The second great service rendered by the United States was the rehabilitation of the island. This was a manifold undertaking. It comprised rehabilitation after many years of Spanish misrule and neglect, and rehabilitation after the ravages of three years of peculiarly destructive war. The civic maladies to be cured were thus both chronic and acute. Moreover, the work was political, and sanitary, and educational, and economic. Order was to be restored, law was to be administered, government was to be organized, pestilence was to be abated, schools were to be created, the whole work of civilization was to be performed. Splendid as was the work of Sampson's fleet at Santiago, still more beneficent was that of General Wood within the precincts of that city and throughout the Province of Oriente. Nobly memorable was the work of Shafter's army, but we shall read history to little avail if we do not give higher credit to the work of the Military Governor and his lieutenants.
A third service was in acting as guide, philosopher and friend in the great task of organizing and installing the native Cuban government which had been promised by the United States in the act of declaring war against Spain. That self-abnegatory pledge was a noble thing, and noble was the faithful fulfilment of it. I have heard of an eminent and enlightened Cuban who regarded that pledge with incredulity, saying, "It can never be fulfilled!" and who persisted in that incredulity until that memorable noonday when the American flag came down from the Palace and the Morro and the flag of Cuba Libre rose in its place; and then, with tear-suffused eyes, exclaimed, "It can't be; but it is!" Never before in the history of the world had such a thing been done, but it was done and it was well done.
There followed a fourth service, which we may hope has now been definitely completed, but which in the very nature of the case is a potentially recurrent service, which may—absit omen!—be needed again and again; and which the United States may be trusted to perform, if necessary, as faithfully and generously and efficiently as it has already performed it. For we shall see that after the Cuban government had been established and had vindicated its existence by great good service to the island, sordid and treacherous men unlawfully conspired against it and sought to overthrow it by violence and crime. Their success would have meant ruin for the island. Their partial success—for such they had—meant immeasurable loss. But fortunately the United States intervened as readily against Cuban crime as it had against Spanish oppression, and the republic was saved, though "as through fire."
It is this service, following the others which I have named, which differentiates the Cuban Republic from most of the other states which have been formed from the Spanish Empire in America. Of the two states which at one time planned to wrest Cuba from Spain by force and make her a part of their community of nations, Colombia was for half a century in a chronic condition of revolution, and Mexico through the same evil processes has given the word Mexicanize to the political vocabulary. It was the intention of the United States that Cuba should not fall into that category; but it is by no means certain that she would not have done so had it not been for the guardianship of that country.
Our history will disclose more than all these things. These are the records of achievement. But there are other records, even those of conditions as they exist, and as they have been made to exist by virtue of these achievements. Marvellous indeed shall we find them. The story of Cuba's development from a neglected and oppressed colony to an independent nation is stirring and impressive, adorned with the names and deeds of brave men. The story of her development in civilization, from a backward rank to the foremost, is no less impressive, and it is adorned with the names and the labors of wise men, statesmen and scholars, who gave of their best for the welfare of the insular republic for which so many of their kin gave willingly their very lives.
The account which we shall have of the opulent charms and resources of Cuba may be regarded as a volume of contemporary history. It will reveal to us some of the consequences of that narrative of the past which forms the major portion of our story. But it will be more and will do more than that. It must serve as an intimation, a suggestion, almost perhaps a prophecy, of what the future of the Pearl of the Antilles will be. Grateful as is the work of recalling and rehearsing the story of the past, from the days of Columbus and Velasquez to the present, the historian finds it more pleasant and more welcome to dwell upon the present scene. If these volumes, laboriously produced and with a consciousness too often of falling short of the high merits of the theme, shall serve their intended purpose of introducing Cuba, past and present, more fully and most favorably to the knowledge of the world, I shall be more than abundantly repaid. But the supreme and most enduring satisfaction will come from some assurance that I have brought to the appreciative attention of the world not merely the Cuba of four centuries past, with all its legends of adventure and romance, and too often of cruelty and crime, and with its fluctuating though still persistent progress toward the "foremost files of time," but also and still more the Cuba of this present moment and, we may hope, of unmeasured future time. It is a Cuba that is beautiful for situation, opulent in resources, entrancing in charm, illimitable in potentialities; a land of "fair women and brave men," upon which recollection fondly dwells; a land which justifies the latest writer concerning it to repeat once more the estimate of the first who ever wrote of it—"the most beautiful that the eyes of man have ever seen."
