Industrial Cuba / Being a Study of Present Commercial and Industrial Conditions, with Suggestions as to the Opportunities Presented in the Island for American Capital, Enterprise, and Labour

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

41463

Title

Industrial Cuba / Being a Study of Present Commercial and Industrial Conditions, with Suggestions as to the Opportunities Presented in the Island for American Capital, Enterprise, and Labour

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Robert P. Porter's "Industrial Cuba" offers a comprehensive study of the island's commercial and industrial conditions following the Spanish-American War. Written by a Special Commissioner to President McKinley, this work assesses opportunities for American capital while critiquing Spain's historical mismanagement. With maps and illustrations, it provides a factual, optimistic outlook on Cuba's potential for reconstruction.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Industrial Cuba,' Robert P. Porter presents a comprehensive economic survey conducted shortly after August 1898, when he served as Special Commissioner to President McKinley. Visiting all provinces and interviewing over five hundred witnesses, Porter assessed the island's commercial conditions under new governance. He argues that despite Spanish misrule and war devastation, Cuba possesses abundant natural resources—including sugar, tobacco, iron ore, timber, and minerals—that could support a population of millions if developed fairly. Porter details the decline of the local cigar industry, driven by high foreign tariffs and the McKinley bill, which compelled manufacturers to relocate to the United States. Conversely, he notes that exports of raw leaf tobacco are rising. A significant highlight is the success of American mining companies in Santiago de Cuba, particularly the Juragua Iron Company, which shipped hundreds of thousands of tons of high-quality hematite ore to the U.S., representing a substantial investment of American capital. The text also addresses sanitary improvements in Havana and Santiago, alongside municipal challenges such as street sweeping and water supply. Porter identifies potential for diversified industries like shipbuilding and furniture manufacturing using local hardwoods. He advocates for a central railway system running east to west, favorable trade laws, and an end to discriminatory duties that historically drained Cuban revenue. Emphasizing that honest government and American enterprise could transform the island into a prosperous hub, Porter concludes with a hopeful vision for Cuba's future under U.S. protection. He urges immediate legislative action to protect local industries, stimulate agricultural growth, and ensure the fair distribution of the island's immense commercial wealth.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Travel
• Politics