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"In Cuba the Annals of America Begin"--The First Landing Place of Columbus--Theories Concerning Various Islands--His Expectation of Reaching the Coast of Asia--Cuba Supposed to be Cathay--The Physical History of Cuba--Character of the Aboriginal Inhabitants--A Race of Amiable Savages Without Enduring Monuments.

Discovery of Cuba on Sunday, October 28, 1492--The First Landing Place on the Island--Named for the Heir of the Spanish Throne--Appreciation of the Beauty and Charm of the Island--First Contact with its Inhabitants--Exploration of the Northern Coast--Cuba Supposed to be the Country of the Great Khan--Further Explorations of the Coast--Departure for Hispaniola--Second Visit to Cuba--Exploration of the Southern Coast--Discovery of Jamaica--Navigating the Caribbean Sea--Some Inland Excursions--Experiences with the Natives--Reaching the Western End of the Island--Exhortation of a Native Sage--Columbus's Final Departure from Cuba.

First Impressions of Cuba--Columbus's Observations of the People and Resources of the Island--Native Villages and Boats--Negotiations with the Natives--First Use of Tobacco by Europeans--Columbus's Meagre Knowledge of the Island--His Death and Burial in Hispaniola--Removal of His Remains to Havana--Disputes Concerning His Tomb--Final Return of His Remains to Spain.

Archeology of Cuba--The Oldest Rock Formation--Theory of Cuban Continuity with Florida--The Eocene Age--Submersion in the Oligocene Period--Miocene Uplift--Changes During the Pleistocene Period--Topography of the Island--The Mountain Ranges--The Mountains of Oriente--The Organ Mountains and Magotes--The Valley of the Vinales--Plains and Valleys--Composition of the Soil--The Climate of Cuba--Fortunate Situation of the Island--The Rainfall of a Land of Sunshine.

Neglect of Cuba by Spanish Explorers and Conquerors--Rule of Ovando--Ocampo Discovers Cuba to be an Island--First Attempts at Colonization--Enciso's Story of Ojeda's Adventure--A Test Between Christianity and Paganism--The Lust of Gold--Diego and Bartholomew Columbus--Diego Velasquez Appointed Governor--His First Settlement at Baracoa--The War with Hatuey--Narvaez and His Horsemen--Las Casas the "Apostle to the Indies"--More Trouble with the Natives--Exploration of the Island Throughout its Length.

Marriage and Bereavement of Velasquez--Other Settlements Founded in Cuba--Santiago Made the First Capital--System of Government--Apportionment of the Natives to the Settlers--Appropriation of the Land--Evils of the Repartimiento System--The Statesmanship of Velasquez--Enslavement of the Natives--Famous Men in Cuba's Early History--Gold Mines and Fertile Plantations--Beginning of the Mission of Las Casas--Death of King Ferdinand and Accession of Charles I--Cardinal Ximenes--The Order of St. Jerome--The Fate of the Natives.

Gold Mining in Cuba--Political Organization of the Island--Relations with the Spanish Crown--Development of the Slave Trade--Expeditions to Yucatan--Exploration of the Mexican Coast--Failure of Grijalva's Expedition--The Expedition of Christopher de Olid--Unmerited Fate of Grijalva, the Discoverer and First Explorer of Mexico.

Hernando Cortez Commissioned by Velasquez to Explore Mexico--Some Romantic Adventures--Why Cortez went to Cuba--His Relations with Velasquez--A Crisis in Spain's American Affairs--Appointment of Velasquez as Adelantado--Departure of Cortez--His Refusal to Return when Summoned by Velasquez--Arrival in Mexico--Appointment of Cortez as Royal Governor of New Spain--Preparations by Velasquez to Subdue Cortez--Disastrous Fate of Narvaez's Expedition--Conspiracy to Assassinate Cortez--Velasquez Removed from the Governorship of Cuba--Zuazo, the Second Governor--Vindication of Velasquez and Repudiation of Zuazo--Character and Work of First Cuban Governor.

