THE CUBA K i; V I i: W 



11 





View of the driveway connecting Havana and Vedado, showing huge portions of the new concrete 

 seawall, broken up by the waves during the storm. These ruins of the seawall were carried entirely 

 across the new boulevard now being constructed along the seawall, then over the double street-car 

 tracks and were finally deposited in the middle of .the roadway at the foot of Santa Clara Battery, as 

 shown. The blocks were so large and heavy that it was necessary to blast them into smaller sections 

 for removal. The rough slabs in the foreground are pieces of the concrete base of the new boulevard 

 mentioned above. (Photo by Harris Bros., Havana.) 



stock in general. The Prado was flooded about half way up to Central Park, al- 

 though the water did aol reach the depth it did several years ago, when, in order to 

 rescue the residents of that thoroughfare, it was necessary to resorl to boats. 



The flood caused the deaths of several persons, some being due to carelessness 

 on their pari in venturing into the dangerous sections of the flooded district and 

 being swept off their feet by the incoming waves. Contributions to relieve the suf- 

 ferers were made on behalf of the Rotary Club of Havana. Cuban Red Cross and 

 other charitable organizations. 



No damage was reported to shipping in Havana, but as a result of the cyclone 

 the Spanish steamer "Valbanera" of the Pinillos Line, coming from Spain via San- 

 tiago de Cuba, was caughl by the storm when Hearing this port on September 9th. 

 No trace was found of the vessel, although various searching parties were sent out, 

 until September 13th, when investigators from Key West located the steamer com- 

 pletely submerged in water near Half Moon key to the westward of Key West. A 

 complete investigation of the wreck has not yet been made, but so far no traces 

 whatever have been found either of the passengers or cargo of the ill-fated vessel, 

 which appears to be practically broken in two. 



Several American steamers, both freight and passenger, were either wrecked or 



damaged by the stor If the Florida coasl and some boats from Gulf ports to Cuba 



are still missing at this writing. 



PRICE REGULATION: In our report of the last month we referred to the decree 



issued by President Menocal fixing the amount of protit which could be charged by 

 merchants for their merchandise and also compelling them to posl In their places 

 of business a list showing the current prices. We mentioned also that considerable 

 pressure was being broughl to bear to secure a modification of this law. 



Since then commissions representing business interests of Havana have con- 

 tinued to use their endeavors in tbis direct inn, and it is now being proposed by them 

 that the decree be completely annulled and that a new basis for regulating prices 

 be put into effect. However, no definite agreemenl has as yet been reached in this 

 connection between the Government and business interests. 



