inclustria/ Cuba. By Robert P. Porter. (G. P. Putnam's Sons.
15s.)—Mr. Porter was sent by the United States Govern- ment in the latter part of 1893 to report on its industrial, com- mercial, and financial situation. He devoted seven months to the fulfilling of this mission, and made himself acquainted with a multitude of facts bearing upon these matters. The task in- cluded visits to the chief towns of the island, and an examination of various persons qualified to speak about its condition and prospects. Mr. Porter takes a hopeful view of these latter. Already improvement is visible, and, indeed, nothing could be more important than the change from a poor country, such as Spain, almost compelled to exploit its provinces to the utmost, for one that is both able and willing to administer the country, not for its own benefit, but for that of the dependency. The volume is full of interesting descriptions and narratives ; among
them is the story of a visit to General tiomez. Mr. Porter's chief object in making this was to discuss the management of subvention of £600,000 which the United States was willing to furnish for enabling the insurgent soldiers to return to their homes. The book is illustrated with some good photographs.
Previous page