Willis Fletcher Johnson.
New York, U. S. A., June, 1919.
CONTENTS
| PAGE | |
| [Chapter I] | [1] |
| "In Cuba the Annals of America Begin"—The First LandingPlace of Columbus—Theories Concerning Various Islands—HisExpectation of Reaching the Coast of Asia—Cuba Supposed tobe Cathay—The Physical History of Cuba—Character of theAboriginal Inhabitants—A Race of Amiable Savages Without EnduringMonuments. | |
| [Chapter II] | [11] |
| Discovery of Cuba on Sunday, October 28, 1492—The FirstLanding Place on the Island—Named for the Heir of the SpanishThrone—Appreciation of the Beauty and Charm of theIsland—First Contact with its Inhabitants—Exploration of theNorthern Coast—Cuba Supposed to be the Country of the GreatKhan—Further Explorations of the Coast—Departure for Hispaniola—SecondVisit to Cuba—Exploration of the SouthernCoast—Discovery of Jamaica—Navigating the Caribbean Sea—SomeInland Excursions—Experiences with the Natives—Reachingthe Western End of the Island—Exhortation of a NativeSage—Columbus's Final Departure from Cuba. | |
| [Chapter III] | [28] |
| First Impressions of Cuba—Columbus's Observations of the Peopleand Resources of the Island—Native Villages and Boats—Negotiationswith the Natives—First Use of Tobacco by Europeans—Columbus'sMeagre Knowledge of the Island—HisDeath and Burial in Hispaniola—Removal of His Remains toHavana—Disputes Concerning His Tomb—Final Return of HisRemains to Spain. | |
| [Chapter IV] | [37] |
| Archeology of Cuba—The Oldest Rock Formation—Theory ofCuban Continuity with Florida—The Eocene Age—Submersionin the Oligocene Period—Miocene Uplift—Changes During thePleistocene Period—Topography of the Island—The MountainRanges—The Mountains of Oriente—The Organ Mountains andMagotes—The Valley of the Vinales—Plains and Valleys—Compositionof the Soil—The Climate of Cuba—Fortunate Situationof the Island—The Rainfall of a Land of Sunshine. | |
| [Chapter V] | [53] |
| Neglect of Cuba by Spanish Explorers and Conquerors—Rule ofOvando—Ocampo Discovers Cuba to be an Island—First Attemptsat Colonization—Enciso's Story of Ojeda's Adventure—ATest Between Christianity and Paganism—The Lust of Gold—Diegoand Bartholomew Columbus—Diego Velasquez AppointedGovernor—His First Settlement at Baracoa—The War withHatuey—Narvaez and His Horsemen—Las Casas the "Apostleto the Indies"—More Trouble with the Natives—Exploration ofthe Island Throughout its Length. | |
| [Chapter VI] | [68] |
| Marriage and Bereavement of Velasquez—Other SettlementsFounded in Cuba—Santiago Made the First Capital—System ofGovernment—Apportionment of the Natives to the Settlers—Appropriationof the Land—Evils of the Repartimiento System—TheStatesmanship of Velasquez—Enslavement of the Natives—FamousMen in Cuba's Early History—Gold Mines and FertilePlantations—Beginning of the Mission of Las Casas—Death ofKing Ferdinand and Accession of Charles I—Cardinal Ximenes—TheOrder of St. Jerome—The Fate of the Natives. | |
| [Chapter VII] | [81] |
| Gold Mining in Cuba—Political Organization of the Island—Relationswith the Spanish Crown—Development of the SlaveTrade—Expeditions to Yucatan—Exploration of the MexicanCoast—Failure of Grijalva's Expedition—The Expedition ofChristopher de Olid—Unmerited Fate of Grijalva, the Discovererand First Explorer of Mexico. | |
| [Chapter VIII] | [90] |
