The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-18
AMERICANS HAVE MADE
 HAVANA A CLEAN TOWN

tained ever since. At first, however (and, as well, during the centuries of Spanish domination in Cuba, this phrest of Wa ters flowed mainly through an open ditch, into which orained the sewerage of the suburbs, through other ditches. and polluted streams The inhabitants along the way not only took tribute of the water as 1t passed. but bathed themselves. their horses, and their cattle in it: while dead dogs and cats. and sometimes human corpses, were found floating therein Then massive aqueducts were constructed of the substantial masonry for which the Spaniards are famous, by which the city was partially supplied. Now, it is claimed there is an inexhaustible supply fer every purpose. Generally speaking, there is the risk to health in drinking the WA ter furnished in tropical cities but it. would seem that Havana must be coh- sidered an exception.
 With this abundant flow of purest water coursing through the mains permeating every dwelling of importance, flushing the sewers (sueh as they are), cleansing the streets and squares, and cooling the air, Havana has become in a sense re- generated and revivified. All the day long (with the exception of a few hours in the morning) a cool breeze from the sea sweeps over the city, while the nights are always cool and sweet. The spring showers have commenced, but they appear so regularly, in the afternoon only, that they may be scheduled. and their unpleas- ant consequences avoided.
 The greatest improvements the ante ballim visitor will notice are in the streets, squares and parks. The menace of yellow fever having been removed Ono death having been reported from this cause in many months), the visitor may abandon himself to the enjoyment af- forded in the city and its suburbs. The most prominent feature of Havana's rec raative system is, of course, the Prado, the strip of verdure which bisects the city. as it were, adorned with palms. statues music stands. and overflowing with a wealth of tropical vegetation. It was thought perfect many years ago; 1t certainly has nearly reached perfection since our engineers opened it out to the shore, and bestowed upon the Havanese the blessings of the 'Malacom," which overloolxs the harbor entrance, the Morio and the open sea. 'Reconstruido en 1902, Is the inscription on plate of bronze set up near the Central square, or "Parque Isabel" and 'reconstruido," renovated, regenerated might truthfuly be said of all parts of the city, touched by the magic wand of the farsighted, self-sacri- ficing "Americanos." Many of the sacri- fees made by Americans may have been (probably were) unintentional; but the fact remains that, while individual enter prises have failed, and personal endeavor has been inadequately rewarded, the Cubans have benefited from the push and energy of their neighbors from the Unit ed States The Americans here, many of them, feeling the heavy hand that in variably is laid upon the pioneer, what ever country he invades. Cuba, it must be remembered, is relatively new coun- try for foreign eploitation although set tied many years ago-more than a cen tury before the Pilgrim Fathers landed on Plymouth Rock. While, then, some en- terprises will succeed, many minor ven- lures will fall to the ground.