Administration of Manuel de Rojas--The Rise of Cuba's Proper Interests--Development of Resources--Appointment of Altamarino--Post Mortem Investigation of Velasquez--Violent Opposition to Altamarino--Removal of a Discredited Governor--Accession of Guzman--Controversies over Local Government--Injudicious Course of Guzman--Protest Against the Tyranny of the Councils--"Cuba for the Cubans."

Controversies Over the Treasurership--Appointment of Hurtado, the Honest but Cantankerous--Fortunes of the Guzman Family--A Marriage for Money and its Consequences--Services of Vadillo--Investigations and Reforms--Heavy Sentences Against Guzman--An Appeal to the Council for the Indies--Manuel de Rojas again Governor.

Development of the Church Establishment in Cuba--The First Bishop--Early Conflict Between Church and State--Transfer of the Cathedral from Baracoa to Santiago--A Bishop in Politics--The Governor Excommunicated--Insurrections and Raids of the Natives--Effective Work of Rojas against the Cimarrones--Disposal of the "Tame" Indians--Further Conflicts of Church and State--Intervention of the Crown--Practical Extermination of the Natives--Reforms that Were not Made--Well Meant Efforts of Rojas--Failure of Attempts to Civilize the Natives--A Good Governor Ill Treated--His Resignation and Departure.

Guzman's Second Administration--A Masterful Politician--Decline of Cuban Welfare--An Interregnum in the Governorship--The Coming of De Soto--His Imposing Arrival at Santiago--Progress Across the Island--Vasco Porcallo de Figueroa Made De Soto's Lieutenant--Cuba a Stepping Stone to Florida--De Soto's Removal from Santiago to Havana--Organization of the Florida Expedition--Report of the First Scouts--Departure of De Soto--Lady De Soto's Faithful Watch--Tragic Fate of the Explorer--Evil Effects upon Cuba--Serious Trouble with the Indians--Intrigues of Guzman and Bishop Sarmiento.

Governorship of Juan de Avila--Royal Order against Slavery in the Mines--An Appeal to the Council for the Indies--Popular Revolt Against the Council--De Avila's Marriage to a Rich Widow--Removal to Havana--Appointment of Antonio Chaves--Scandalous Charges Against de Avila--The Matter Carried to Spain for Settlement--Another Bad Administration--Chaves Reprimanded by the King--His Persistence in Slavery--Hurtado's Indictment of Chaves--Gonzalo de Angulo Made Governor--Trial and Punishment of Chaves--Emancipation Proclamation.

A Bad Time in Cuban History--Santiago in 1550--Raid of a French Privateer--The Founding and Rise of Havana--The Founding of Puerto Principe--Baracoa, Trinidad and Other Settlements--Italians and Other Aliens in Cuba--Efforts to Populate the Island--Importation of Negro Slaves--Slaves Treated Humanely--Disappearance of the Native Indians--The Early Industries of Cuba--Discovery of the Copper Mines of El Cobre--Beginning of the Sugar Industry--Fiscal Policy of the Spanish Government.

A Turning Point in Cuban History--International Interest in the Island--Raids of French Privateers--A Famous Fight in Santiago Harbor--The Capture and Looting of Havana--First Building of La Fuerza--Rise of Havana in Importance--The Governor's Residence in Havana--Deposition of Angulo--Guarding Havana Against French Attack--Inadequacy of the Defenses--Seizure of the City by Jacques Sores--Flight of the Governor and Resolute Defense of Lobera--Attempt to Destroy the French Conquerors--Destruction of the City.

Administration of Mazariegos--His Disastrous Voyage--Rebuilding of Havana--Manners and Morals of a Soldier of Fortune--Defense of Havana by a Military Governor--Improvement of the Fortifications--Rebuilding La Fuerza--The Founding of Morro Castle--Complications in Florida--Osorio Appointed Governor--His Care for the Defenses of the Island--The Campaigns of Pedro Menendez--Conflict Between Osorio and Menendez--Attempts at Mutiny--Disagreement over Fortifications--Illegitimate Trade at Santiago--Menendez Appointed Governor--A Succession of Lieutenants--Charting the Bahama Channel--Codifying Municipal Ordinances.

