The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-09-17
Consul General at Havana,
in Annual Report, Asc1beS
Loss Of Trade 10 Our IN
difference 10 Import Bust
ness.
EXHAUSTIVE TREATISE
ON ISLAND INDUSTRIES
Urges Establishment of a
Unlfed States Merchants
Exchange for Purposes Of
Exhibition of Goods.


consul general at Havana. F. Steinhart.
was made public today through the De-
pertinent of Commerce and Labor. 1t is
an exhaustive treatise on the resources
and Industries of the new republic
Concerning American interests in the
island. Mr.. Stcinhart says:
While the demands of the domestic
trade in the United States during the
present era of prosperity may be re-
sponsible for the fact that the manu-
factUrers in the United States overlook
the market which Cuba offers, yet this
cannot be considered as an adequate
reason for the loss of trade to the
United States.
Cause of the Loss.
Large shipments of hardware. both
from England and Germany, are con-
stantly made to this republic. and in
quiry as 20 the cause for such shipments
brings out the fact that many of our
manufacturers refuse 10 devote a por-
ton Of their outrut for export Cuban
buyers, finding that they are unable to
get their orders filled in the United
States. naturally turn to the European
market
IF at some time in the near future
our home market shall have been sup
piled, and manufacturers are forced TO
turn to other countries to find an outlet
for their productions, dificulty will be
experienced in diverting the trade of
Cuba from established channels and the
undertaking will be found both expen-
sive and doubtful of. success II is to
be hoped that the American manufa,
turer Will anticipate this situation and
take prompt steps to remedy the falling
off In trade between the United States
and Cuba.
Merchants Exchange Advocated.
The establishment OF a United States
merchants exchange at Havana is earn
estIy advised A suitable place devoted
TO the exhibition of goods manufactured
in the United States would be an mex
pensive and most efficient assistance to
our manufacturers.
II pending treaties between the Unit
ed States and the republic of Cuba are
ratified. large influx Of capital is ex-
be made, which naturally carry with
them employment for those now unem-
ployed.
Il must call special attention to the
smallness of the fruit trade between
Cuba and the United States compared 10
that OF Jamaica, the prosperity OF which
island is due largely to this trade AL
most the only market for the perishable
products OF the West Indies is the United
States, and steps should be taken 10
locate and. when found remedy the
ca s.e OF the smallness of the Cuban
fruit trade with the United States.
Exports From Cuba.
The report states that the exports from
the republic OF Cuba during the hrst
three months of 1903 were $1s.Sz2. CSC.
compared to $13,4s1 ,o34 in 1902.
Despite the existence of numerous
small islands. keys. and shoals. which
line part of the coast and are said to
be dangerous to navigation, long pas
sages of calm sea facilitate coast trade.
Along the south coast belt of marshes
prevents communication during the rainy
season
Cuba is generally mountainous, the
highest points found in-Santiago de Cuba
also found In these provinces. Streams
in c1ba are short and flow generally
north and south.
Climate of the Island.
The climate Of the island Is hot
throughout the year. but is tempered
in summer by the breeze blowing con-
stantly from IL a. N. until sunset.
Earthquakes are not frequent though
they sometimes cause great devastation.
The density or relative population of
Cuba Is nearly the same as that OF the
United States.
Mineral resources OF the island are
represented by products of gold. silver.
iron, copper. manganese, lead, asphalt
peti oleuni. napbtha. graphite. amianthus.
zinc. mercury, and coal. The richest
mineral district is in the province OF
Santiago.
Five hundred and six Cuban mines
are recorded, covering an area OF SIS 1895
acres, Few Of the mines are in opera
tion. Others are considered only as con-
cessions awaiting exploitation.
The taxes paid the government are
s. yearly per hectare (2.4T1 acres) or $50
for each claim containing 1913 acres
when the mines are Of precious stones
or netalliferous substance.
Public Lands.
Public lands number 461 sos acres.
These lands are covered with forests
Some are under the care OF the. depart
ment or finance, and others have been
ceded 70 private parties in consideration
of an annual tribute.
When Spain took possession Of the
island large portions Of land were ceded
10 Spanish settlers for the breeding of
cattle. These grants were discontinued
after 1922.
The area of public forests In Cuba is
1.2Zs. asa acres. They produce material
for tanning. dye, oils. fiber. gum, ond
resin. In addition TO these are more than
fifty species of fruit trees and others
used for fuel. fencing. carpentry, and
cabinet wood work.