| Hernando Cortez Commissioned by Velasquez to Explore Mexico—SomeRomantic Adventures—Why Cortez went to Cuba—HisRelations with Velasquez—A Crisis in Spain's AmericanAffairs—Appointment of Velasquez as Adelantado—Departure ofCortez—His Refusal to Return when Summoned by Velasquez—Arrivalin Mexico—Appointment of Cortez as Royal Governorof New Spain—Preparations by Velasquez to Subdue Cortez—DisastrousFate of Narvaez's Expedition—Conspiracy to AssassinateCortez—Velasquez Removed from the Governorship of Cuba—Zuazo,the Second Governor—Vindication of Velasquez andRepudiation of Zuazo—Character and Work of First CubanGovernor. | |
| [Chapter IX] | [105] |
| Administration of Manuel de Rojas—The Rise of Cuba's ProperInterests—Development of Resources—Appointment of Altamarino—PostMortem Investigation of Velasquez—Violent Oppositionto Altamarino—Removal of a Discredited Governor—Accessionof Guzman—Controversies over Local Government—InjudiciousCourse of Guzman—Protest Against the Tyranny of theCouncils—"Cuba for the Cubans." | |
| [Chapter X] | [115] |
| Controversies Over the Treasurership—Appointment of Hurtado,the Honest but Cantankerous—Fortunes of the Guzman Family—AMarriage for Money and its Consequences—Services of Vadillo—Investigationsand Reforms—Heavy Sentences Against Guzman—AnAppeal to the Council for the Indies—Manuel de Rojasagain Governor. | |
| [Chapter XI] | [122] |
| Development of the Church Establishment in Cuba—The FirstBishop—Early Conflict Between Church and State—Transfer ofthe Cathedral from Baracoa to Santiago—A Bishop in Politics—TheGovernor Excommunicated—Insurrections and Raids of theNatives—Effective Work of Rojas against the Cimarrones—Disposalof the "Tame" Indians—Further Conflicts of Church andState—Intervention of the Crown—Practical Extermination of theNatives—Reforms that Were not Made—Well Meant Efforts ofRojas—Failure of Attempts to Civilize the Natives—A GoodGovernor Ill Treated—His Resignation and Departure. | |
| [Chapter XII] | [137] |
| Guzman's Second Administration—A Masterful Politician—Declineof Cuban Welfare—An Interregnum in the Governorship—TheComing of De Soto—His Imposing Arrival at Santiago—ProgressAcross the Island—Vasco Porcallo de Figueroa MadeDe Soto's Lieutenant—Cuba a Stepping Stone to Florida—DeSoto's Removal from Santiago to Havana—Organization of theFlorida Expedition—Report of the First Scouts—Departure ofDe Soto—Lady De Soto's Faithful Watch—Tragic Fate of theExplorer—Evil Effects upon Cuba—Serious Trouble with the Indians—Intriguesof Guzman and Bishop Sarmiento. | |
| [Chapter XIII] | [151] |
| Governorship of Juan de Avila—Royal Order against Slavery inthe Mines—An Appeal to the Council for the Indies—Popular RevoltAgainst the Council—De Avila's Marriage to a Rich Widow—Removalto Havana—Appointment of Antonio Chaves—ScandalousCharges Against de Avila—The Matter Carried to Spainfor Settlement—Another Bad Administration—Chaves Reprimandedby the King—His Persistence in Slavery—Hurtado's Indictmentof Chaves—Gonzalo de Angulo Made Governor—Trialand Punishment of Chaves—Emancipation Proclamation. | |
| [Chapter XIV] | [165] |
| A Bad Time in Cuban History—Santiago in 1550—Raid of aFrench Privateer—The Founding and Rise of Havana—TheFounding of Puerto Principe—Baracoa, Trinidad and Other Settlements—Italiansand Other Aliens in Cuba—Efforts to Populatethe Island—Importation of Negro Slaves—Slaves Treated Humanely—Disappearanceof the Native Indians—The Early Industriesof Cuba—Discovery of the Copper Mines of El Cobre—Beginningof the Sugar Industry—Fiscal Policy of the SpanishGovernment. | |
| [Chapter XV] | [177] |