Approach of the "Sea Beggars"--More Work on La Fuerza--Seeking Financial Aid from Mexico--A Requisition for Slave Labor--Investigating Public Accounts--The Downfall of Menendez--Investigation of His Accounts--Succeeded by Montalvo--Increase of Smuggling--General Progress of the Island--Havana the Commercial Metropolis.

Governorship of Montalvo--Rehabilitation of Santiago--Disorder at Havana--Conflict with the Rojas Family--Charges Made Against the Governor--The Increase of Smuggling--Ravages of the French--Seeking Naval Defenses for Cuba--Haggling Over the Building of La Fuerza--A Badly Built Fort--Montalvo's Development of Insular Resources--Promotion of Sugar Growing and General Agriculture--The Governor's Quarrel with the Bishop.

Administration of Francisco Carre?o--The First Cuban Governor to Die in Office--A Record of Hard Work and Progress--The Problem of Free Negroes--Features of the Slave System--Some Literally Constructive Statesmanship--The First Custom House--Trying to Deal with the Land Question--The Reforms Proposed by Caceres--Development of Stock Raising--Bad Administration of Torres.

Administration of Gabriel de Luzan--Controversies Among Officials--The Quarrel Between Luzan and Arana--Questions of Official Residence--Removal of the Royal Accountant--Charges Against the Governor--Further Efforts to Complete La Fuerza--The Work of Qui?ones--Unseemly Personal and Political Feuds--Investigation of the Governor's Administration--Renewal of the Quarrel with Qui?ones--Governor and Captain-General Brought into Accord Through Peril of an Attack by the British--Desperate Preparations for Defense.

War Between Spain and England--Drake's Conquest of Hispaniola--An Attack upon Cuba Anticipated--Raising Forces for Defense--Feuds Forgotten in the Common Emergency--Plans for the Defense of Havana--Increase of the Garrison--Admirable Unity of the People--Drake's Approach to Cuba--His Landing at the Western End of the Island--Appearance of his Fleet off Havana--Departure of Drake's Fleet without an Assault--His Doings at St. Augustine and in the North--Reasons for Not Attacking Havana--Disaster to Santiago--That City Destroyed by the French--Rebuilt by an Energetic Patriot--Interest in Copper Mining.

Drake's Menace a Blessing to Cuba--Spanish Interest in Cuba for Its Own Sake--The Governorship of Tejada--The Public Works of Antonelli--Building Roads, Dams and Aqueducts--Havana Made a Real City--Controversy with Bishop Salcedo--Appreciation of Tejada's Services--Accession of Barrionuevo--Progress of Civilization in Cuba--The First Theatrical Performance.

Changes in European Nations--Rise of the Protectionist Policy--Retaliation by Smugglers--Hostilities against Spain--Prevalence of Piracy--Some Strong Governors of Cuba--Good Works of Maldonado and Valdes--Invasions by Pirates--Division of the Island--Interest in Religious Affairs--Successive Governors Working at Cross Purposes--Building a Fleet--Protection of the Port of Havana--An Attack by the Dutch--The Exploits of Oquendo--The Slave Market in Havana--Fall of Cabrera.

The Decline of Spain--Enterprise and Aggressions of the Dutch--The Dutch West India' Company--Governors Who Saved Cuba for Spain--Warring with Dutch Privateers--The Great Fight with Pie de Palo--Fiscal Reforms in Cuba--Gamboa's Improvement of Fortifications--Sarmiento's Organization of Cuban Troops--Ravages of a Great Pestilence--Noble Deeds of the Religious Orders--Public Works Planned--The Walls of Havana--Aggressions of the British--Conquest of Jamaica--Records of Piracy--Exploits of Lolonois--Henry Morgan--British Capture and Plundering of Santiago--Repairing the Fortifications--A Compact against Piracy.

British Designs against Spanish Possessions--Covetous Eyes Turned upon Cuba by British Empire-Builders--Isolation of Cuba from Spain--France Playing False--Cuban Reprisals--Further Attacks by Freebooters--Controversy over British Prisoners--Disastrous Earthquakes--Ecclesiastical Troubles--Spain at the Brink of Bankruptcy--Cordova's Administration--Revised Code of Laws for the Indies--Civil and Ecclesiastical Controversies--Some Ruthless Work--Founding of the City of Matanzas--Official Disputes and Scandals.

