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. CHAPTER VIII 90 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. CHAPTER IX 105 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." CHAPTER X 115 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. CHAPTER XI 122 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. CHAPTER XII 137