16 



THE CUBA REVIEW 



r\ 



^ 



Lighthouse de las Colorados, Cienfuegos. 



Mail Orders — Merchandise in Stock. 



There is a steady increase reported in the volume of imports resulting from mail orders. 

 There is no doubt that a reciprocal parcel-post system would pvo\ e of inestimable -value to the 

 Cuban trade of the United States ana of great convenience to those m Cuba wishing to make 

 small purchases in the United States of articles not in stock here. 



According to information obtained from reliable sources, stocks are fully a? Ian e as prior 

 to the war, and in some hnes, of which footwear is one, greater volume of merchandise is carried. 

 The uncertainty and irregularity of replenishment, as well as the present era of prosperity, can 

 readily be accepted as sufficient warrant for the large stocks carried. 



Considering the uncertain conditions and circumstances in which general trade is found 

 at present and the diversity of opinions relative to the probable duration of hostilities, new busi- 

 ness ventures should be studied with care from ever> point of view obtainable. ]Sie\ ertheless, 

 with the prosperity now reigning in Cuba, ana especially in this district, a department store 

 conducted along lines of those m the United States should meet with success here. 



Banking — American Trade Methods. 



As a natural reflection of the pievailing prosperity, local banking institutions have im- 

 proved in every respect. There is reason to beheve that a representative institution of the 

 United States would not only prove a success, but would also be an influence toward an upward 

 movement of standards and efficiency, as viewed in the United States, attended with the degree 

 of piestige it might merit. 



In the Cienfuegos district the business of commercial houses m the United States is prac- 

 tically in the hands of foreigners, largely Spaniards. There is room for belief that lines in 

 competition with those of European countries may at the termination of the war fina little 

 resistance against the reversion of trade to pre-war channels, as there can be httle doubt that 

 able and fluent Spanish-speaking representatives of the European trade world will make every 

 effort to reclaim their losses. 



There are local merchants who regard with favor the more extended credits, four months 

 with interest as conceded by some foreign countries, and even a longer period as granted by 

 many European nations befoie the commencement of the war. Manufacturers and jobbers 

 in the United States sell on much shorter time; in fact, many accounts are balanced prior to 

 arrival of merchandise, which condition does not appeal to the merchant who desires to ex- 

 aimne the shipment. If, however, dispatches of merchandise prove true to order without 

 conflicts of agreement, the value of confidence and convenience will eventually outweigh any 

 sentiment long credits might engender. 



