The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-03-08
GAULT TELLS OF TRIP.
Is Enthusiastic Exponent of Possible
ties in Tropical Islands.

One of the chief objects of my re-
cent visit to the Isle of Pines was to
see whether the island had developed
as much as l thought it would when
l was there eighteen months ago. When
was there before, there was one au-
tomobile on the island. There are now
seventy-two. The transportation facili-
ties have been increased about three
fold.
The hotel accommodations are about
four times as good as they were be-
fore 1 think the acreage now in
citrus fruits is about double what it
was eighteen months ago / found
many more people there than upon my
former visit. but this is partially ac-
counted for by the fact that many peo-
pie go there to spend the winter.
In this connection. it is interesting
to note that the summer climate is
really as attractive as the winter CHI
mate. Much money is being spent in
developing the island. The most ex-
tensive and attractive improvement
now in progress is that on the estate
known as San Francisco where Mr..
Swetlund, a Cleveland capitalist is
building a beautiful club house laying
out golf links and planting groves OF
citrus fruits.
These groves are being planted in
tracts of 100 acres each on the estate.
in each of which tracts, Mr.. Swetlund
has interested a number of his friends.
There are now four of these tracts in
excellent condition, and two other
tracts prepared for planting. He in
tends to put out ten tracts of 100 acres
each on the estate. The club house is
surrounded by beautiful building sites,
where the parties interested will build
cottages. The San Francisco tract is
Immediately south of Cuchilla Alta,
the tract in which Topeka parties are
interested.
One of the most attractive improve
ments on the island is being installed
by Mr.. ]. J. Conley for Mr.. S. B.
Rohrer of this city. He is building
very handsome cottage and his grounds
are very tastefully laid out. He has
planted a small orchard of grape fruit
and a small plat of pine apples, which
are looking very fine.
A telephone plant is being installed
so that in a short time all parts of the
island will have telephone connections.
Communication by wireless telegraphy
has been established. While on the is
tie girl had the mumps. The message
was sent from Topeka at IL O'Clock IN
the morning and 1 received it at Neuva
Garona at in the afternoon.
One of the things that impressed me
very much was the development of the
vegetable industry. When 1 was in the
Isle of Pines before. there were no
vegetables grown there at all. Now all
the vegetables used are home grown
I had at one meal new potatoes, fresh
pineapples, sliced tomatoes, head lettuce
and cabbage, all home grown. They
tell me there that vegetables grow in
the open just as they would here in
a hot house. 1t is now the dry season,
but the roads are the finest ever saw
and there is very little dust. The set
tiers seem to be prosperous and salts
fed There is a general feeling there.
that the Isle of Pines will become
great winter resort and I see no rea-
son why it should not be one of the
most attractive spots on earth for
winter homes. 1 think the Cuchlila
! Alta estate in which Mr.. S. B. Rohrer
and myself are interested is really the
choice of the island. both as to loca-
, ton and lay of the land. The resi-
dents of the Isle of Pines say that II
| it were not for the influence that
American rule would have in attract
| ing Americans to the island that they
would be entirely satisfied with the
government they are now under. To
all intents and purposes, they govern
themselves. The Isle of Pines has many
advantages over Florida. as a winter
resort, on account of the scenery and
uniform climate and a place to raise
| citrus fruits and vegetables. If the
present development continues. the is
| land will be one of the most attractive
spots on earth in a few years.