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NARRATIVE OF A 



the most salutary reforms were effected in them ; the con- 

 dition of the patients was much improved ; and a right 

 administration of the funds secured by the appointment of 

 trusty officers. 



The salubrity of the city, and its safety, were also at- 

 tended to by the adoption of measures for keeping the 

 streets clean, and for lighting them during the night. 



The military class, whose habits had become unsoldierly 

 and lax, were subjected to a wholesome discipline : but 

 their pay was more punctual ; their food and clothing were 

 of better quality ; and their discharge, after the expiration 

 of their time of service, was regularly accorded. A partial 

 removal from some of the regiments was, at the same time, 

 effected, of officers whose conduct or opinions had rendered 

 them obnoxious. The same policy was extended to the 

 civil branches of the administration, where officers who had 

 proved unfit or unfaithful, were superseded by men of in- 

 tegrity and talent. 



By these means, and by a resort to measures of preven- 

 tion, rather than by the infliction of punishments, the aspect 

 of things in Havana was soon completely changed ; a stop 

 was put to crimes and abuses of various kinds ; peace and 

 order were restored ; and the inhabitants were made to feel 

 secure in their property and persons. 



To enumerate all the acts of the administration of Gen. 

 Tacon, would be to incur prolixity. Yet some notice of 

 the public works of which he was either the promoter or 

 the author, may not be uninteresting. 



A fish market on a large scale was erected by him near 

 the sea, provided with water-courses to preserve it in a 

 cleanly state, and marble slabs for laying out the fish. 

 The expense of this work, it is said, will be compensated, 

 after a certain number of years, by an annual income to 

 the Corporation of seven thousand dollars. 



Two other market-places were also established for the 

 sale of meat. 



The jails were in a condition that called loudly for a 



