Cuba.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, 16 March 1891, Page 2

Cuba.

-_.«. The island of Cuba appears to be very attractive to the Americans. The latest cablegrams announce that Spain has had to send a strong military force to quell the rebellion stated to have been caused by Americans. Cuba is the largest of the West Indian isles, and has belonged to Spain since 1511, except for the period when the English occupied and subdued it in 1762. The island was again handed over to Spain by treaty in 1763. The Americans have always objected to the presence of other holders of territories within what they consider theii. 1 natural boundaries, and thus in 1803 they purchased Louisiana from the French, and in 1820 obtained Florida from Spain, and in 1846 they annexed New Mexico. Not content with this success, a filibustering expendition was organised under the leadership of General Lopez in 1849 ior the acquisition of Cuba, but failed owing to the proclamation of the President of the United States against the expedition. In 1850 Lopez made another attempt but was defeated by the Spanish authorities. In the following year Lopez led another attack and succeeded in effecting a landing, but was again defeated, and being captured, was executed. It is evident that Spain will have all her work cut out to retain almost the last of her once enormous possessions in America.