LAH © (WE BVA COR Ey IEW 11 
That a thorough investigation of the circumstances under which the banks were forced 
to liquidate would reveal some questionable banking practices has always been generally 
believed, and if prompt action is taken to avoid a recurrence of such practices in the fu- 
ture it will go a long way toward restoring the shaken confidence of the public in banking 
institutions. One of the problems in connection with the financial situation in Cuba 
today is the devising of some means of getting the millions of dollars which are being 
hoarded in private homes or in safe deposits into circulation again. 
PouiticAL Matrers: The energy and earnestness being displayed by the new 
Administration in attacking the various problems with which it is confronted is the sub- 
ject of much favorable comment. At the outset, President Zayas inaugurated the cus- 
tom of curtailing the enormous cost of government operation, and this practice is being 
continued with gratifying results. The outstanding feature of this policy is the remark- 
able economy effected in the annual budget, this appropriation having been reduced 
from $104,000,000 to approximately half that sum. 
In view of the decreased revenue being received by the Treasury, owing to the 
slump in imports during the past few months, new forms of taxation are under con- 
sideration to offset this loss of income. Several tentative measures are being considered. 
One of the most desired reforms which the President hopes to bring about at an early 
date is some solution tending to bring about a reduction in the cost of living, which has 
not as yet taken any appreciable decline. 
There is a marked spirit of cooperation existing between the administrative and the 
legislative branches of the government in the working out of much needed reforms, as 
well as in the solving of the financial and other problems. The confidence which the new 
President has inspired is an important factor in securing the political strength to carry 
these plans to a successful conclusion. 
Lasor: Reflection of the industrial stagnation through which the Island is passing 
may be observed in labor conditions, thousands of men being without employment and 
in a destitute condition in various parts of the Republic. Due to the inability of many 
of the smaller planters and colonia owners to meet their obligations, the workers in the 
cane fields have gone unpaid for months. Those who are able to do so are leaving the 
country to return to their native lands, the others are contenting themselves with roam- 
ing about the country, living on what meagre assistance they can obtain. It is stated 
that 20,000 Spaniards have already returned to their native country and thousands 
more are awaiting transportation. Many of them are without sufficient funds to pay 
their way and have to be sent back by the Spanish Consulate. Some time in the near 
future, some scheme for rendering assistance to the thousands of starving and destitute 
people will have to be found by the government. 
The much advertised strike on the Cuba Railroad which was to take place on July 
Ist failed to materialize, the employees having decided that under present conditions 
it would be wiser to stick to their jobs. Nothing is heard of further strike negotiations 
among these employees and it is thought peaceful conditions will prevail for quite a 
period, now that they have finally decided that the opportune days for promiscuous 
striking have passed. 
SratuE oF Former Presipent EsrrapaA PatMa UNVEILED: An impressive cere- 
mony was witnessed by a large crowd of people who gathered in Vedado to see the un- 
veiling, by President Zayas, of the magnificent statue erected at the foot of the Avenida 
de los Presidentes (formerly called G Street), to the memory of the first President of 
the Republic, Tomas Estrada Palma. Many distinguished and prominent citizens were 
present, together with the entire presidential staff. 
Lire Savine Corps at Marranao Bracu: Responding to a popular demand for 
protection at the bathing beach known as the Playa de Marianao, Havana’s most pop- 
ular bathing resort, a voluntary life saving corps of expert swimmers, recruited from 
the Red Cross and the Young Men’s Christian Association, have established a beach 
patrol and first aid station at the beach. As a few drownings and several narrow escapes 
had already been experienced before this organization was perfected, there is no ques- 
