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The Destiny of Cuba: Islanders

The disappointment and depression were general. This was a narrow escape from having greatness thrust upon one, but the advertising done in my behalf in the Island brought to me Cubans who were not reserved as to the nature of their sympathies, and represented in the strongest terms, with the support of facts, the merits of the antagonism to the pretensions of the Peninsulars to rule the Islanders.

This recitation of individual experience is to give the full force to the fact of my exceptional facilities to obtain information from Cubans and Spaniards, and it is only fair that the receptive condition of my mind should be emphasized. In Cuba I was as diplomatic as the Spaniards in stating my sentiments, and was reserved in all communications with both sides. It was easy to maintain neutrality, because it was consistent with candor. I have been aided since leaving the Island by Cuban and Spanish partizans. The Spanish minister has kindly furnished documents to sustain his theory of the generosity of his country, and the revolutionists have taken an interest in imparting information, though offended by my pronounced advocacy of annexation. In giving attention to the elements out of which the future of Cuba must be evolved, there is confirmed the opinion formed when the failure of Campos was confessed, that the loss of Cuba to Spain is irretrievable and absolute.