THE CUBA REVIEW 11 



While these new executives are not familiar figures in the political arena and still 

 perhaps somewhat unaccustomed to the requirements of their new duties, every 

 confidence is felt in their ability to straighten out the tangle in which the Government 

 finds itself, through poor administration and political adventures. These conditions 

 were obvious during former administrations and did not seem to improve very much 

 with the incoming one, although it is believed that the President was acting almost 

 single-handed in an endeavor to combat the evils of the political system inherited by him. 



Probably one of the most noteworthy achievements of the new cabinet since its 

 inception a few days ago is the closing of the so-called "Garden Play" or Lawn Tennis 

 establishments throughout the country. This was one of the most despicable forms 

 of gambling permitted in Cuba. Another reform which may be expected of the new 

 administration is the end of the "Botella" government employes, in other words sinecures. 

 There has already been a wholesale dismissal of superfluous employees in practically 

 all of the departments. 



Railroad Strike of Short Duration: What threatened to be a long drawn 

 iout strike between the railroads of Cuba and the Union was brought to an amicable 

 ending at the close of the third day by a compromise between the officials of the 

 roads and the Union's representatives. The agreement involved a recognition of the 

 Union and an adjustment of the recent cut in wages. Very little damage was done 

 during the strike, and the employees conducted themselves in a very peaceful manner. 



Marianao Electric Light Plant Changes Hands: The electric light plant at 

 Marianao was recently purchased by Dayton Hedges, formerly of Long Island, Xew 

 York, who controls other electric plants in Cuba. Mr. Hedges expects to make a 

 number of improvements on the property. 



City Engineer Murdered: As the result of an argument arising over the division 

 of contracts, Gabriel Roman, Chief Engineer of the Department of Public Works, 

 'was shot and killed by Victor Miranda, a contractor, who claimed to have been defrauded 

 ion some work done for the city. 



Bomb Thrown Into Window of Spanish Legation: kn. attempt was made re- 

 cently to blow up the Spanish Legation located at Inquisidor No. 36, Havana. Shortly 

 after midnight three men drove up to the building in an automobile, threw a bomb 

 through one of the side windows and escaped. Fortunately, little damage was done 

 aside from the breaking of a few windows and slight damage to the wall of the room. 



"Arroyito" Gets Eight Years: The bandit "Arroyito" was recently sentenced 

 to serve eight years in the penitentiary for one of his crimes, the murder of two 

 Chinamen at Jaruco. This is not the full extent of his sentence, however, as he still 

 has several indictments against him which will be brought up at the time he has 

 finished his present sentence. 



Isle of Pines to Celebrate the Fourth of July: This will be one of the 

 greatest Fourth of July's in the history of the Isle of Pines. There will be a varied 

 program of music, athletic events, fireworks, etc. The celebration is being held under 

 the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce and they are planning to put the Isle on the 

 map for one day a year anyway. Special excursions will be run from Havana for the 

 occasion. 



Legion Commander Returns to States: Captain Walter E. Myers, Commander 

 of the Havana Post of the American Legion, left Havana recently for his home in 

 Baltimore to engage in business there. Mr. Myers has a host of friends throughout 

 the Island and his departure is very much regretted by all and especially by the 

 members of the Legion for whom he has done so much. 



U. S. Shipping Board to Close Havana Office: Acting upon orders received 

 from Washington, Mr. R. A. Gibson, Representative in Havana of the U. S. Shipping 

 Board, has closed the office and will return to W'ashington. The manner in which 

 the local office has been administered by Mr. Gibson and his assistant, Mr. Rusk, has 

 received favorable comment from the shipping interests, especially for the good work 

 done during the harbor congestion in 1920. 



