Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-11


the danger Of malaria and prevent future
damage from foods. 1t is very impor-
tant work.
Increase in Havana's Wealth.
Gov. Emilio Nunez of the province of
Havana tells me that the city has increased
about 10000 in population during the seven
years since the republic was organized
The increase consists chiefly of working
people from the Canary Islands, Galagos
Galaca and other parts of Spain.
Capital has increased much more rapid
ly than popula ton" said Gov Nunez.
Wealth has increased at least 30 per cent
by the establishment of new enterprises
with foreign capital such as banks, manu-
factories, glass works, street car COM
panies, railroads. and other public improve
ments. The increase in the taxable value
of property has been 100 per cent and
city lots which We're formerly unstable
are now worth $1,000 and $4,000 In the
fashionable quarters and in the immediate
suburbs that are now accessible by the
street car lines the advance of values has
been 500 and 600 per cent, while business
property in the city has advanced about
100 per cent since independence.
Our railway facilities have been in
creased three or four times, shipping
facilities have been very much enlarged.
Both sugar and tobacco plantations and
cattle ranches have been extended in
very remarkable manner. In Camaguey.
where there were no plantations before
the war of independence, there has been
wonderful development. The cattle In
dustry has developed so fast that the price
of animals has run down and our ranch
men are now demanding a duty to protect
them from Texas cattle and other imports
from the United States. great many
new tobacco plantations have been started,
but perhaps the most rapid agricultural de-
velopment has been i'll fruit, in orange
groves and pineapple farms. chiefly by
Americans. There are several very pros
perous American colonies in the central and
,,,1 MT
more of them.
EVERY class of people and the public in
general have enjoyed the benefits of these
developments and the increase in the value
of property. Cuba is very elastic NO sec
lion of the world RECEIVERS so easily from
disaster because of the fertility of the soil
and the enterprise and courage of the peo-
pie But we must have peace II the present
prosperity is to continue. If the present
government can be made permanent Cupa
will show extraordinary progress.
If we can be assured of permanent peace
under the strong hand of the United states
millions of dollars which are now awaiting
will be added to the wealth or
the island, but long as our future IS
uncertain capitalists will hesitate and hoid
off All they need is an assurance from
the government of the United states mat
revolutions will not be permitted here In
the future and a promise from your Presl-
dent that he will sustain the constitutional
government against any attempts that may
be made to overthrow it. If that can De
done, if property and capital receive an as
surance of security, Cuba Will see mar
velous improvements Five years of per-
feet peace will make this island the most
prosperous spot in the world.
president Palma was very conservative.
He was not progressive. He gave all his
attention to the minor details of his office,
and did not take a broad view of things.
He did not get close TO the people, and the
improvements which. were undertaken by
the military government were not COM
that Col Black has resumed operations
and that they are going forward with
great energy and in most gratifying man
ner all over the island.
Contingent on Peace.
Several very important public improve
ments are contemplated provided We have
peace. Plans are now under consideration
for new post Office building that will
cost half a million dollars and Is very badly
needed; also for new building for the
house of representatives at the same cost.
Several American syndicates are contem-
plating the erection of modern hotels,
which are very much needed. Sir William
Van Horne president Of the Cuba rail-
road has offered 100000 for the old jail,
which occupies the most favorable site for
hotel in the entire city. Although the
title is somewhat complicated by q Joint
ownership of the insular government, the
province and the municipality, 1 think an
arrangement may soon be reached. An
other American syndicate has offered a
million dollars for our orphan asylum,
which also occupies a very desirable loca-
ton. but 1t Is a private institution, founded
by legacies, and the trustees will not sell
for that money. They do not think 1t is
enough, but l hope and expect that the