THECUBAREVIEW 17 



CIENFUEGOS 



By Consul Richard M. Bartleman. 



That conditions in Europe affected in no Mttle measure the economic welfare of Cuba is 

 demonstrated by the results upon its most important staple of export; in fact, it is not an exag- 

 geration to say that the war is the salvation of the Cuban sugar industry. For several years the 

 sugar market had been demoralized, and the low prices and accumulating debts had brought 

 about a general feeling of discouragement throughout the island. But with ths usual demand 

 coincident to the war, prices advanced with sales closing at unusually high figures, and old 

 debts, including mortgages, were canceled or greatly reduced. The amount of capital added to 

 that previously employed is difficult to state, as, with but few exceptions, the sugar estates in 

 Cienfuegos district are owned or controlled by private individuals or companies other than 

 corporations; yet, that never in the history of the district have there been such extensive 

 improvements well merits belief. 



Molasses continues a commodity of profit instead of waste as formerly, several hundred 

 per cent advance in price placing it in the list as a most profitable by-product. Alcohol, also 

 a by-product of cane, is likewise handled to greater profit than previously, but the supply is 

 only sufficient for the local demand. 



Tobacco of a superior quality was formerly grown to quite an extent in the Manicaragua 

 section of this district, but the cutting off of markets for the inferior grades by the war, and the 

 losses experienced through unseasonable heavy rains, occasioning absolute ruin to seedlings 

 and young plants, brought about the determination of many to plant their lands to cane, 

 which, through extension of lines of the Cuban Central Railway, can now find a market at the 

 mill. It can, therefore, be readily appreciated that sugar and its by-products are the articles 

 of greater consideration, the quantities and values of lumber, honey, hides, wax, etc., being 

 limited and of minor importance. 



Present and Future Supplies oj Stocks — Mail Orders. 



The quantity of imported goods on hand remains about the same, though, if a difference 

 is found, it will be slightly less rather than greater, as only small orders have been placed 

 in the United States for the articles formerly purchased in Europe. 



Whether justified or not there is a growing feeling of apprehension in respect to the future 

 markets from which to replace the necessities of business, and even now complaints are heard 

 of failures of shipment of orders long overdue, all of which are occcasioning no little concern. 



Figures received from the custom house authorities show a continued increase in the 

 volume of business conducted through the mails, and there is no doubt that it would be even 

 greater by the introduction and attending conveniences of a parcel-post agreement between 

 the United States and Cuba. 



Municipal Improvements — Sanitation — Opening J or Hotel. 



Practically nothing has been attempted in connection with improving the streets, nor in 

 the extension of the sewer or drainage systems, which are wholly inadequate to carry off the 

 water falling during the torrential rains so frequent throughout the wet season. These rains 

 are so wearing on the surface of the streets that the ordinary macadam pavement as placed 

 here is but short lived; nothing but brick, stone, or asphalt will withstand the flow of water, 

 especially in the hilly sections. 



The streets of the City of Cienfuegos are maintained in a clean condition considering their 

 present state, and statistics indicate an activity in guarding the public health. 



'f. There can be no question of the necessity of a modern hotel furnishing up-to-date service 

 as the city is deficient in this respect. Should a modern one be built and conducted with the 

 care and attention exercised in the better holsteleries in the United States, with the same com- 

 forts and conveniences, there can be no question of it proving a success. 

 Imports and Exports — Distribution oj Trade. 



During 1915 merchandise valued at .$7,945,058 was imported through this part, being an 

 increase of $1,563,307 over 1914; that from the United States was valued at $4,728,067, which 

 was an increase of $973,106 for the same period. 



