Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-09-08
THE CUBAN EXHIBIT
SENIOR QUESADA SPEAKS OF THE
ISLANDS SHOWING AT PARIS.
More Industries Than Ever Before
Presented-Large Number of
Medals Received.

Senior Gonzalo de Quesada, special COM
missioner for Cuba at the Paris exposition
and formerly Cuban charge here, returned
to Washington today from Paris, where he
has been experimenting the Cuban exhibit
at the exposition. In speaking of his work
at Paris and the showing made by the Gu
ban exhibitors, Mr.. Quesada said to Star
reporter this afternoon:
Cuba made a most excellent showing at
the exposition. In fact, the islands ex-
hibit surpassed all expectations, and our
showing was a surprise to representatives
from all over the world. l expect some
beneficial results to the island from our ex-
hibition, for we certainly proved to the
world that Cuba Is most reSourceful and
progressive land.
Our exhibit was situated in a beautiful
trocadero which was designed and con-
structed by Cuban artists and workmen.
Our products were exhibited in space which
was kindly granted US by the American
government, Cuba not being recognized by
the French government an independent
nation and consequently not entitled TO a
position or Its own.
Over 300 Exhibits.
Our pavilion was colored white with Gu
ban and American flags draped about it in
an attractive fashion. Our space was COM
paratively small, but, notwithstanding this,
number largely in excess of the total
amount which the island has exhibited at
all the expositions held throughout the
world since 1901. That fact alone in my
opinion, shows the great progress which the
island has made in the past few years
Our exhibits not only included agricul-
tural, but industrial exhibits as we'll The
whole showed conelusivey that Cuba is rich
In natural resources, and that it is able to
produce almost all materials needed in the
manufacturing field.
My country made a surprisingly good
showing In her art exhibits. Cuban paint
ers sent quite number of pictures to Paris.
and for the first time In the history of the
island my people were recognized by the
world as artists. This was a great triumph
for us, especially in view of the fact that
the Paris exposition was an international
a1air and our painters competed with the
cream of the profession throughout the
world We received a bronze medal and
also honorable mention in art
The total number of medals awarded us
was 1Jo. That was a wonderful showing.
considering the fact that the country has
just gone through a devastating war of
four years duration and that 1t has had
only one year in which to recuperate
Cuban tobacco received a grand prize Our
cigars all received medals. Alcohol and
liquors from the island were also recog-
nized as of superior quality, and In tex
tiles and wood products We likewise were
rewarded with medals.
I'm mines and metals we received quite a
number of medals. and, to the establishment
of everybody. We received prizes in primary,
secondary and superior education The
president of the French republic visited our
pavilion quite often and expressed his great
admiration for our exhibits. He manifest
ed great interest in our part of the ex-
position. During my stay In Paris l sent
Mr.. Loubet few boxes of Cuban cigars.
He said they made the finest smoke he had
ever INDUCED in.
Medals Received.
1.-THE number of medals we received at
Paris was just double that awarded us at
the Chicago fair several years ago. Much
of the success of our exhibit was due to
the aid extended us by Commissioner Gem
eral Peck and his associates. The Ameri-
cans did everything in their power to make
the Cuban and the American exhibits great
successes. and so. far my people are
concerned We have nothing but thanks for
the Americans. They treated us royalty.
am now at work on catalogue of our
exhibit, which will be issued in a few DAYS
1t VIII contain the whole story of our
showing, and besides will embrace a his
tory of our island, with such geographical
and other data which may be of interest
to the American and other peoples"
Mr.. Quesada will leave for Cuba within a
few days to participate in the primaries
for the forthcoming constitutional conven-
ton to be held in the island.
II have been offered three nominations
in different provinces In the island for
election to the constitutional convention"
said Mr.. Quesada, but have decided that
l shall allow my name to go before the
people of the province of Pinar del Rio as
their representative / shall run as an in
dependent candidate. This election will be
held on September u. and the convention
will be held on November 3.
'As to the work of that convention and
the policy which 1t will pursue do not care
to make any predictions. The convention.
however, will be conducted in an entirely
harmonious manner"