Mr. Squiers to Mr. May.
Habana , September 19, 1903.
Sir: I have the honor to report the only important political event since the adjournment of Congress, July 18 last.
The President left Habana by rail on Sunday last on his long-contemplated tour through the island, the city of Santiago de Cuba being the main objective point. His itinerary will be through Matanzas, Santa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Puerto Principe. Santiago de Cuba, and perhaps Guantanamo, over the United Railways of Habana to Jovellanos, thence via the Cuban Central Railways to Santa Clara, thence via the Cuba Railroad Company (“Central” Railroad) to Santiago, and will occupy some two or three weeks. The party travels in a special train furnished by the “Central” Railroad.
Mr. Palma was accompanied by Secretary of Government Yero, Secretary of Public Works Diaz, and General Rodriguez, chief of the armed forces, and his departure was made the occasion for friendly greetings and much enthusiasm on the part of his admirers and supporters. The object of the trip is to bring him into closer touch and sympathy with the people, but particularly to inform him as to the real necessities of the island, with a view to the development of its most available resources * * * Mr. Diaz accompanies him for the express purpose of examining closely into the question of a better water supply at Santiago. * * *
The political result of Mr. Palma’s journey ought to be to strengthen his Government, and make even the most bitter radical more conservative. The Government looks forward to a better and more representative element in the radical party as a result of the coming elections. * * *
I shall write further regarding Mr. Palma’s journey, probable political effect of, etc., after his return.
I have, etc.,