EB “CU BAS SRB Vel EW iff 
GOVERNMENT SENDS EMISSARIES TO PRESIDENT-ELECT HARDING'S INAUGURA- 
TION: President Menocal has designated the Minister of Cuba in Argentina, Sr. Calde- 
ron; the Minister of Cuba in the United States, Sr. de Cespedes, and the Cuban 
Secretary-of War and Navy, General Marti, to represent the Government of Cuba at 
the inauguration of Warren G. Harding as President of the United States. Due to 
their pressing duties in Cuba, neither Sr. Desvernine, Secretary of State, nor Sr. 
Hernandez, Secretary of the Interior, could serve on this commission. 
FIRES IN CANE FIELDS: ‘There have been numerous fires in the sugar cane fields 
throughout the Island. Among the most recent ones were “El Crisol” Colony, which 
grinds for two large centrals, “Jatibonico” and ‘‘Algodones.” The losses were at 
first estimated at about 8,000,000 arrobas, while later reports are to the effect that 
only 4,000,000 arrobas cane were burnt. 
NEW SAND COMPANY ORGANIZED: A company, at the head of which are Sr. 
Gustavo Gutierrez and Sr. Eliseo Cartaya, has recently been organized under the name 
of Compafiia Arenera Nacional (National Sand Company) with a capital of $100,000.00. 
RETAIL PRICE OF FISH CONTINUES HIGH: Considerable complaint is being 
heard on account of the high retail prices being charged by dealers in Havana for 
fish of all kinds. It is stated that while at first it was thought that this was primarily 
due to the high prices demanded by the fishing companies, such is not now the case. 
The fishing companies allege that they sell their product to the dealers and fish stands 
at 17 cents per pound, while the cost to themselves is 15 cents per pound. This leaves 
them only a small margin of profit. particularly when it is considered that large 
uantities of fish are daily thrown out on account of lack of adequate space on the 
fishing boats. The dealers instead of lowering their prices to the public continue 
to charge 30, 40 and even 50 cents per pound. It is claimed that a certain inferior 
kind of fish which is being brought over in large quantities from Key West, where 
it retails at 5 cents per pound, is sold in Havana at 20 cents per pound. 
CARNIVAL SEASON: The yearly Carnival, which has always proven so interesting” 
to American tourists to Cuba and which extends through the Lenten season, is in. 
full force and seems to be gayer this year than for some years past. Many beautifully 
decorated floats filled with merry-makers filed through the principal streets and. 
Havana has been given over to days and evenings of frolic and fun for the past three- 
weeks. As is the usual custom, a Queen of the Carnival, together with her Maids: 
of Honor, were chosen from among the Cuban working girls and her Majesty has 
been feted and banqueted in royal fashion. 
GRITO DE BAIRE CELEBRATED: The annual National holiday set aside for cele- 
brating the “Grito de Baire,” which marks the beginning of the last war waged by 
Cuba for her independence from Spain, was celebrated on February 24th throughout 
the Island. Patriotic meetings were held and the day was made a gala day at 
Oriental Park, where horse racing is maintained during the winter and spring season. 
The “Grito de Baire” is one of the Cuban holidays similar to the Fourth of July in 
the United States and means much to the Cuban people since it marks the beginning 
of the last effort, which was successful, in gaining their freedom from the Government 
of Spain. 
WINTER TOURISTS: The mild winter experienced in the North this year has had 
its effect in Cuba and we are constrained te believe that the number of tourists visiting 
the Island this year is somewhat less than last year, although the hotels are well 
filled at this time. Many tourists this year have availed themselves of the tourist 
agencies in the United States, which bring to Havana personally conducted tours 
fouching at other points in the West Indies, and we have noticed a decided increase 
