THE HISTORY OF CUBA

BY WILLIS FLETCHER JOHNSON A.M., L.H.D. Author of "A Century of Expansion," "Four Centuries of the Panama Canal," "America's Foreign Relations" Honorary Professor of the History of American Foreign Relations in New York University WITH ILLUSTRATIONS VOLUME FOUR

NEW YORK B. F. BUCK & COMPANY, INC. 156 FIFTH AVENUE 1920

Copyright, 1920, BY CENTURY HISTORY CO. All rights reserved

ENTERED AT STATIONERS HALL LONDON, ENGLAND.

PRINTED IN U. S. A.

CONTENTS

PAGE

CHAPTER I— —1

Cuba for the Cubans—Era of the War of Independence—Organization of the Cuban Revolutionary Party—Vigilance of the Spanish Government—The Sartorius Uprising—The Abarzuza "Home Rule" Measure—Beginning of the War of Independence—José Marti, His Genius and His Work—Members of the Junta in New York—Independence the Aim—Marti's Departure for Cuba—Association with Maximo Gomez—Death of Marti—His Legacy of Ideals to Cuba.

CHAPTER II— —19

Aims and Methods of the Junta—Efforts to Avoid American Complications—Filibustering Expeditions—Contraband Messenger Service—Attitude of the Various Classes of the Cuban People Toward the Revolution—No Racial nor Partisan Differences—The Spanish Element—The Mass of the Cuban People United for National Independence.

CHAPTER III— —29

The First Uprising—Failure in Havana—Success in Oriente—Response of the Spanish Authorities—Superior Numbers of the Spanish Forces—Early Complications with the United States-Seeking Terms with the Patriots—Grim Reception of an Envoy—Ministerial Crisis at Madrid over Cuban Affairs—Martinez Campos, "Spain's Greatest Soldier," Sent to Cuba—His Conciliatory Policy—His Military Preparations—Antonio Maceo—Uprisings in Many Places—Provisional Government of the Patriots—Campos's Barricades—Campos Beaten by Maceo.

CHAPTER IV— —47

Declaration of Cuban Independence—First Constitutional Convention—The First Government of Ministers—Founders of the Cuban Government—Desperate Efforts of Campos—Disadvantages of the Cubans—Plantation Work Forbidden—Campaigns by Maceo and Gomez—Losses of the Spaniards at Sea—Reenforcements from Spain Welcomed—Cuban Headquarters at Las Tunas—Invasion of Matanzas—Defeat and Narrow Escape of Campos—Action of the Autonomists—Loyalty Pledged to Campos—State of Siege in Havana—Campos Recalled to Spain.

CHAPTER V— —65

General Marin—General Weyler the New Captain-General—His Arrival and Remorseless Policy—Cuban Elections a Farce—The Trocha—A War of Ruthless Destruction—Many Filibustering Expeditions—Interest of the United States Government—Diplomatic Controversies—Efficiency of the Provisional Government—Strengthening the Trocha—Activity of Maceo—His Betrayal and Death—Campaigns of Gomez and Others—Calixto Garcia—The Great Advance Westward—President Cleveland's Significant Message to the United States Congress.

CHAPTER VI— —82

Bad Effects of Maceo's Death—Weyler in the Field Against Gomez—Daring and Death of Bandera—Dissensions in the Camp of Gomez—Weyler's Concentration Policy—A Practical Attempt at Extermination—Senator Proctor's Observations—President McKinley's Message—Crisis in Spain—Weyler Recalled and Succeeded by Ramon Blanco—Further Attempts at Reform and Conciliation—Condition of Cuba—The Revolutionists Uncompromising—The Ruiz-Aranguren Tragedy—Organization of the Autonomist Government—Attitude of the Spaniards—Visit of the Maine to Havana—Destruction of the Vessel—The Investigations—Futile Efforts of the Autonomist Government

CHAPTER VII— —103

The Destruction of the Maine not the Cause of American Intervention—Causes Which Led to the War—Diplomatic Negotiations—German Intrigue—President McKinley's War Message—His Attitude Toward the Cuban People—Spanish Resentment—Declaration of War—American Agents Sent to Cuba—Attitude of Maximo Gomez—Supplies, not Troops, Wanted—Blockade of the Cuban Coast—Spanish Fleet at Santiago—Landing of the American Army—Operations at Santiago—Services of the "Rough Riders"—Naval Battle of Santiago—Surrender of the Spanish Army—The Armistice.

