T H E CUBA R E V I E W 11 



of the striking labor elements now have under consideration what might be called 

 a union of their o\\-n throughout the Island to offset similar organizations of the 

 laborers. Also at the present time, as the A'olunteer forces in Havana have gotten 

 the worJc of taking shipments from the wharves well under way, non-union labor is 

 being solicited to take their place and it has been evident for some time that the 

 strikers have been playing a losing game. Also, in addition to the convicts previously 

 mentioned as helping in the bay work, the Government began last week to furnish 

 soldiers for this same purpose and there are now some 400 thus engaged. 



The striking unions, undoubtedly realizing that they were losing out, began last 

 week to actively solicit the co-operation of the other unions, with the result that on 

 January 23rd the workmen in the shops of the United Railways of Havana struck, 

 being immediately followed by the steam locomotive engineers and firemen, and there 

 have been no steam trains operated out of Havana since that date. The electric 

 locomotives and electric trains, however, are being continued, but these are operated 

 only on short runs and are liable to be discontinued also. To offset the absence of 

 trains, which affects not only freight and passengers but also holds up the forwarding 

 of sugar from the mills to shipping ports, the railroads gave permission to the sugar 

 mills to operate their own trains over the railroad tracks. It is reported the strikers 

 are also bringing considerable pressure to bear to get the employes of the street 

 railway company to join them and the railway employes have presented certain 

 demands to their company which they have given them until January 31st to answer. 



It seems to be apparent, in view of the stand taken by the striking labor elements 

 as well as becaiise of the duration of the present struggle, that they are receiving 

 assistance, financially and otherwise, from outside sources, and it is known that 

 Bolshevik elements as well as I. W. W. representatives are on the ground here for 

 the express purpose of inciting and maintaining strikes among the different labor 

 elements of the Island and in fact considerable numbers of them have already been 

 located and deported. Rumors are heard that endeavors are being made by certain 

 factions to force matters to such a state that the United States will be compelled to 

 step in with another intervention. Statements were also made that politics were 

 being played in connection with the strike situation, for the labor vote is here, as 

 elsewhere, a large and important one and presidential elections will be held here 

 next November, the same as in the North. As things stand today the strike may be 

 said to be no nearer an end than it was at the beginning, liut if it becomes evident 

 that employers and employes cannot reach a satisfactory agreement, the Government 

 is expected to intervene and lend its assistance by arbitration of the points at issue. 



VISIT OF ADMIRAL VISCOUNT JELLICOE: Lord Jellicoe, who was in com- 

 mand of the British fleet at the battle of Jutland, arrived here the fore part of this 

 month from the United States en route for South Africa, for which purpose his 

 ship, the battle cruiser "New Zealand," met him here. During his short stay he 

 was the recipient of many social honors on the part of the British colony and the 

 Cuban Government. 



INFLUENZA: In common with many American cities Havana is at present suf- 

 fering from an epidemic of influenza, which made itself noticeable about the first of the 

 year. As is also the case in the North, it is of a milder type than last year, and up 

 to the present the local health officials have issued no special regulations in con- 

 nection with the disease. 



NEW A3IERICAN MINISTER : The Hon. Boaz W. Long, whose arrival had 

 been expected for some time, reached Havana the fore part of this month and pre- 

 sented his credentials to the President on the Sth inst. The Legation building, which 

 is one of the few owned by the American Government, is undergoing repairs and it 

 is reported that after completion there -will be more social functions given by the 

 Minister than has lieen the case diu'ing recent years. 