| A Turning Point in Cuban History—International Interest in theIsland—Raids of French Privateers—A Famous Fight in SantiagoHarbor—The Capture and Looting of Havana—First Building ofLa Fuerza—Rise of Havana in Importance—The Governor'sResidence in Havana—Deposition of Angulo—Guarding HavanaAgainst French Attack—Inadequacy of the Defenses—Seizure ofthe City by Jacques Sores—Flight of the Governor and ResoluteDefense of Lobera—Attempt to Destroy the French Conquerors—Destructionof the City. | |
| [Chapter XVI] | [191] |
| Administration of Mazariegos—His Disastrous Voyage—Rebuildingof Havana—Manners and Morals of a Soldier of Fortune—Defenseof Havana by a Military Governor—Improvement of theFortifications—Rebuilding La Fuerza—The Founding of MorroCastle—Complications in Florida—Osorio Appointed Governor—HisCare for the Defenses of the Island—The Campaigns ofPedro Menendez—Conflict Between Osorio and Menendez—Attemptsat Mutiny—Disagreement over Fortifications—IllegitimateTrade at Santiago—Menendez Appointed Governor—A Successionof Lieutenants—Charting the Bahama Channel—CodifyingMunicipal Ordinances. | |
| [Chapter XVII] | [208] |
| Approach of the "Sea Beggars"—More Work on La Fuerza—SeekingFinancial Aid from Mexico—A Requisition for SlaveLabor—Investigating Public Accounts—The Downfall of Menendez—Investigationof His Accounts—Succeeded by Montalvo—Increaseof Smuggling—General Progress of the Island—Havanathe Commercial Metropolis. | |
| [Chapter XVIII] | [217] |
| Governorship of Montalvo—Rehabilitation of Santiago—Disorderat Havana—Conflict with the Rojas Family—Charges MadeAgainst the Governor—The Increase of Smuggling—Ravages ofthe French—Seeking Naval Defenses for Cuba—Haggling Overthe Building of La Fuerza—A Badly Built Fort—Montalvo'sDevelopment of Insular Resources—Promotion of Sugar Growingand General Agriculture—The Governor's Quarrel with theBishop. | |
| [Chapter XIX] | [228] |
| Administration of Francisco Carreño—The First Cuban Governorto Die in Office—A Record of Hard Work and Progress—TheProblem of Free Negroes—Features of the Slave System—SomeLiterally Constructive Statesmanship—The First Custom House—Tryingto Deal with the Land Question—The Reforms Proposedby Caceres—Development of Stock Raising—Bad Administrationof Torres. | |
| [Chapter XX] | [236] |
| Administration of Gabriel de Luzan—Controversies Among Officials—TheQuarrel Between Luzan and Arana—Questions ofOfficial Residence—Removal of the Royal Accountant—ChargesAgainst the Governor—Further Efforts to Complete La Fuerza—TheWork of Quiñones—Unseemly Personal and Political Feuds—Investigationof the Governor's Administration—Renewal ofthe Quarrel with Quiñones—Governor and Captain-GeneralBrought into Accord Through Peril of an Attack by the British—DesperatePreparations for Defense. | |
| [Chapter XXI] | [246] |
| War Between Spain and England—Drake's Conquest of Hispaniola—AnAttack upon Cuba Anticipated—Raising Forces for Defense—FeudsForgotten in the Common Emergency—Plans for theDefense of Havana—Increase of the Garrison—Admirable Unityof the People—Drake's Approach to Cuba—His Landing at theWestern End of the Island—Appearance of his Fleet off Havana—Departureof Drake's Fleet without an Assault—HisDoings at St. Augustine and in the North—Reasons for NotAttacking Havana—Disaster to Santiago—That City Destroyedby the French—Rebuilt by an Energetic Patriot—Interest inCopper Mining. | |
| [Chapter XXII] | [260] |