CHAPTER VIII— —118

Departure of the Spanish Forces from Cuba—Treaty of Peace Between the United States and Spain—Cuba to be Made Independent—The Cuban Debt—First American Government of Intervention—The Roll of Spanish Rulers from Velasquez in 1512 to Castellanos in 1899—Relations between Americans and Cubans—Disbandment of the Provisional Government and Demobilization of the Cuban Army—A Mutinous Demonstration—Paying Off the Cuban Soldiers.

CHAPTER IX— —139

American Occupation of Cuba—General Wood's Administration at Santiago—His Antecedents and Preparation for His Great Work—A Formidable Undertaking—Conquering Pestilence—Organization of the Rural Guards—American Administration at Havana and Throughout the Island—Grave Problems Confronting General Brooke—Agricultural and Industrial Rehabilitation—Reorganizing Local Government—Triumphal Progress of Maximo Gomez—Unification of Sentiment Among the People—Finances of the Island—Church and State—Marriage Reform—Franchises Refused—The Census—Improving the School System.

CHAPTER X— —158

General Brooke Succeeded by General Leonard Wood—Favorable Reception of the Soldier-Statesman—A Cabinet of Cubans—Efficient Attention Paid to Public Education—Cuban Teachers at Harvard—Caring for Derelict Children—Public Works—Sanitation—Port Improvements—Roads—Paving—The Heroic Drama of the Conquest of Yellow Fever—Work of General Gorgas—A Home of Pestilence Transformed into a Sanitarium—Reforms in Court Procedure—Cleaning Up the Prisons—The First Election in Free Cuba—Rise of Political Parties—Taxation and the Tariff—Increase of Commerce.

CHAPTER XI— —185

Preparations for Self-Government—Call for a Constitutional Convention—The Election—Meeting of the Convention—General Wood's Address—Organization of the Convention—Framing the Constitution—Debates over Church and State, and Presidential Qualifications—Signing of the Constitution—No Americans Present at the Convention—General Provisions of the Constitution—Relations between Cuba and the United States—Controversy between the Two Governments—Origin of the "Platt Amendment"—Attitude of the Cubans Toward It—Malign Agitation and Misrepresentation—A Mission to Washington—Final Adoption of the Amendment.

CHAPTER XII— —204

Text of the Constitution of the Cuban Republic—The Nation, Its Form of Government, and the National Territory—Cubans and Foreigners—Bill of Rights—Sovereignty and Public Powers—The Legislature—The President—The Vice-President—The Secretaries of State—The Judicial Power—Provincial and Municipal Governments—Amendments.

CHAPTER XIII— —240

Election of the First Cuban Government—Candidates for the Presidency—Tomas Estrada Palma Chosen by Common Consent—General Maso's Candidacy—The Election—Close of the American Occupation—A Festal Week in Havana—Transfer of Authority to the Cuban Government—The Cuban Flag at Last Raised in Sovereignty of the Island—President Roosevelt's Estimate of General Wood's Work in Cuba—President Palma's Cabinet—His First Message—The United States Naval Station—Reciprocity Secured after Discreditable Delay at Washington.

CHAPTER XIV— —259

Admirable Work of the Palma Administration—Rise of Sordid Factionalism—José Miguel Gomez, Alfredo Zayas and Orestes Ferrara—Character of the Liberal Party, and of the Conservative Party—Conspiracy to Discredit an Election—An Abortive Insurrection—Pino Guerra's Intrigues—The Rebellion of José Miguel Gomez—President Palma's Unpreparedness and Incredulity—His Faith in the People—The Crisis—Suggestions of the American Consul-General—American Intervention sought—Ships and Troops Sent—Arrival of Mr. Taft—His Negotiations with the Rebels—His Yielding to Their Threats—Resignation of Estrada Palma—Mr. Taft's Pardon to the Rebels—Charles E. Magoon Made Provisional Governor—Estimate of President Palma and His Administration.

CHAPTER XV— —283

Mr. Magoon's Administration—Recognition of the Liberals—The Offices Filled with Liberal Placeholders—Execution of Many Public Works—A New Census Taken—New Electoral Law—Proportional Representation—New Elections Held—Split in the Liberal Party—The Presidential Campaign—Bargain between José Miguel Gomez and Alfredo Zayas—General Menocal and Dr. Montoro—The Victory of the Liberals—Changes in Provincial and Municipal Administrations—Revision of Laws—Settling Church Claims—End of the Second Intervention.

