10 THE CUBA REVILW 
railways. This resulted in a refusal on the part of the carpenters and caulkers to accede 
to the acceptance of the reduction. The shipping interests contended that since the 
cost of living has been reduced throughout the Island, labor should accept a reduction 
of about 25%, and especially in view of the fact that the same class of laborers are 
employed in other ports of the Island at smaller wages than are paid here in Havana. 
The strike of the carpenters and caulkers is well organized but since there is a 
tremendous surplus of labor (at present unemployed) in Cuba and especially in Havana, 
it is deemed that the strikers will eventually find it convenient to accept the reduced 
wage and return to their employment. 
The attitude of organized labor at the present time in Cuba is very distressing and 
annoying. The laborers are not even willing to compromise the reduction in wages 
offered, but hold out absolutely for the full scale. When it is realized that labor leaders 
are petitioning the Cuban Government to put a ban on immigration for the present on 
account of the surplus of 40,000 laborers on the Island, we cannot conceive how organ- 
ized labor can maintain its position that the extremely high wages paid labor at present 
can continue. The outcome of the present strike is awaited with much interest, but the 
feeling prevails that if the shipping interests maintain a firm attitude in the stand which 
they have taken, the strikers will be compelled to accept a reduction in wages, thereby 
permitting the shipping interests to operate more economically and inaugurate reductions 
in the present rates which are charged in the bay of Havana for the performance of 
lighterage, etc. 
During the month the union employees of the Cuban Portland Cement Company 
at Mariel declared a boycott against the company because the company found it neces- 
sary on account of the moratorium to reduce the working force. The lack of work on 
account of present conditions seemed to carry no weight with the strikers, their main 
objective being to remain on the payroll. Inasmuch as the moratorium has caused the 
suspension of many contemplated building operations on the Island, the question of 
efficiency of employees is considered when the weeding-out process is made. The boycott, 
however, is proving ineffective, as the company is going right along with its plans for 
an enlargement of the plant. 
PouiticaL Struation: Although General Jose Miguel Gomez, former president of 
Cuba and Liberal Candidate this election for president, made a special trip to Washington, 
D. C., to protest against the elections held in Cuba and particularly against the National 
League Candidate’s victory, the American Government, after carefully weighing the 
evidence produced, has decided that the election was fairly conducted and that Dr. 
Alfredo Zayas was legally elected to the presidency and General Francisco Carrillo was 
elected vice-president. Great preparations are now under way for the inauguration. 
A large banquet is now being arranged to be held at the new home of the “Jai Alai,”’ 
where it is expected that the greatest gathering that has ever taken place under one roof 
in Cuba will be held and at this banquet it is hoped that a reconciliation of all parties 
will be effected. 
INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE ‘SERVICE INAUGURATED: Possibly the greatest 
advancement in modern engineering development was accomplished during April 1921, 
when the international telephone system was finally established between the United 
States of America and the Island of Cuba. A submarine telephone line was laid between 
Key West, Fla., and Havana, Cuba, and on April 11th the President of the United 
States and the President of Cuba held telephone conversation between Havana and 
Washington, exchanging greetings and felicitations of good will. Other points in North 
America were connected as well at the same time. A splendid banquet was arranged at 
the general offices of the Cuban Telephone Company on April 11th to celebrate the 
inauguration of this wonderful accomplishment. President Menocal and his entire 
cabinet were assembled, as well as the diplomatic corps and hundreds of invited guests 
to “listen in” on these conversations, which were the longest ever held. 
Promptly at 5:00 p.m. on April 11th, the telephone on the desk in front of President 
Menocal was called from Washington, D. C., and answered by Mr. Sosthenes Behn, 
