily treated to chloride of
lime. old cutters are flushed and like
wise given attention. dingy and un-
wholesome walls are scraped and
Whltewashed, and garbage is removed
from hotels cafes. shops and residences
with promptness to which this popu-
lace has never before been accustomed