The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1904-11-10
CONGRESS- .,
BEGINS IT'S WORK.
SESSION PROMISES TO DE MORE,
PEACEFUL THAN THE LAST. :,
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT
Questions of Finance, Sanitation and
Health Discussed-Congratu-
lates Republic on It's
Tranquility.

Tranquility.
Havana, Nov. S.-I1ae winter session
of congress opened Monday promising
ly. In sharp contrast to the rows and
disinclination to legislate which charac-
te1iZed the summer session, the mem
bers of the minority party occupied their
seats in full force. Nationalist leaders
have stated that it is not their intention
to pursue their former obstructive tao
tics. There were less than half a dozen
absentees in each house, and the pro-
ceedings were characterized by friend
illness.
In his message President Palma, after
a lengthy review of ,Se condition of the
republic, outlined leading matters re-
curing action by congress. The mes
sage made no reference to the political
situation. In mentioning the progress
that has been made in paying off the 50
per cent. of what is due the veterans, the
total amounting to S2S. soc, 900. President
Palma asked congress to decide in what
manner the remaining half should be
raised or to suggest other mode of set
Element.
President Palma's Message.
The president called %atteantion to the
fact that the Plat amendment would
not permit Cuba to incur debt unless the
ordinary receipts of the treasury were
sufficient to pay off the sinking fund and
interest. adding that as the present
sources above the ordinary expenses are
practically absorbed by the first loan.
Cuba cannot create a new loan except
throughincreasing taxes. The president
suggested that the difficulty might bo
pbviated by the creation of a perpetual
debt bearing interest at three per cent.
per annum, which the government could
be authorized to sink after rs years or to
liquidate sooner if the means became
available.
Question Of Sanitation.
President Palma called attention to
'Cuba's responsibility under the Plat
amendment for proper sanitation
throughout the island and stated that
the executive department must assume
general charge of all sanitation in Or
der to secure uniform and effective
results. Consequently congress should
appropriate sufficient money for that
purpose and authorize definite execu-
tive control thereof.
The president reported that health
conditions were as satisfactory as last
year, with the exception that there had
| hoor q ryp,hor IF ooe1c IF J;~hALo.;o
in certain localities in the province OF
Santiago, which disappeared as the re-
suit of special sanitary measures. The
mortality the past ten months in Ha-
vana district was 21.20 per thousand,
and throughout the island 1887. The
one case of yellow fever HAD been dis
posed of and that had not originated in
Cuba. The sanitary department, the
president said, is preparing new regu-
lations to be carried out under execu-
tive authority.
The Budget.
President Palma submitted the bud
get of expenses for next year, amount
ing to SIS, O0O, 900, of which he pro-
posed to devote 81, 800, 900 for the con-
struction of new roads and bridges.
The message stated that if the customs
revenues continue as heavy as at pres
ent the executive will ask $50, OO0, 900
for 1906. The special internal tax on
payment of the present loan now yields
1880, 900 annually, with a surplus of
81, 270, 900 above the amount needed.
If the export duty authorized to be
placed on sugar and cigars were also
enforced, it would yield upwards of
$500, 900 more. III view of the situation
in Cuba, President Palma asked for
an appropriation of s266, $50 to relieve
the financial difficulties Of the Van
Horne railroad, which penetrates the
heart of Cuba, and to place it upon a
sounder basis.
Country Is Tranquil.
President Palma congratulates con-
gress upon the country's tranquility,
which he attributes to the patriotism
and confidence of. the people in the
government, and which has attracted
an influx Of capital that is developing
Cuba's resources and industries,
The president compliments the mil
itary establishment and the various
government departments, especially re-
ferring to the public works, the state
and the educational departments. The
number Of schools has reached $500,
with 100000 pupils, IN increase for the
year of 10000 pupils. The agricultural
station, under the management of the
United States agricultural experts is
developing a high degree of useful.
ness.
The president urged the passage of
the pending bill fer the promotion of
the immigration of white laborers.
Their Plot Foilee.
Des Moines, a.. Nov. S.-Two men