THE CUBA REVIEW 



boilers and the milling were introduced, but we are concerned here only with the matter 

 of electrification. 



The conservative nature of the Cuban mill owner makes the introduction of a new 

 idea slow. He wants to know of a successful installation operating under the same condi- 

 tions before he will order new appartus for his mill. Occasionally there will appear a 

 piogressive mill owner who is bold enough to venture on a new scheme and if successful 

 operation and satisfactory results are obtained the other proprietors follow as soon as 

 their resources will permit. This makes initial progress somewhat slow but none the less 

 sure. 



The first use made of electricity was in lighting the mills. The small amount of 

 power required, the low voltage for the short distances, and the cost of the lighting unit 

 dictated direct current. It was thus found possible to install a few motors for driving 

 machinery or pumps at points too far distant to extend the steam lines. The convenience 

 and ease of installing and operating electric motors soon became apparent and at some 

 mills the power plants were extended to include a considerable portion of the power drives. 



It was eventually found, however, that the direct current motor gave trouble under 

 conditions of moisture, dust and the generally severe operation encountered in a raw 

 sugar mill, a more reliable and less troublesome system of electric power was sought. 

 This led to the introduction of the alternating current system which has since become 

 practically standard. 



The cost of the control equipment and power wiring is less for high voltages, but, 

 on the other hand, the danger to the operator and the chances for electrical failures are 

 greater so that a compromise voltage was selected. Three-phase, 60 cycles, 440 volts, 

 was settled on as best meeting all conditions. The use of alternating current made pos- 

 sible the transformation to 110 volts for lighting and the voltage could also be stepped 

 up to 2,300 volts or higher for economical transmission to distant pumping plants or 

 nearby towns. 



The first installation of electric motors on a comprehensive scale in Cuba was made 

 at Central Delicias. This mill was erected during 1910 and 1911, and its initial run 

 was made during the following season. 



A few motors had been installed in certain mills previous to this, but not to the 

 extent employed by the Delicias, which drove electrically practically all of the machinen.' 

 but the rolls. This mill is of special interest in that it is the first to be specially designed 

 for electric power and it now holds the world's record for output in one season's 

 operation. 



The example set by Central Delicias was followed by several other large mills and by 

 1914, Centials Providencia, Toledo, Constancia, San Antonio, Amistad and Gomez Mena 

 were changed from steam to electric drive. The use of motors was confined to the 

 centrifugal pumps and miscellaneous machinery with the exception of Central Amistad. 

 To Central Amistad belongs the distinction of first applying motors for driving the crush- 

 ing rolls. This installation was made in 1913 and operated in the 1913-1914 season. 



The expansion of the industry was rapid. From this time, due to increased demand 

 for Cuban sugar occasioned by the World War. The investment of American capital 

 was a contributing factor in the addition of improvements to the existing mills and the 

 erection of new ones. This expansion continued on a large scale until the year 1920, 

 when the greatest activity took place in the history of this island of sugar. Dating 

 from the fall of 1919, contracts for sixteen new factories were executed, four factories 

 were rebuilt, eleven companies were organized to build factories and thirty-three factories 

 changed hands. The plans were m most cases carried to completion before the rapid 

 fall in the price of sugar in 1921 practically stopped all new projects then contemplated. 



One notable exception to the halt in the erection of new mills is Central Jaronu. 

 This mill made its initial run in the 1921-1922 season. It is a companion mill to Central 

 Cunagua and, it is claimed, has the most modern equipment in the world, being designed 

 for the ultimate installation of three 2 2 -roll tandems, although but two are now in place. 



The influence of American capital on the Cuban sugar industry- is reflected by the 



