Review of an Era in Cuban History--Progress in Inverse Order from International to National Interests--Alienation from Spain--Contrasts Between Cuba and Other Colonies, Spanish and English--Unconscious Preparation for Independent Statehood--Cuban Interest in the World and the World's Interest in Cuba--On the Verge of a New Era--The Promise of Cuban Nationality. ILLUSTRATIONS FULL PAGE PLATES: Francisco de Arango _Frontispiece_ FACING PAGE Laurel Ditch, Cabanas Fortress 58 Havana, from Cabanas 96 In Old Havana 130 Tomas Romay 192 Juan José Diaz Espada 272 José Antonio Saco 378 TEXT EMBELLISHMENTS: PAGE Old Espada Cemetery, Havana 52 Atares Fortress, 1763 103 Don Luis de las Casas 175 A Volante, Old-Time Pleasure Carriage 238 Monserrate Gate, Havana 244 George Canning 258 John Quincy Adams 259 Alejandro Ramirez 311 James Monroe 329 Simon Bolivar 334 Gaspar Betancourt Cisneros 380 THE HISTORY OF CUBA CHAPTER I