Minister Squiers to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Habana,
Cuba, August 17,
1905.
No. 1308.]
Sir: Referring to Department’s instructions No.
524, of the 26th ultimo, I have the honor to say that in a conversation
with the secretary of state I represented that, owing to the
yellow-fever epidemic in Louisiana, the United States was particularly
interested in sanitary conditions here, and that owing to the failure of
Congress to approve the budget there was some apprehension that without
funds the present excellent conditions could not be maintained.
Doctor O’Farrill assured me that everything was being done by his
government to preserve the health of the island and that a special
decree had been issued (translation inclosed) making available the sums
necessary for that purpose. This decree had escaped me, as it was
irregularly issued and we did not happen to receive a copy.
[Page 274]
I have also conferred with Doctor Finlay, and feel convinced that the
authorities are earnestly trying to maintain Cuba’s high standard of
sanitary conditions and that there is at present no cause for
apprehension.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure
1—Translation.]
Presidential decree in lieu of budgetary law,
1905–6.
The fiscal year, 1904–5, terminating on this date and the general
budget not having been approved by Congress for the economic year,
1905–6:
Whereas it is not possible to admit that the function of government
and the administrative services can remain paralyzed for any length
of time without producing a deep disturbance in the organization of
the Republic, to the great discredit of the nation;
Whereas article 68 of the fundamental law authorizes the Executive to
make such provision as he may deem convenient, in so far as may be
incumbent on the government and administration of the state;
Making use of this power, on the motion of the secretary of the
treasury, and in conformity with the advice of the council of
secretaries, I resolve:
- Article 1. During the time that no disposition is made by
Congress concerning the matter the expenditures of the
public administration shall be met monthly out of the
credits assigned each department by the law of the budget
which has been in force up to date.
- Article 2. The revenues will continue to be collected in
the manner and form that the laws in force determine.
- Article 3. The secretary of the treasury is instructed to
take the proper measures to carry out the provisions of the
present decree.
Given in the Presidential palace in
Habana, the 30th of June,
1905.
T. Estrada
Palma.
J. Rius Rivera, Secretary of the Treasury.
[Inclosure
2.—Translation.]
Presidential decree providing for the sanitation
of the cities of the island.
The manner of providing for the service of cleaning and of sanitation
of various cities of the island being left undetermined by
Congress;
The credit of $326,000 appropriated by the law of the 14th of January
of the current year being exhausted, which provided for the cleaning
of the streets and for the work of sanitation of Santiago de Cuba,
Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Cardenas, Nuevitas, Trinidad, Caibarien,
Isabela de Sagua, Batabano, Camaguey, Santa Clara, Guines, Pinar del
Rio, and Guanajay;
The governments of the said cities not having the necessary sums
designated in their budgets for carrying out the above object;
Whereas it is not possible to abandon for a single day; the cleaning
of the streets and the work of sanitation without exciting with good
reason, the protests of the neighbors, of the foreign and domestic
press, to which the neglect in the said service in the said places
gave rise six months ago, and that which is more serious, without
permitting ourselves to infringe international obligation;
Whereas the law covering the matter in hand has not been enacted by
Congress,
Making use of the power which article 68 of the constitution concedes
to the Executive, on the motion of the secretary of public works and
in accord with the advice of the council of secretaries, I have
decreed the following:
- Article 1. Until Congress take proper measures to provide
for the cleaning of the streets and the sanitation of the
cities of Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Cardenas,
Nuevitas, Trinidad, Caibarien, Isabela de Sagua, Batabano,
Camaguey, Santa Clara, Guines, Pinar del Rio, and Guanajay,
in the same manner in which they are now being done, shall
continue to be met according to the law of the 14th of
January of the current year.
- Article 2. The secretary of public works is directed to
take the proper measures to carry out the provisions of the
present decree.
Given in the Presidential palace, in
Habana, on the 30th of June,
1905.
T. Estrada
Palma.
Raphael Montalvo,
Secretary of Public Works.