The War of the Austrian Succession--The Treaty of Utrecht--Reign of Philip V--Renewed Conflicts in the West Indies--Settlement of Pensacola--Aggressions of the French--Cuban Interests Affected by European Affairs--Increased Protection of the Island--Two Local Governors--Attacks upon Charleston--Raids of British Warships--Speculation in Tobacco--More Fortifications in a Time of Peace--Churches and Convents--Sanitary Measures--Official Quarrels--Reorganization of the Tobacco Industry--Seeking Administrative Stability--A Tobacco Insurrection--A Warning to the British--Fortifications of Havana.

Great Impetus Given to Discovery and Exploration Throughout the World--Interesting Observations upon Cuba and the Indies--Some Quaint Records--A Description of the Natives of Cuba--Something About the Natural Resources of the Island from Ancient Authorities--Spanish and Alien Descriptions of Cuba--Early Writings About Cuba in Various Languages--Fra Vincente Fonseca--A Dutch Description of Cuba--Attention Given to the Wealth of Cuban Forests--Reasons Given for the Rise and Subsequent Decline of Spanish Power--Some Superstitions and Legends.

Cuba Neglected During an Era of Great Achievements--The Golden Age of Spain--Culture at Home and Conquest Abroad--A Noteworthy Group of Spanish Historians--The University of Santo Domingo--The First American Books--Cuba's Lack of Participation in these Activities, and the Reasons for it--A Turning Point in Cuban History at the End of the Sixteenth Century--Cubans Beginning to Become Cubans and Not Spaniards--A Significant Change in the Temper and Character of the People of the Island.

FULL PAGE PLATES:

FACING PAGE The Havana Cathedral 36

La Fuerza 146

Morro Castle, Havana 180

San Francisco Church 226

Morro Castle, Santiago 298

TEXT EMBELLISHMENTS:

PAGE

Monument on Supposed First Tending Place of Columbus, Watling's Island 3

Queen Isabella 13

Diego Velasquez 59

Baracoa, First Capital of Cuba 60

Panfilo de Narvaez 63

Bartholomew de las Casas 64

Ponce de Leon 72

Hernando Cortez 90

Hernando de Soto 140

San Lazaro Watch Tower, Havana 155

Pedro Menendez de Aviles 199

THE HISTORY OF CUBA

CUBA; America: America; Cuba. The two names are inseparable. The record of each is in a peculiar sense identified with that of the other. Far more than any other land the Queen of the Antilles is associated with that Columbian enterprise from which the modern and practical history of the Western Hemisphere is dated. In Cuba the annals of America begin.

This island was not, it is true, the first land discovered by Columbus after leaving Spain. It was at least the fifth visited and named by him, and it was perhaps the tenth or twelfth which he saw and at which he touched in passing. But in at least three major respects it had the unquestionable primacy among all the discoveries of his first, second and third voyages, while in his own estimation it was not surpassed in importance by the main land of the continent which he finally reached in his fourth and last expedition. It was the first land visited or seen by him of the identity of which there has never been the slightest question. It was the first considerable land discovered by him, the first which was worth while sailing across the ocean to discover, and it was by far the most important of all found by him in his first three adventures. It was, also, the first and indeed the only land which caused him to believe that the theory of his undertaking had been vindicated and that the supreme object of his quest had been attained. Let us, in order to appreciate the transcendent significance of his discovery of Cuba, briefly consider these three circumstances.

We must remember with respect to the first that the identity of Columbus's first landing place has been much disputed, and indeed has never been determined to universal satisfaction: We know that it was an island of small or moderate size. Columbus himself called it in one place "small" and in another "fairly large." It was level, low-lying, well watered, with a large central lagoon, which may or may not have been a permanent feature, seeing that his visit was in the rainy season, when any depression in the land was likely to be flooded. It was certainly one of the Bahama archipelago. But that extensive group comprises 36 islands, 687 cays, and 2,414 rocks. Which of all these was it upon which the Admiral landed, which was called by the natives Guanahani, and which, with his characteristic religious fervor, Columbus immediately renamed San Salvador, the Island of the Holy Saviour?

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