| Drake's Menace a Blessing to Cuba—Spanish Interest in Cuba forIts Own Sake—The Governorship of Tejada—The Public Worksof Antonelli—Building Roads, Dams and Aqueducts—HavanaMade a Real City—Controversy with Bishop Salcedo—Appreciationof Tejada's Services—Accession of Barrionuevo—Progressof Civilization in Cuba—The First Theatrical Performance. | |
| [Chapter XXIII] | [267] |
| Changes in European Nations—Rise of the Protectionist Policy—Retaliationby Smugglers—Hostilities against Spain—Prevalenceof Piracy—Some Strong Governors of Cuba—Good Works ofMaldonado and Valdes—Invasions by Pirates—Division of theIsland—Interest in Religious Affairs—Successive GovernorsWorking at Cross Purposes—Building a Fleet—Protection of thePort of Havana—An Attack by the Dutch—The Exploits ofOquendo—The Slave Market in Havana—Fall of Cabrera. | |
| [Chapter XXIV] | [283] |
| The Decline of Spain—Enterprise and Aggressions of the Dutch—TheDutch West India' Company—Governors Who Saved Cubafor Spain—Warring with Dutch Privateers—The Great Fightwith Pie de Palo—Fiscal Reforms in Cuba—Gamboa's Improvementof Fortifications—Sarmiento's Organization of CubanTroops—Ravages of a Great Pestilence—Noble Deeds of the ReligiousOrders—Public Works Planned—The Walls of Havana—Aggressionsof the British—Conquest of Jamaica—Records ofPiracy—Exploits of Lolonois—Henry Morgan—British Captureand Plundering of Santiago—Repairing the Fortifications—ACompact against Piracy. | |
| [Chapter XXV] | [304] |
| British Designs against Spanish Possessions—Covetous EyesTurned upon Cuba by British Empire-Builders—Isolation of Cubafrom Spain—France Playing False—Cuban Reprisals—FurtherAttacks by Freebooters—Controversy over British Prisoners—DisastrousEarthquakes—Ecclesiastical Troubles—Spain at the Brinkof Bankruptcy—Cordova's Administration—Revised Code of Lawsfor the Indies—Civil and Ecclesiastical Controversies—SomeRuthless Work—Founding of the City of Matanzas—Official Disputesand Scandals. | |
| [Chapter XXVI] | [325] |
| The War of the Austrian Succession—The Treaty of Utrecht—Reignof Philip V—Renewed Conflicts in the West Indies—Settlementof Pensacola—Aggressions of the French—Cuban InterestsAffected by European Affairs—Increased Protection of theIsland—Two Local Governors—Attacks upon Charleston—Raidsof British Warships—Speculation in Tobacco—More Fortificationsin a Time of Peace—Churches and Convents—SanitaryMeasures—Official Quarrels—Reorganization of the Tobacco Industry—SeekingAdministrative Stability—A Tobacco Insurrection—AWarning to the British—Fortifications of Havana. | |
| [Chapter XXVII] | [345] |
| Great Impetus Given to Discovery and Exploration Throughoutthe World—Interesting Observations upon Cuba and the Indies—SomeQuaint Records—A Description of the Natives of Cuba—SomethingAbout the Natural Resources of the Island from AncientAuthorities—Spanish and Alien Descriptions of Cuba—EarlyWritings About Cuba in Various Languages—Fra VincenteFonseca—A Dutch Description of Cuba—Attention Given to theWealth of Cuban Forests—Reasons Given for the Rise and SubsequentDecline of Spanish Power—Some Superstitions andLegends. | |
| [Chapter XXVIII] | [360] |
| Cuba Neglected During an Era of Great Achievements—TheGolden Age of Spain—Culture at Home and Conquest Abroad—ANoteworthy Group of Spanish Historians—The University ofSanto Domingo—The First American Books—Cuba's Lack ofParticipation in these Activities, and the Reasons for it—ATurning Point in Cuban History at the End of the SixteenthCentury—Cubans Beginning to Become Cubans and Not Spaniards—ASignificant Change in the Temper and Character of thePeople of the Island. |