The leader., 1904-11-12
PALMA REVIEWS
CUBAN AFFAIRS
Outlines Leading Matters Requiring
Attention of Congress.
THE ISLANDS RESPONSIBILITY
President Palma Also Alluded with
Pride to the St. Louis Worlds
Fair Gold Medal Awarded to
Cuba's Sanitary Department.


Havana, Nov. 8.-The winter session
Of congress opened Monday promising
ly. In sharp contrast to the rows and
disinclination to legislate which char
acterized the summer session, the
members of the minority party occu-
pied their seats in full force. Nation
alist leaders have said that it is not
their intention to pursue their former
obstructive tactics. There were less
than half dozen absentees in each
house, and the proceedings were char
acterized by friendliness.
In his message, President Palma, at
ter lengthy review of the condition
Of the republic, outlined the leading
matters requiring attention by con-
gress. The message made no reference
to the political situation. In mention
ing the progress that has been made in
paying off the so per cent. Of what
is due the veterans, the total amount
ing to $29,50O,000, President Palma
asked congress to decide in what man
ner the remaining half should be
raised or to suggest other mode Of
assessment. The president called at
tention to the fact that the Plat
amendment would not permit Cuba to
incur debt, unless the ordinary re-
ceipts of the treasury were sufficient to
pay off the sinking fund and interest
adding that as the present sources
above the ordinary expenses are prac-
tically absorbed by the first loan, Cuba
can not create new loan except
through increasing taxes. The presi'
dent suggested that the difficulty might
be obviated by the creation of a per-
petual debt-bearing interest at three
per cent. per annum, which the gov
eminent could be authorized to sinh
after % years, or to liquidate sooner il
the means became available.
Cuba's Responsibility.
President Palma called attention to
Cuba's responsibility under the Plat
amendment for proper sanitation
throughout the island, and stated
that the active department must
assume general charge Of all
sanitation in order to secure uni
form and effective results. Conse-
quently congress should appropriate
sufficient money for that purpose, and
authorize definite executive control
thereof. The president reported that
health conditions were as satisfactory
as last year, with the exception that
there had been number Of cases OF
diphtheria in certain localities in the
province of Santiago, which disap-
peared as the result of special sanitary
measures. The mortality the past ten
months in Havana district was 21.2C
per thousand, and throughout the isl
and 1857. One case of yellow fever
had been disposed of, and that had not
originated in Cuba. The sanitary de-
partment, the president said, is pre-.
pairing new regulations to be carried
out under executive authority.
President Palma alluded with pride
to the gold medal awarded by the
Louisiana Purchase exposition at st
Louis to Cuba's sanitary department.
Estimated Budget of Expenses.
President Palma estimated the
budget of expenses as amounting tc
$19 ,000, 900, of which he proposed tc
designate $2,500,00O for the construc.
ton of new roads and buildings. The
message stated that If the customs rev.
enues continue as heavy as at present
the executive will ask $40, 100000 fol
1906 The special internal tax on
liquors, matches, etc., levied for the
payment of the present loan, nov
yields s., 100000 annually, with sur.
plus of $1,27O,0O0 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.
President COngratuIates Congress.
President Palma congratulated con.
gress upon the <country's tranquility
which he attributes to the patriotism
and confidence of the people in thC
government, and which has attracted
an influx of capital that is developing
Cubas resources and industries.
The president complimented the mil.
itary establishment and the variou;
government departments especially re.
ferring to the public works, the state
and educational departments. The
number of schools has reached $500
with 10000 pupils, an increase for the
year of 10000 pupils. The agricultural
station, under the management Of
United States agricultural experts, is
developing high degree of usefulness.
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