THE CUBA REVIEW 



17 



Santiago. 



Among the principal improvements may be mentioned several in the suburb "\^ista Alegra, 

 which include the new theater built by the street railway company at a cost of about $40,000. 

 The company has also spent S75,000 in other improvements on the park in which the theater 

 is located and is about to construct a first-class cafe to cost in the neighborhood of $25,000. The 

 company, which also owns the gi'eater part of this suburb, has awarded the contract for 50,000 

 square meters of paving, has spent $35,000 in building small but attractive residences, and is 

 contemplating building 100 more at a cost of at least $5,000 each. 



Among the important improvements in Santiago may be mentioned a large modern steel 

 warehouse for storing sugar that cost $100,000. Two new hotels, one a five-story building 

 of reinforced concrete that cost $70,000, and a smaller one costing $35,000. Among other 

 buildings completed diu-ing 1915 were the new courthouse f$SO,000; and two warehouses that 

 cost $60,000 each. 



In Santiago there are located establishments for the manufacture of beer, ice, mosaics, 

 bricks, cigars, matches, macaroni, candles and soap, besides two foundries, machine shops, and 

 two planing mills. 



The General Government was active during 1915 in the construction of new schoolhouses 

 and public highways, and new work in the Province is under way which, when completed, will 

 cost in the neighborhood of $1,000,000. 



The receipts of the tramways in 1915 were $222,479, an increase of $6,215 over the year 

 1914. The receipts for the Electric Light Co. amounted to $242,927, an increase of 10,6S3 

 over 1914. The Electric Light Co. purchased considerable construction material in the United 

 States during the year. 



Extension and Retention of Trade. 



The various commercial and industrial possibilities of Cuba have caused the investment 

 of considerable American capital in the island recently. Quite a number of the largest and best 

 known sugar plantations and mills in this district have been purchased at large figures, and 

 considerable virgin land has been acquired for immediate development. Many new improve- 

 ments are contemplated and others are under way, and those interested seem to be working in a 

 systematic and economical manner, thus preparing themselves to meet such conditions after 

 the war as may result in any decrease in the price of sugar. 



The general export and import trade of the United States with Cuba has been constantly 

 increasing. Since the war many commodities formerly imported from Eiu-ope have been ciu-- 

 tailed, and some have been stopped altogether. It is hoped that such articles as have been re- 



