rposes, than Cuba. Radiating
from the capital and other important cities splendid automobile highways
give access to all parts of the island, leading not only to cities and
ports but also for hundreds of miles through enchanting scenery. Of such
highways the Boneato Road, winding through the mountains of Santiago, in
the Province of Oriente, is a superb example.]

Financially, the administration of President Menocal is to be credited
with the cancellation of the heavy and largely unnecessary debts which
were left to it by the preceding administration; an achievement which
contributed greatly to the improvement of Cuba's international credit.
The foreign claims of Great Britain, France and Germany, which had been
an embarrassing problem for several years, have been so satisfactorily
adjusted that their complete settlement will be effected at a time
convenient to all parties concerned. The grave fiscal and economic
crisis which followed the beginning of the war of 1914, in practically
all the markets of the world was avoided in Cuba by the Economic Defense
Bill, and the establishment of a Cuban national monetary system has
facilitated exchange and all manner of transactions in Cuba, and has
redeemed the country from the reproach of being ridden by and dependent
upon foreign coin as its medium of exchange.

[Illustration: JOSE A. DEL CUETO PRESIDENT OF SUPREME COURT]

The sanitary redemption of Cuba was indeed effected under the
administration of Leonard Wood in the first American Government of
Intervention. But the fortunate condition then attained has been not
only fully maintained but constantly and materially bettered through
the activity of the public health department of the Menocal
administration. New problems in sanitation have arisen, only to be met
with promptness, thoroughness and success. One of the most severe tests
of the efficiency of the organization against disease occurred when the
dreaded bubonic plague was imported; and that efficiency was amply
vindicated by the complete eradication of that pestilence within a few
weeks.

[Illustration: DR. FERNANDO MENDEZ-CAPOTE, SECRETARY OF SANITATION]

[Illustration: GEN. JOSE MARTI, SECRETARY OF WAR]

Shortly after his accession to the Presidency, General Menocal effected
a complete reorganization of the military system. It was not his purpose
to burden the country with unnecessary armaments, but he realized the
necessity of a certain degree of militant prep