Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-02-20
CUBA IS IN MIDST
OF BOOM PERIOD
Realty Values Soaring-Big
Tourist Traffic Brings
Much Wealth.

peciai Dispatch to Tho Star.

Special Dispatch to Tho Star.
NEW YORK, February 20.-Condi-
tions in Cuba are gradually producing
marked increase in the volume of
trade between the Antilles and the
United States Imports into Cuba from
the United States are running at the
rate of about SITS 10000 a year. This
is decided gain as compared with pre-
yious records.
Cuba is in the midst Of an undoubt-
ed real estate boom. This has been
caused primarily by the increase in
tourists business. which has grown ire
mendously in the last two years This
is not confined to Havana alone. The
territory surrounding that city Is grow
ing up into a residential district. the
value and beauty OF the structures in
which are not surpassed anywhere In
the world
One syndicate from the United States
recently bought tract II miles from
Havana. in the AlmandareZ district for
$4,000 and now Is expending much
more than that amount in its exploita-
ton as a residence district. State De-
partment officials are responsible for
The statement that the American en-
bassy shortly will be moved out into
the AlmanQareZ OlSTlCI.
Have Made Investments.
In the last few months, returned trav-
clers say. it has been almost impossible
to secure Accommodations unless they
we're reserved we'll in advance. AS was
the case with Florida, these visitors
have made investments as we'll as en-
loved vacations, and have done much
toward exploiting and developing the
natural resources Of the island and Its
trade potentialities.
During the last year the United States
sold and shipped to Cuba $3.50 10000
worth of goods, while 1t bought from
Cuba $242881 900 worth. This shows a
very healthy balance Of trade for Cuba
and also indicates that the larger por-
ton of the Cuban trade is going to the
United States. since the total imports
into Cuba amounted to $3.50 000. 900.
whereas the exports were 1901 100000.
A little over two years ago Cuba Dor.
rowed 100000. 900 for the improvement
of public works This was TO be paid
back at the rate of Sl5.000.000 a year.
The island Is now in such condition that
last year 1t paid far more than the re-
CURED sum and probably will reduce
It's debt by an even greater percentage
in the current year. These improve
ments. which include the building Of
breakwater along five miles Of one of
the beautiful ocean drives. have had
the enthusiastic support OF the Cuban
government. This support has also
been in fun evidence in the sanitary
and hygienic precautions now taken
throughout the island. The Cuban
health authorities point with pride to
the fact that the death rate per 900
has been reduced from IS under Span
! ish rule to l2.9 per cent at the present
! time.
Tourist Volume Grows.
The number of tourists entering the
country have grown from Al 900 in 1908
TO over $4,000 in 1927. This does not
| include immigrants who remain in Cuba
The entire islands population has in
creased from 1851 1866 in 1908 TO $685.
$40. and Havana's population can be
estimated. with its surrounding suburbs.
at over 100000
The Cuban government Is expected
to expend large sums in the extension
Of its railroads and highways in the
next few years. At present the island
has about $500 miles of public rail-
roads and about l.750 miles Of i'm
proved highways
The number OF American business
/ houses In the island has increased from
mere handful TO many hundreds. The
financing of much of the commercial
and public work developments In the
island undoubtedly will be accomplished
with American capital Close relation
snip Is maintained with Cuba through
the Federal Reserve Bank OF Atlanta
and through the Atlantic and Gulf
ports, especially Galveston, Houston and
New Orleans.