46 



humboldt's cuba. 



Europe to her ports, and another, which comes empty- 

 to her shores, to convey the return cargoes of sugar 

 and other productions. "Without the existing system 

 of differential duties in favor of Spanish bottoms, 

 the vessels which now come to Cuba in ballast from 

 Europe, would supply all the wants of the trade, 

 and the costly employment of a large number of 

 Spanish vessels could be dispensed with. 



The industrial relations of Cuba with the northern 

 nations of Europe, are principally confined to the 

 exchange of her products for their linen and cotton 

 fabrics, glass, and iron ware. 



England loans her the capital to build her railways, 

 and the improvements made in the arts and sciences 

 in France, are eagerly studied, and readily adopted 

 by the people of Cuba, particularly in everything 

 relating to their own immediate pursuits. 



The industrial relations of Cuba with the United 

 States have been of a more important character, and 

 have had more influence in her material progress, 

 than those with any other country. In the dawning 

 years of her prosperity, she found here the food and 

 lumber for the supply of her agricultural industry ; 

 the articles of use or luxury desired for the comfort 

 of her people ; and, in no small degree, the skill and 

 capital for the development of commerce, and the 



