22 THECUBAREVIEW 



THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY OF CUBA 



The report of the Association of Manufacturers of Cigars and Cigarettes of tlie Island of 

 Cuba for the fiscal year 1914-15 says: 



"The year ending June 30 last, the twenty-eighth of the existence of the association, has 

 truly been a most dreadful one for the tobacco industry of Cu})a. The disastrous effects of the 

 war in which the majority of the nations of Europe are involved are reflected even here in the 

 tobacco industry of Cuba, which was already greatly depressed at the l)eginning of the war. The 

 exi)ortation of cigars and cigarettes for the year referred to was 102,818,692 cigars, valued at 

 $7,269,109, and r2,C34,353 packages of cigarettes, valued at $366,012, representing a 

 decrease in the value of cigar exports of $5,291,257 and of cigarette exports of $154,448, as 

 compared with the previous fiscal year. The natural result has been such a limitation in the 

 manufacture of tol)acco that many factories have been compelled to close entirely, and 

 others have been obliged to cut their forces to the minimum." 



Many formerly prosperous towns in the celebrated tobacco districts of Vuelta Abajo and 

 Partido have been in an unfortunate condition during the past year, it being a source of sur- 

 prise to the average observer that they have ])een able to exist. 



Measures Designed to Alleviate Situation. 



At the outbreak of the European war the Cul:)an Congress adopted measures — such as the 

 exjjort bounty and maritime insurance against casualties due to the war — which, it was hoped, 

 might in some measure alleviate the situation in the tobacco industry. It was not possible, 

 however, to realize any l^enefit from the bounty, since the import tariff law of the United States, 

 as well as that of other countries, provides that an additional duty equivalent to the bounty be 

 collected on all imported articles that have been subject to such bountj' or grant in the country 

 of their origin. The maritime insurance, it is stated, has not been taken advantage of because 

 of difficulties, which are deemed insurmountable, in connection therewith. 



Congress also voted an appropriation of $500,000 for alleviating the condition of the 

 lal)orers in this industry, and free railroad transportation was provided from the tobacco dis- 

 tricts to districts where there was great activity in the planting and harvesting of cane. These 

 measures, while relieving the situation of the people, did nothing to promote the welfare of the 

 industry, and representatives of the Association of Cigar and Cigarette Manufacturers have 

 been very active in urging a new reciprocity treaty with the United States, a modus vivendi 

 with Spain, and treaties with some of the South American Republics, which would jjrovide 

 advantages for the tobacco of Cuba. 



Growei'S Should Organize to Further Interests. 



It seems, however, that it would be possil)le for the tobacco growers of Cuba to adopt 

 measures which would be of far greater value to them, and to the manufacturers, than even 

 reductions in foreign tariffs. For instance, if the growers in the various districts would organize 

 u])on the same basis as that of agricultural associations in other countries, provide for the 

 selection and grading of their own tobacco, purchase necessary supplies (such as cheesecloth 

 for shade, chemical fertilizers, etc.), and even conduct their own stores, they might effect a 

 saving to themselves of probably not less than 50%. As it is, they are forced to borrow money 

 at exorbitant rates of interest to finance their crops, and to pay excessive prices for all materials 

 and supplies, incHiding store supplies that are usually furnished on credit by the nearest Span- 

 ish bodega, or country store, at prices out of all proportion to the value of the merchandise. 

 The result of this system is apparent. 

 Little Effort to Raise Other Crops — Effect of Adverse Conditions. 



Further, there has been little attempt on the part of the tobacco planter to grow fruits and 

 vegetables for his own use and for feeding his animals. This year there has been a well dii-ected 

 effort on the part of the Cuban Department of Agriculture to instruct and encourage the 

 tobacco planter in growing crops, such as corn, potatoes and vegetables for his own needs and 

 for the local market. Competent agents have been sent into the tol^acco districts with modern 

 farm machinery to instruct the farmers in the best methods of corn culture, vegetable growing 

 and general farming. 



