THE CUBA REVIEW 



Havana Correspondence 



Havana, January 12, 1923. 



Sugar: The 1923 zafra has started under the most favorable auspices of any since 

 1920. At this writing there are 105 mills grinding, with a number of additional centrals 

 starting every day, and while, of course, it is rather early to make any definite pre- 

 dictions as to the ultimate success of the present season, owing to numerous unforeseen 

 factors, such as prices, weather conditions, and labor, it is the general belief of those 

 closely identified with the sugar industry that this season will pave the way for an 

 early return to prewar conditions. 



Probably one of the most trying problems now confronting the industry is the 

 labor question. Due to a ruling put into effect by the Department of Sanitation result- 

 ing in a limitation of the usual inflow of cane cutters from Haiti and Santo Domingo, 

 there is imminent danger of a labor shortage, especially in the provinces of Oriente and 

 Camaguey, as both of these districts depend largely upon labor imported from the 

 countries named. Repeated protests have been made to the Secretary of Agriculture, 

 Commerce and Labor for a repeal of the ruling, but so far without avail. 



It is not generally expected that the $50,000,000 loan recently secured will have 

 any direct bearing upon the sugar industry as a whole, but naturally the sugar interests 

 will reap the benefits along with the other industries as a result of the restoration of 

 confidence which the loan will insure. 



Financial Situation: Aside from a general tone of increasing confidence in the 

 future, there is little, if any, noticeable change in the financial situation. It is believed 

 that the loan, after it has been secured and distributed, will be of great help resulting, 

 as it no doubt will, in an increase of money in circulation which naturally will be reflected 

 in an increased demand for the various classes of goods. This factor, together with the 

 very favorable outlook for the sugar crop during the coming season, will have a strong 

 tendency towards restoration of normal conditions. 



The Bank Liquidation Committee has as yet failed to report the result of their 

 findings from the audit which has been in progress for several months. There has been 

 a rumor to the effect that the Banco Espafiol de la Isla de Cuba, one of the first banks 

 to close its doors, will pay a dividend to its preferred creditors, but just how much 

 this will be has not been stated. 



It has been stated that the Government expenses have been reduced 60 per cent 

 during the past year, under the guidance of the new Cabinet. 



President's Reception Well Attended: The Annual New Year's reception 

 by President and Mrs. Zayas at the Palace on New Year's afternoon was attended by 

 the members of the Cabinet, members of both branches of the Legislature, foreign 

 diplomats, and representatives of the various trade organizations. 



An address was delivered by Dr. Mariategui, dean of the diplomatic corps, which 

 was very graciously responded to by President Zayas. Among the numerous American 

 organizations represented were the American Club, American Chamber of Commerce, 

 Havana Camp of the United War Veterans, The American Legion and the pastors of 

 the Protestant churches of the city. 



American Red Cross Day at Exposition: American Red Cross Day at the In- 

 dustrial Exposition being held in Havana was well attended, and it is reported that a 

 large amount of money was secured with which to carry on the work of the institution 

 during the coming year. The committee in charge of the affair was composed of the 

 leading members of the American colony. 



Emory University Glee Club Pleases Havana Audience: The Emory Uni- 

 versity Glee Club of Atlanta, Ga., included a performance in Havana on New Year's 

 night to the delight of music lovers of the English-speaking colony. This organization 

 is conceded to be the best glee club in the South and has been making an extensive tour 

 of the section, receiving well deserved praise. 



