Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1902-06-29
LOOKING TO ROOSEVELT FOR RELIEF
In Case He Gan ACCOMPLISH Nothing Islant
May Turn to Europe.
NOTHING TO PREVENT SUCH ACTION
As Temporary Measure of Relief Scrip May
Possibly be Issued.
CONSERVATIVE ELEMENT OPPOSES TIL
some Relief Would BE Afforded II
TangIe over Contracts for Public
Works Could BE Straight
ened Out.

works Could BE Straight
ened Out.
Copyright, 1902, by Press Publishing Coz
HAVANA, June 2s.-(New York World
Cablegram-Special Telegram 1.-The eco
nomic situation in Cuba has really be-
come alarming and the most serious con-
sequences are expected II some measure
of relief be not speedily put into prac-
tice. At the present moment Cuba, with
all the wealth Of its soil, is throttled and
paralyzed by the holdup at Washington,
hope of the senate taking any favorable
action has been abandoned and President
Roosevelt is looked upon as the Good Sa-
maritan who will help Cuba in its hour of
afhlction.
The attitude at Washington is keeping
great deal OF willing capital out of the
island for the present, and the influx OF
capital for the development of the large
estates is really as necessary as reci-
procity itself, but with both denied it, Cuba
is really in a perplexing dilemma. The
reconstruction OF the country cannot be
accomplished without foreign financial as
sistance. Even the local business men
have become palsied by a financial fright,
much money has been called out of cir
culation and trade has begun to stagnate,
all Of which adds to the great economic
tension.
There is some talk of overtures being
made to England for reciprocal measures,
and it is understood, IL such steps be taken,
the representatives of the English, French
and German governments will all submit
favorable reciprocity propositions to Cuba.
The trade Of these three countries has
always been heavy with the island and 1t
would be to their interests to maintain
and promote the long-standing relations
There is nothing In the constitution to
prevent such steps being taken, because
Cuba can treat with foreign powers so long
as IL does not affect its independence nor
violate the Monroe doctrine. 1t Is be-
lieved here that II President Palma should
begin negotiations with some Of the Eu-
ropean powers 1t would have very salu-
tary effect upon the Washington politi-
clans.
Talk of Scrip Issue.
II all other measures of relief fail there
is talk of an issue Of scrip being made,
duly authorized by the government, the
issuance being intended only as temporary
relief while Cuba can negotiate a loan
or a favorable treaty, or both, as the latter
will invite the former. The conservative
element who have been approached on the
| subject object to such a step, but, as they
have nothing better to offer, they may have
to vote for 1t II the issue is forced. This
mode of paying the Cuban army was talked
Of several weeks ago, and the Idea seems
to be growing that II would probably be
a relief II put into genera practice. 1t Is
cited that the cities and counties In the
southern states have had to resort to such
measures until recently. The county COM
missioners would issue scrip In payment OF
all public works. school maintenance, ETC.,
and at each meeting Of the board would vote
| to take up as many of the outstanding
warrants as the condition OF the treasury
would permit.
| II the plan be put into operation here the
payment OF the warrants will probably be
guaranteed at the end of three or FIVE years
| from the date OF issue. when they will be
redeemed at par, with interest added This
latter feature will be an Improvement on
the methods employed in the states and
will prevent the depreciation of the paper.
1t is thought this will give the country a
| breathing spell and will relieve the ex-
treme tension which now threatens to dis
| rupt all business and even endangers the
| government itself.
/ Hust DOAAN'
It is argued that It may be hardship on
! the government and the people that the
step should be given much serious delibera-
| tion In order to achieve the best results
| from the adoption of the measure, but the
! conditions are now such that something
must be done promptly and this seems to
| be the only solution. During the life OF
the warrants the agricultural conditions OF
the country could be fully resuscitated,
made healthy and profitable. With such an
| end accomplished the refunding Of all the
outstanding scrip would be comparatively
an easy task.
II the squabbling over the sewerage con-
tracts ever ceases so that the contractors
can get to work, it would be one step
toward relieving the financial strain, be-
cause It will give a great many employment.
! There Is about $12 900 900 to be expended
| In Havana and more than 81 900 900 in Glen
| fuegos. new system Of water works is
| to be installed at the latter place. The
| present system is advertised for auction
on August 22, The city was recently Of
fered s1ss 900 by New York parties, but the
offer was refused.
Santa Clara Is also expecting to make
| extensive public improvements in order To
| give employment to the needy. Unfortu-
nately, none OF this work will be inaug-
urated until the fall. and the dull summer
months certainly put a rather dismal as
pect to the idle people
| Last Friday sugar sold at $1.45 a hun
dredweight, a price unknown before. and
on Saturday a lot was put up for a bid
but no buyers were to be found at any price
The price of sugar generally ranges from
S1.75 TO s2.10 per 100 pounds.