The Indianapolis journal., 1902-08-11
UpbuiIding of the Island from the
state of Chaos in Which the Long
Revolution Had Left 1t.
ROADS BUILT AND REPAIRED
SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS ESTAB-
LISHED AND MAINTAINED.
Public Finances Put in Good Condi-
tion-Sanitation of the Island
Made Almost Perfect.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10.-The bureau Of
insular affairs of the War Department has
prepared a statement showing what the
United States achieved during the occupa-
ton of Cuba from the time the military
government was established, July IS 1925,
until May 70, 1902
At the close of hostilities in Cuba, it is
stated that the country was in state
of devastation and ruin, both to its polit-
ical organization as well as its industrial
condition Without precedent to guide, and
many Of them without previous experience
in state affairs. the officers of the United
States army at once undertook to set up
form of government which would provide
sufficient revenues for the immediate needs.
and which Nigh. be developed into a stable
and lasting system.
Sixteen customs houses were established,
one at the chief port, Havana, andI others
at the principal supports OF the island, and
tariffs were Lut in force. The principal
changes in the tariff have been the gradual
reduction of duties on exports from time
to time. until April 1, 1901 when these du-
ties were entirely abolished. Postoffices
were opened throughout the island and ma
tive pOstmasters were appointed More than
500 pOstOfficeS were established.
There was established a department of
finance, presided by a general treas
urer and six provincial treasurers, one tor
each province. Subsequently these proVin-
ces were redistricted and formed into
eleven so-called fiscal zones These officers
conducted the assessment and collection of
conveyance, inheritance, commercial and
industrial taxes and administered internal
affatrs-municipal schools, hospitals, public
works. fostering industries and stocking
farms ana Plantations. ThOuSanoS OF brood
cattle and horses were purchased and re-
sold to the natives on easy terms. enabling
them to resume work which would not
otherwise have been possible.
The number of schOolhOuses provided
nearly equal those in this country for a
corresponding area.
There was constructed a telegraph line
connecting with the principal cities
throughout the island. and maintained by
the United States Signal Corps. Public
which, together with the construction and
repair of bridges. have been of invaluable
benefit to the inhabitants.
AS a sanitary measure the streets of
many of the cities were paved and ex-
tensive systems of sewerage were con-
structed. The harbors of the island were
greatly improved an admirable system of
buoys and beacOns was established; govern
ment warehouses and docks were repaired
and constructed, and regulations, conform
ing to those in vogue In this country, gov
erning the harbOr of the island were eStab-
liShed.
The total revenues from all sources col
lected during the occupation was $57, 200, coo,
and the expenditures therefrom were 500
go ,0O0 the remainder having been turned
over to the Republic Of Cuba at the time
of the withdrawal of United States author
ity May ~, 1902
A feature of the expense account in Cuba
was occasioned by the condition of the
various municipalities all of which showed
large deficits in their annual budgets In
the fiscal year 1899 more than $1,000. 900 was
contributed to defray these deficits and
thereafter the schools police and municipal
hospitals and charities were maintained en-
urely at the expense OF the insular gov
ernment This condition has been largely
overcome and the majority of the munich
pallties are now self-sustaining.
The following shows some Of the expen-
ditureS made from Cuban revenues: Justice
and public instructions, $11,105 S3S: rural
guard and administration, Sc, ,247, ,6S5; agricul-
ture, industry and commerce. 81 l29 535.
barracks and quarters. s2,524, ,6S2, public
buildings, works, ports and harbOrs. S. 955. e.
$50; charities and hospitals, 4,12S,057; sani-
tation, 50. .703 457.
The buildings selected for barracks and
quarters for the army were used only tenn
porarily by the troops. and when put in
thorough repair and good sanitary condi-
ton were turned over to the municipalitv
as hospitals. Many of the most completely
appointed hospitals in the island have been
fitted out in this way.
That the administration of the Depart-
ment of Sanitation was judicious and thor
ough in its results is apparent in the large
decrease of the death rate in the island
since HOOeTH sanitary measures have
vailed. The death rate prior to this time
had been as high as eighty and ninety in
the thousand, but decreased to less than
twenty-three in 1000, and during the sea-
son just passed, when yellow fever was
/ formerly at its height, Havana was en-
/ tirely free from this epidemic
/ The marine quarantine conducted by the
! United States Marine Hospital Service has
/ been effective in preventing the spread of
| contagious diseases. and this service has
! greatly aided the other officers i'm their
! efforts to establish healthful conditions.
/ The gulf States Of the Union have also
/ prOfited by these measures
| All of the branches of government were
organized and had been gradually put into
the hands of native officers who had been
/ associated in the respective departments
/ with American administrators whereby
! opportunity was given for a fun under
standing of our methods of government
! The former assistant auditor under the
American administration became the audi
/ tor for the new republic the assistant
/ treasurer became the treasurer, the native
! administrators Of justice, finance public
/ instruction and public works continue 10
/ hold office under the Cuban government
A clear title to the public buildings roads
wharves and schoOlhouses passed to the
/ Cuban republic.