The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-09-16
CUBA'S ORANGE CROP
AN INDUSTRY THAT IS GROWING
 IN THE ISLAND.
It Did Not Begin Until the War With Spain and JOO,000 Crates
 VIII Be Produced This

Washington, Sept. 15.--(Special.)-- Through the Bureau of Manufactures report has been made public from United States Consul Max J. Baehr, of Cienfuegos. on the orange crop of Cu- ba
 It Is conservatively estimated, he says, 500,000 crates will be Cuba's crop this year It will be the largest in the history of the island. Until a few years ago thousands of crates of or anges were brought to Cuba from Florida and California every year, but for the last three seasons our consul states these shipments have become less. and will probably cease entirely within another year.
 Orange culture on a scientific scale did not begin in Cuba until about eight or nine years ago. and may be considered in its infancy but 1t is pro- crossing rapidly, and even at this ear- ly stage is now in position to supply the local markets. The orange busi- nes on the island is controlled almost entirely by Americans
 It will be noted that Cuba did not begin to wake up as to the possibilities of orange cultivation until after the Spanlsh skirmish down on the island. which resulted in the over throw of the Spanish Government Since the Cubans set up government of their own, and which was first prac- ttcally under the supervision of the United States, for even though Palma was elected President he had to re- linquish his high office and the United States under the terms of the agree ment had to step in and prevent local disturbances which might have plung- ed tn. inhabitants into a civil war. Considerable industrial progress has been made.
 From all accounts Havana and most of the larger cities and towns on the island have also been improved in a sanitary way, and our people who go down there on pleasure tours dur ing the winter months say that the capital is becoming delightful place In which to pass few weeks.
 Much Money in Fruit.
 Men who know something about the fruit business declare that there is no estimating the amount of money to be made in the cultivation of or- anges. lemons, bananas and the like. But. of course. sugar and tobacco are the great crops of the island, and when order is thoroughly established it is the belief of those who have look ed into conditions that Cuba will be among the most productive islands of the earth
 Cuba has just about the same area as the island of Java, which has been practically since 1640 under Dutch rule. Cuba has a population of prob ably less than 100000, while Java has 3O.O00,000 or more according to the most reliable figures obtainable. The Government of Holland has been liberal in it's treatment of the inhab- itants of Java and there has been IT, tie or no trouble.
 William J. Bryan, in his trip around the world. wrote for the newspaper syndicate he represented a most inter- esting letter giving an idea of the prosperity and coptenement among the simple people of that far of Dutch possession.
 The understanding here is that the United States will withdraw from Cu- ba about February 1st. That seems to be the impression in government circles. and 1t is Known that some of the officials down there now are mak- Ing their arrangements to come home then. Many people have their doubts about the Cubans being yet ready to govern successfully the island. They fear that as soon as the United States pulls out fresh troubles will arise on account of the mongrel population and renewed agitation by their leaders who have been trying to press to the front, much to tho disgust and opposition of the Spaniards and the full blooded Gu bans of refinement and possessors of property.
 However, unless 1t is the purpose of the powers that be to annex the is- land.to this country it would seem that the correct policy is to carry out for while at least the agreement, and give the natives chance to prove whether or not they are capable of setting up permanent government
 The Isle of Pines.
 The status of the Isle of Pines will have to be settled definitely within the next twelve or eighteen months That island Is just about the size of Rhode Island. It is highly productive of fruits and vegetables. and Is dominat ed now and has been for the past eight years by people who have gone there from the United States.
 The Cuban Government has claimed that the island still belongs to it. But the late Senator Morgan, of Alabama. maintained stoutly to the day of his death that the Isle of Pines was ceded tc the United States in the Paris trea- ty by Spain just as Porto Rico and other islands were. For some cause a combination among the Republicans In the Senate would never permit this matter to come to a settlement.
 Senator Morgan was the staunch friend of the Americans who have in- vested their money in the Isle of Pines and their committee sent to
 5 'oH to ueIHdnd recognition used to make his committee room their hsadquarters. Senator Morgan, if he was unable to have the status of the isianc fixed managed to prevent any action which gave Cuba the right to dominate affairs in the Isle of Pines.
 It is said that the finest oranges and pineapples sent to our markets are grown on the island of Isle of Pines, The oranges are so solid and juicy that they are said to average about 95