Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1900-03-15

and hardy.
like MatanzaB better than Havana
They have splendid drainage. The
water in the bay is pure and blue
| visited the caves of Bellamar, nea,
Matanzas, which quite fascinate one
by the brilliancy of their crystal
walls. These caves are about three
miles long. A party of us procured
the services of the guide by paying
Sl.00 each who carried us through
this wondrously beautiful cavern
The guide said he was not allowed
to collect any of these stalactites,
but after receiving few cents from
each of the party, allowed us to
pocket some pieces.
You soc from Matanzas some very
high mountain peaks. One was
pointed out to me az the place where
Gen. Maceo was killed. Uncle Sam
has several companies quartcrcd here,
some in the Spanish barracks, where
you enter the city, and others OH the
opposite side, near the fort whore
Sampson is said to have sheled the
city, and only killed a mule.
The government has built good
barracks, and the soldiers seem to
be quite healthy.
After returning to Havana | next
went on the train to Pinar Del Rio,
which is one hundred and thirteen
miles east of Havana. The whole
country still shows the terrible
effects of the late struggle. The
country around Pinar Del Rio is
considered the finest in the world
for raising tobacco. This is where
the fine Havana tobacco is raised.
Pinar Del Rio is not on any water
course, but has fine natural drainage.
1t is quite healthy, and the streets
are kept perfectly clean. saw only
ten or twelve soldiers in the hospital
here. Some had a touch of malaria
which they usually have until they
become acclimatizcd.
saw some Americans at this
place who are raising tobacco. They
speak well Of the country.
| met Spaniarl on the train who
spoke English. lie gave me a great
deal of information.
lie said they quit raising oranges
there for market when Florida raised
so many, as they could not pay duty
and compete with Florida prices.
But think now, since the Florida
groves have been killed 30 often,
that raising oranges in Cuba would
be paying industry.
Now, | think az to the future pros
pcct for Cuba if the United States
will hold the island, give good gov
cl nmcnt, good laws, equal rights
with States that she will become one
OF the most prosperous countries in
the world
Cubs is right at our door with
sugar, coffee, tobacco, vegetables and
all tropical fruits.
During our winter is the time
they are carrying on their farming,
grinding cane, raising tobacco, etc.
With the fine sea breeze, good water,
and rich soil, I think it opening
for young men with pluck and
energy. They will need enough
money to buy stock, farming imple-
mcnts and provisions. They can
rent plenty of fine land. They can
raise from 5000 to $500 worth of
tobacco IN acre. | was told that it
sold for 81 TO Sc per pound.
The lower class Of Cubans remind
me very much Of our negro. They
have little huts, usually of palm
leaves. They possess little and have
no ambition for more. Sometimes
you see a COW near the hut or pig
with rope around the neck tied to
some object to keep it from stray
ing off. There are great many
things of interest, but are too num-
crous to mention.
After spending week in Cuba,
| presented my Gel tificatc to the
board of inspection, produced my
passport, took a boat and after being
rowcd around the Maine, boarded
the steamer for Florida.
| spent a week visiting the cities
of Florida. I was in Tampa and
Jacksonville during freeze, saw
considerable quantities of ice. These
freezes ruin many financially. A
great many have left their farms in
the upper portion of Florida.
The ostrich farm, near Jackson-
vile, is Of interest to many. You
see birds Of different ages, from the
young to the old bird setting on her
eggs. | noticed some eggs in an in
cubator. They have fine collection
of pheasants, also many other birds.
visited st. Augustine, went TO