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