Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1901-07-11
cueAs FUTURE.
Written for this paper.

doubt the richest and most productive
island in the whole West Indies. III
climate is even and salubrious, and
remarkably adapted for the growing
of tropical and semi-tropical fruits
| The heavy rains set in about the
middle of April and end in July
commencing again some time in
September and ending in November.
| The remainder of the year is practically
the dry season. The rich soil yields
enormous crops, such as sugar-cane,
coffee. tobacco, eocOanuts, sweet
potatoes and cocoa. There are also
| large forests of rare woods, such as
mahogany, ligdum-vitg, maiagua and
cedar. At present very little is being
done in the working OF the natural
woods OF the country, nearly all the
lumber used being imported from the
United States. The Cuba Central
Railroad Co. organized in the States
/ with a capitalization of IS, 000, 200, are
doing more to develop the country
than any other enterprise. This
company is now building railroad
! line direct from Santiago TO Havana.
opening up some of the richest
mineral, farming and timber lands in
the Island, which have heretofore
practically been inaccessible. They
also contemplate building a branch
road through to Nipe Bay on the north
coast this Is one OF the largest and
finest harbors in the world and win
probably be their principal shipping
point. II is also stated that the
United States government intends 10
utilize this harbor for one of its coaling
stations.
The Plat amendment having been
accepted, the Island will no doubt
soon be turned over 10 the Cubans and
as soon as their government is
formulated the Foraker resolution will
fall and then opportunities will open
up for investments capitalists will
then have no trouble in obtaining
property, franchises and concessions
There is no doubt but what Cuba
has a great future before her While
great many are little skeptical
about the Cubans being able to govern
themselves, it is generally thought
that they will be able TO manipulate
the machinery OF their government FOR
while at least The Plat amend
ment is quite a bracer and Is bound to
stitien their backbone 10 some extent.
One Of the greatest questions that
confronts the business men here is
labor. The bic American companies
have tried nearly every kind in the
Island and have practically given up in
disgust. The Cuban will not work at
manual labor, unless starvation is
staring him in the face; the Jamaica
niger, the worst element we have
here. is not much better. The
Spaniards are the best 10 be had. but
there are not enough of them TO supply
the demand, consequently BIG enter
prises starting up are very much
Cuba is certainly law mans
country. so therefore. why should the
Cuban work. The crudest abode OF /
native is often seen within a fairy /
bower, which would cost a fortune in |
en- American city. while his livelihood /
is practically provided by nature, for
At his very door may be found the /
perennial bounty OF cocoanuts. |
bananas, oranges, breadiruit and |
while il he wishes 70 exert /
himself a little he may add to his /
arder tobacco, coffee. cocoa. sugar /
zane and spices. Deer and wild boar
ire plentiful back a little way in the
and excellent varieties of |
ish abound in the streams and along
he coast.
There are two strong political
actions in Cuba, namely. the National |
md Republican,. The National
platform bears principally on indie
lendence, while the Republicano's are
practically for annexation The 4
after is composed chiefly Of whites.
Who are the property owners and tax
payers; while the National party is
mostly colored and is somewhat of a
abble element. This party won in
he last election, which took place the
irst of June. and are now in control
i all municipal affairs. much to the
lisgust OF the property owners who
re quite liable to suffer more or less
heTeirom.
The better classes here predict that
he ultimate end of the Cuban problem
will be annexation; but they believe
hat a period OF independence is
bsolutely essential. Even should the
,ubans be successful ia formulating
nd maintaining their government.
he political and economic questions
re bound to bring about a very close
lliance with the United States and I
apital coming in here is bound to
eceiye ample protection.
Brigandage, which was so prevalent
ere in Is and 90, has practically
cen suppressed. The Rural Guard ,
ystem organized by General Wood
eserves much credit in this work.
'eople living in the country today are
ute as safe as those in the large a
tiles. G
Sanitation has been one Of the
reatest problems which has confronted
he Americans since their arrival in
be Island. Santiago and Havana
eiore the war were virtually pest
oles for yellow fever and other