The Saint Paul globe., 1904-12-27
CUBA CLEANS UP And
PROTECTS AEICHBOR
Minister Quesada Says His
Country Is as Healthy as
the United States

WASHINGTON, d. c., Dec. 26-Senor
Quesada the Cuban minister in view OF
reports that yellow fever was beginning
again to obtain a foothold in Cuba and
that the Cuban government was not Wig
orously enforcing sanitary regulations, to-
night gave out the following statement:
"The rate of mortality In Cuba has
steadily decreased since the establishment
of the republic From official data the rate
of mortality for the last four months in
the district of Havana has been sas fol-
lows:
August, 1912; September, 1920; Octo-
Der, 1870; November, 1850 per 1000, and
for the whole island 1851, 15.45, 40
and IA, respectively. This compares most
favorably with the best showirgs of the
states of the Union and of the countries
of Europe and is due not only to our
splendid climate but to the conscientious
efforts of the central sanitary department
of Cuba.
There has been no epidemic of quar-
antinable diseases Yellow fever, small
pox, cholera and the plague have not de-
veloped in Cuba since the proclamation Of
the republic Neither of the cases of yell
low fever at Punta de Sal in October and
November was propagated beyond the
original cases.
Did Not Cause yellow Fever
s'It is true that owing to the financial
inability of certain municipalities, brought
about by the recent war and up to this year
to the low prices obtained by our staple
products, they have been unable to do
as5much as they would like for water
supply, street cleaning, pavement and
sewers, but in no wise has this caused
yellow fever, which has broken out in
on Of II Ia
ma has asked several times for large
sums for public improvements and to help
the municipalities and only a few days
ago an appropriation of 100000 for the
immediate use at his request was passed
by the house of representatives the SEN
ate amending the bill by increasing the
amount three fold and as soon as con-
gress reassembles in January there will
be ample means to attend to all sanitary
requirements
Cuba is nation governed by a con-
stitution and without action of congress,
no money can be disbursed by the eXecu-
tive Yet as evidence as to how anxious the
Inhabitants are to maintain the work of
sanitation the city of Guantanamo may
be cited. where week ago the people met
and subscribed several thousand dollars for
street cleaning, etc. The sanitary au-
thorities always have reported any sus-
them with the skill of recognized experts.
Quarantine for United States
Cuba today is the quarantine to a
great extent of this country. Over twenty
confirmed cases of yellow fever have
come to the island from other parts of
America. some in steamers bound for the
United States, and they have been prop
erly handled by the Cuban authorities.
Since the appearance of the two iso-
lated cases of yellow fever, a small hos
pital, sufficient for all needs, has been
made available in Santiago de Cuba for
any cases which may arise on shore
While the hospital at Cayoduan will be
reserved for any importan+-cases. Special
inspectors have been stationed at the diff
ferent mines. They will report daily
through the local sanitary Office the san
itary condition of these stations and two
medical inspectors will undertake the
medical and sanitary inspection of all the
houses of Santiago de Cuba.
'Dr. Nelson himself says that sporadic
cases are likely to occur. There is no
sanitation known which can prevent such
cases.
Vaccination has been used for years
and still under the best conditions there
is, smallpox. 1t would be unfair because
there were cases of yellow fever in Texas
this year or cases of smallpox in many
cities of the Union, or deaths from fe-
Yer in Panama since the Americans have
been in the isthnsus, to blame the excel
lent sanitary conditions established and
maintained by American health officers.
Does Its Full Duty
1.-THE utmost that can be, expected of
any country is that it sees that its SAN
itary conditions are not a menace to it's
neighbors and that if quarantinable dis
eases should appear proper precautions
be taken to prevent their becoming epi-
demic and reaching other countries to
their detriment.
'1The government of Cuba is doing it's
full duty in the matter and intends to
continue improving the sanitary condi-
tions of the smaller as well as the larger
towns, which can now be compared with
out any disadvantage with those of any
other country. Cuba thus far has shown
that it is protecting it's neighbors Efficient
ly and that its sanitary officers are fully
able to meet any emergency and court
any scientific investigation carried on in
good faith