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10 THE CUBA REVIEW 
estimated that these improvements will involve an outlay of some thirty to forty million 
dollars, but as a large portion of this expense will be borne by the various provinces 
affected, it will not be necessary for the Government to float a bond issue to secure funds. 
If this work is undertaken at this time when there are so many thousands of men out of 
employment it will assist materially in reducing the number of unemployed. 
Among the recommendations of the President in his first message to congress was the 
passage of a measure seeking to eliminate the spreading of reports or propaganda tending 
to undermine public confidence in financial or other public institutions. Considering 
the vicious attacks which have been made by certain newspapers of late against even 
such strong institutions as the National City Bank of New York and the Royal Bank of 
Canada, causing slight flurries from time to time and tending to increase the lack of 
confidence which the people as a whole have in banking institutions all over the Island, 
this measure, if passed, will prove of great assistance in restoring confidence. 
DeatH or GeneraL José Micuet Gomez: The entire country was profoundly 
shocked upon receiving the news of the sudden death of former President General José 
Miguel Gomez in New York on Monday, June 13th. The Government immediately 
ordered that all places of public amusement be closed; that all flags be placed at half 
mast, and decreed that the nation be in mourning for ten days as a mark of respect to the 
memory of General Gomez. 
“Joss Miguel,” as he was popularly known to his fellow countrymen, was held in 
deep esteem by the majority of the Cuban people, and lived a life in which reverses were 
mingled with glory. While quite young he enlisted in the cause of Cuban liberty and 
was an outstanding figure in the successful campaign for liberty which Cuba waged against 
the tyranny of Spain, finally rising to the rank of Major General. He was not only 
a skilled politician but a shrewd diplomat as well and during the administration of Goy- 
ernor-General Magoon, whom President Taft appointed to administer the affairs of the 
Island after the second American intervention, the advice and counsel of General Gomez 
was frequently sought by Governor Magoon. At the election in 1908, General Gomez 
was the successful candidate and guided the destinies of the Republic successfully for 
four years. 
In the passing of General Gomez, Cuba loses the services of one of her strongest 
patriots and statesmen, a man who at times may have committed errors, it is true, but 
whose patriotism and zeal and love for his native land has never been questioned even 
by his most bitter enemies. 
The funeral, which was held on Sunday, June 19th, was the largest ever witnessed 
in Cuba, being attended by at least 25,000 persons. The floral display was magnificent, 
hundreds of handsome wreaths being sent by the many friends and admirers of General 
Gomez. [Eighteen hearses were required to convey the flowers and wreaths to Colon 
Cemetery. 
Miuirary Forces Reviewep BY PresipentT: Shortly after taking office the com- 
bined army and naval forces were reviewed by President Zayas. This was one of the 
most notable military pageants ever seen in Havana. In addition to the President and 
his staff in the reviewing stand there were the various foreign diplomatic representatives 
and consuls; the American Minister to Cuba Hon. Boaz W. Long; General Crowder, 
representing the President of the United States, and the commanders of the U. S. 8S. 
“Niagara” and the “Libia,” an Italian battleship which arrived from Italy to participate 
in the inaugural ceremonies. The review furnished considerable favorable comment 
upon the completeness of equipment as well as the excellent training of the men. 
SEVERE StTorM In Eastern Portion or THE Istanp: One of the most severe 
rainstorms ever experienced in the eastern part of the Island occurred on June 2d, causing 
many thousands of dollars of property loss, submerging many miles of railroads and re- 
sulting in the complete cessation of those sugar centrals not already closed down. For- 
tunately, no lives were reported to have been lost. 
Emprre Day OBseRveD By British Resipents: Empire Day was celebrated here 
by the two leading organizations of Great Britain, namely, the British Club and the 
