recognize
that they are incapable of self-government. Their condition is
indeed pitiable. No serfs in Russia were ever greater slaves than
the Cubans are to Spain. The revenue they must raise yearly for
Spain, and for which they get no benefit whatever, except the name
of a national protection and the aegis of a flag, is $16,000,000.
They have no self-government of any kind. From captain general
down to the tide-waiter at the docks, the official positions are
held by Spaniards. I venture to say that not a single native Cuban
holds an office or receives public emolument. In addition to the
$16,000,000 sent annually to Spain, Cuba has to pay the salaries
of all the Spanish horde fastened upon her."

"Do you think the native planters, the wealthier classes, that is,
favor annexation to the United States?"

"Yes, I am told all of them are anxious for it, but I don't think
we want Cuba as an appendage to the United States. I would not
favor annexation. In spite of the drains upon her, Cuba is enormously
rich in resources, and is a large consumer of our products, on
which at present the heavy Spanish duties rest. What I would favor
would be a reciprocity treaty with Spain, as to Cuba, so that we
might send our goods there instead of forcing the Cubans to buy of
England, France and Germany. We could do the island much more good
by trading with her on an equal basis than we ever can by annexing
her. Cuba, to some extent, is under our eye, we would probably
never let any other nation than Spain own the island, but so long
as Spain does own it she is welcome to it if she will only let us
sell our goods on equal or better terms than the Cubans can get
them for elsewhere."

I had some time previously accepted an invitation of the members
of the Tennessee legislature to address them, and, therefore, at
Jacksonville left the remainder of the party to pursue their way
to Washington at their leisure, while I started for Nashville,
accompanied by Mr. Babcock and Mr. Mussey. Having a few days to
spare before my appointment at that place, and having heard much
of the wonderful progress and development of the iron industry at
Birmingham, Alabama, I determined to stop at that place. On our
arrival we went to the Hotel Florence, and at once met the "ubiquitous
reporter." My arrival was announced in the papers, and I was soon
called upon by many citizens, who proposed that an informal reception
be held in the dining room of