Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-03
SIXTEEN CANDIDATES
Many Ambitious to Be Presii-
dent Of Cuba.
PULLING THE WIRES
COMING SUGAR CROP ESTIMATED
AT 1900, 900 Toms
Scarcity Of Labor on the Island
Palma's Warning Against Extrava-
gance-Conditions at Santiago.

Written for The Evening Star.
Sixteen presidential candidates and a
sugar crop of 100000 tons describes the
present conditions in Cuba. l was asked
about affairs there some time ago by some
Americans who were going down to the
island for visit and this was the informa-
ton sent me from Havana for their benefit
It may interest others who have their eyes
cast in that direction.
The large number of candidates for the
presidency is of much less consequence
than the sugar crop, but it is not without
significance. Most people have forgotten
that Cuba has presidential elections the
same as in the United States and the con-
test for the nomination begins long time
before the voting. The period is not SO
very remote for it is now three years since
the first election was held under the direc-
ton of the American military authorities
and Estrada Palma was chosen without Sc
rious opposition
The maneuvering now going on in the Gu
ban Congress is largely to gain the adj
vantage in the campaign, which Will be I'M
der way next fall. The probability is that
before the congress adjourns the issues will
be fairly well determined, though there will
be another session in April with the fur
Their chance of playing for position. don't
undertake to name the sixteen candidates
because if the list were made up complaints
might come in from those who were
omitted. It may be said, however, that
among the candidates are several senator's
and representatives in the congress, two
or three governors of provinces and also
that President Palma is reported to be will
ing to succeed himself.
The Estimated Sugar Crop.
In estimating the sugar crop at 100000
tons there is a margin of guess, because I'M
til January, all estimates are uncertain.
But the reciprocity concessions from the
United States and the improvement in the
European market due to the lessening of
the beet root competition, have stimulated
production in Cuba. Even the old partly
WORKOUT plantations are now being worked
at profit. Some of the American com
panies which went in on a large scale four
years ago and which had rough financial
weather, are reported to be in smooth
waters at last.
One drawback to the sugar prospects is
the possible lack of field hands. Labor on
the plantations was not plentiful last sea-
son and it may be scarcer this season. The
number of laborers will not be less, but
there is a larger area Of cane under Guilt
walton and 1t is as with the western farm
ers at harvest time. When the cane has
to be cut too many plantations are cutting
it simultaneously. The capitalists who are
going into the sugar industry in Cuba
are just learning that they must take into
consideration the supply of labor as well
the productive qualities of the soil.
Scarcity Of Labor.
Some stimulus has been given to immi-
grafton, but there is yet no widespread
movement. The Cubans are opposed to the
introduction of large numbers of Chinese
coolies, and their opposition is based on
solid economic grounds. Spain continues to
send some of her people, though her trade
with Cuba is decreasing. Italy several months
ago entered into a general treaty which it
was thought would encourage immigration,
but there has been no general movement as
yet. Besides. the Italians are not accus-
toned to working In the cane fields, though
in Brazil they do very we'll on the coffee
plantations.
President Palma, in his message to Con-
gress, called special attention to the de-
STABILITY of encouraging family immigra-
ton. Back of this suggestion was an init
nation that some temporary means might
be adopted to secure labor for the crops of
the next twelve months.
The tobacco plantations are not so seri-
ously affected. The Canary islanders still
return home during the interval between
the crops. / have not heard that in Pinar
del Rio any serious dmtnution Of the labor
movement of former years has been felt,
though complaint is made of the high wages
that have to be paid.
This general information about the labor
scarcity is given for the benefit of those
who are not familiar with the conditions
terprises without full understanding of
the situation. 1t is temporary deficiency
and will not check the industrial progress
of the island, though for while it may be
a clog on the expansion of the agricultural
prosperity.
In the minor agricultural industries Amer
leans appear to be doing very well. The
Florida people, who were among the first TO
go to Cuba and plant orange groves, are
having fair measure of success. Many of
these enterprises were undertaken five or
six years ago, and the trees are now bear
ing. The orange industry Is an allurlng
one, but it has its limitations. New York.
err who was in Havana on other business
told me that when he returned he meant to
take a shotgun along to protect himself
from his fellow countrymen who wanted to
sell him orange groves. He declared that
there was a phalanx of these men, and no
body could run the gauntlet unarmed.
Warning Against Extravaganza.
The fiscal situation is pretty satisfactory,
though President Palma has found it nee
essary to sound a warning for economy.
His opponents charge him with parsimony.
The new flag and appropriation has
about the same effect in Cuba that the old
flag and an appropriation has in the
United States. Everybody is in favor of
public works. Few navigable rivers exist,
but there are harbors to improve and these
call for heavy expenditures. Road-build-
ing Is OF genuine Importance, ana the Gu
ban congressman who expects to be re-
elected makes a great point of securing the
largest amount possible for his district.
This year s2,000000 is estimated for public
works roads and bridges.
BY the next fiscal year the probability is
, that the Cuban budget will be $20.000,00O,
as against $4,000, 600 at present. The island
can stand this, and possibly little more,
yet when it gets to making annual appro-
priations of s20OO0OO0 there will not be
much prospect of a surplus in the treasury.
The pride Of President Palma's admins
tration has been the surplus.
The regular budget does not provide for
the taxes to meet the interest on the war
| loan of $35.OO0,OO0. That comes from spe-
| cial taxes, and when the refunding opera
lions begin an additional tax. though a
| light one, on exported cigars and sugar is
| to go into effect. Now the veterans are
| demanding settlement of their claims in
| full, and another loan of $I0,0O0,O00 to $15,-
| 600 600 is proposed. 1t is getting to be like