CHAPTER XVI— —297

Administration of President José Miguel Gomez—His Cabinet Sketch of His Career—Sketch of Vice-President Zayas—Army Reorganization—New Laws—The President's Sensitiveness to Criticism—Officials in Politics—Charges of Profligacy and Corruption—Clash with the Veterans' Association—The United States Interested—Quarrels between Gomez and Zayas—Formidable Negro Revolt Suppressed—Reluctance to Settle Claims—Outrage Upon an American Diplomat—Amnesty Bill—The Lottery Established—The "Dragado" Scandal—The Railroad Terminal.

CHAPTER XVII— —312

The Fourth Presidential Campaign—Candidacy and Career of Mario G. Menocal—His Brilliant Work in the War of Independence and in the Sugar Industry—Sketch of Enrique José Varona—Dr. Rafael Montoro's Distinguished Career—His Diplomatic Services and Literary Achievements—President Menocal's Cabinet—His Aims and Plans for His Administration—First Message to Congress—Factional Obstruction—Paying Off Old Debts—Trying to Abolish Gambling—The Civil Service—Controversy Over the Asbert Amnesty Bill—A Small Insurrection.

CHAPTER XVIII— —328

Reelection of President Menocal—Features of the Campaign—Liberal Conspiracy to Invalidate the Election by Revolutionary Means—Disputed Elections—The Double Treason of José Miguel Gomez—Outbreak of a Carefully Planned Insurrection—Intrigues of Orestes Ferrara in the United States—Vigorous Military Action of President Menocal—American Assistance Wisely Declined—Capture of the Rebel Chieftain—Efforts of the Insurgents at Devastation—Continuance of the Rebellion by Carlos Mendieta—Dr. Ferrara Warned by the American Government—Attempts to Assassinate President Menocal—Clemency Shown to Criminals—Attitude of the United States Government—Some Plain Talk from Washington.

CHAPTER XIX— —346

Cuba's Entry into the War of the Nations—President Menocal's War Message—Prompt Response of Congress—Sentiments of the Cuban People—German Propaganda—Attitude of the Church—Liberal Intrigues with Germans—Seizure of German Ships—Conservation and Increased Production of Food—Military Services—Generous Subscriptions to Liberty Loans—Mrs. Menocal's Leadership in Red Cross Work—Noble Activities of the Women of Cuba—Moral and Spiritual Effect of Cuba's Participation in the War.

CHAPTER XX— —355

Marti's Epigram on the Revolution—How It has been Fulfilled by the Cuban Republic—The Sense of Responsibility—Progress in Popular Education as a Criterion—Great Gain in Health—Enormous Growth of the Sugar Industry—Commerce of the Island—Stable Finances—Sanitary Efficiency—Military Reorganization—Statesmanship of President Menocal—Cuba's Unique Situation Among the Countries of the Globe—Significance of the Record Which She has Made from Velasquez to Menocal.

INDEX—367

ILLUSTRATIONS

FULL PAGE PLATES

José MartiFrontispiece

FACING PAGE

The Prado16

Maximo Gomez44

José Antonio Maceo74

Bay and Harbor of Havana98

Old and New in Havana134

Leonard Wood158

University of Havana164

Carlos J. Finlay172

The Capitol204

Tomas Estrada Palma248

The President's Home268

The Academy of Arts and Crafts288

Mario G. Menocal312

Enrique José Varona316

Rafael Montoro320

Senora Menocal352

Boneato Road, Oriente358

TEXT EMBELLISHMENTS

Ricardo del Monte2

Julian del Casal6

José Ramon Villalon13

George Reno21

La Punta Fortress, Havana33

Aniceto G. Menocal50

General Weyler66

William McKinley87

Antonio Govin95

Admiral Cervera110

Admiral Schley110

Old Fort at El Caney112

Theodore Roosevelt113

Monuments on San Juan Hill114

Admiral Sampson115

Peace Tree near Santiago116

Part of Old City Wall of Havana122

Gonzalez Lanuza146

Evelio Rodriguez Lendian162

Antonio Sanchez de Bustamente165

Almendares River, Havana167

Old Time Water Mill, Havana Province169

Street in Vedado, Suburb of Havana176

Aurelia Castillo de Gonzalez192

Scene in Villalon Park, Havana247

Flag of Cuba250

Coat of Arms of Cuba251

William H. Taft276

José Miguel Gomez298

Dr. Alfredo Zayas300

Birthplace of Mario G. Menocal313

Dr. Juan Guiteras321

General D. Emilio Nuñez328

José Luis Azcarata341

Francisco Dominguez Roldan357

José A. del Cueto359

Dr. Fernandez Mendez-Capote360

General José Marti360

Eugenio Sanchez Agramonte362

Academy of Sciences, Havana364