Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-01-02
LETTER FROM CUBA.

A gentleman in Cuba writing 10 his
bfoGLer ia this city says: Something
over year bss marked the second oc-
cupatIon of Cubs nd the regime of the
Provisional Government established
by the United States. During that
time conditions, political and Industrial,
have been bettered, although there sre
many business men who will assure the
stranger that things, commercially. are
not yel to their liking. They point out
aud particularly is this true of conserva-
tive property owners--that the declared
intention of the United States to deliver
once more the reius of government into
the hands of the Cubsns means simply
the deferriug Of other pol tical disturb
snces, involving destruction of property,
this naturally having tendency to
frighten capital and clog the wheels of
commerce. One can hear almost any
kiad of opinion on the existing condi-
ton OF affairs, some being so radical IS
to hold that they are no better than un-
der the old Spanish rule.
y Aside from political aspi-
rants and their hosts of illiterate fol-
lovers, it is the writer's belief that
Ouba's annexation to the United States
or. as an alternative, United States
protectO!ate, would be welcome TO the
people at large. Ia any event, the
business people want and are clamoriug
for stable government, whether By
Cubsns, Spsnisrds or Americans, and
they feel that this, rs experience has
already taught, can only be secu ed by
absolute and permanent American con-
tro.
There are still, however, numerous
malconteuts n who are ready to fight for
public Office, under the guise of patriot
ism, and this scrsmblng for Office has
been the great curse OF the Cuban Re
public The pa'iye Cuban does not like
work, but he loves polite j intrigue,
ease and opportunities for graft. They
all want Office, suca rs will pay steady
salaries and exact from them little work
in return. There are many high-minded
Cubaus and, of course, this criticism
does not apply to all, bat it, unforlu-
nstely, seems to apply strongly to most
of those who were in the employ of the
now defunct Cuban Government.
The present government has appro-
priated large sums Of money for sanits-
ton and public improvements and al
ready considerable hes been accomplished
in these importsnt directions throughout
the island, notably around large centers
of population. The crying needs of the
country are good roads and modern aani-
tsry arrangements for the cities and
towns.
Some new roads have been opened up
by the Department of Public Works,
some Of the old ones improved and Others
have been designated for rebuilding.
Heretofore the sanitation of the
various cities and towns has been left
pretty much to the municipalities. This
work has now been taken over by the
general goverDment, and better health
conditions may be expected.
A complete census OF the island is now
being taken, said 10 immediately precede
contemplated election for Cuban gov
eminent officials, and the census report
Is expected soon to be out.
A very important branch of the gov
ernment is commission, appointed by
Governor Msgoon some time ago, COM
posed of both Americans and Cubsns of
ability, for the revision of the Cuban
laws. This commission has done and is
still doing a tremendous amount of work
and will doubtless receive credit for the
adjustment OF many old Spanish laws
aud the enacting Of those more practical
and just.
Business, especially railroad transport
tatioD, has been very much affected by
labor strikes, which, at one time, threat
ened to become general in most trades
throughout the island.
Within the last few years many tracts
of land in the suburbs of Havana have
been laid on into building lots, which
have been sold to great advantage TO
home-seekers. Some of this land is now
worth twenty times what 1t was worth
several years ago, aud the extensive
building operations going on have some
what relieved The congested condition in
the city. The extension of street cal
lines has made this possible. But even
these operations have been greatly
handicapped by striking masons.
Hotels are preparing for q rushing
tourist business the coming season. In
smuch IS the climate Of Cubs cannot bs
excelled anywhere during the months O
December, January, February and
March, Havana has justly becoms very
popuIOr as a winter resort.