Cubans

Unknown Narrator

The narrator observes and interacts with Cubans as part of his travel, noting their culture and social conditions.

The Jesuits

Cubans interact with the Jesuits in religious and educational contexts, reflecting the Church's role in Cuban society.

I

Shivering Cuban passengers are noted among the motley group on board, heading home to warmer climates.

II

Creole children on board are observed, with commentary on the effects of climate and despotic institutions on their character.

III

Cuban boys and Creole girls are described among the passengers, noted for their appearance and demeanor.

V

Cubans are observed in the billiard room, on the Paseo, and in their formal social gatherings, speaking Spanish and maintaining distinct customs.

VI

Referenced indirectly through the mention of the chain gang and the general populace.

VIII

Cubans are mentioned as part of the population discussing the Thirty Millions Bill.

IX

Described as having a childish taste for excessive decoration in their altars.

XIII

Referenced in the context of the effects of foreign education on the youth of Cuba.

XV

Mentioned in the context of Cuban families' cosmopolitan nature and the Matanzas opera audience.

XVI

Described as holding land and capital but lacking political rights and self-government.

XVII

Creoles gather at billiard tables and show deep interest in the Maestri trial as a symbol of centralized power.

XVIII

No Cuban women have joined the Sisters of Charity; the order relies on recruits from France and Spain.

XIX

Cuban revenues support the hospital; the prison system is described as a Cuban institution.

XX

Part of the crowd at the bullfight; the narrator criticizes their passive acceptance of cruelty and oppression.

XXII

Described as infatuated with the lottery and participating in cockfights.

XXIII

Described as Creoles, mostly disaffected, desiring self-government or annexation to the United States.

Political Condition

Cubans are described as disarmed, disfranchised, and subject to arbitrary banishment and exclusion from office under Spanish rule.

Religion

The general populace is described as having practical infidelity, especially among men, with little regard for religious obligations.

Slavery

Mentioned as providing estimates of slave and Coolie numbers, and as being taxed for their slaves.

Material Resources—Education

Discussed as a people with divided races, lack of political experience, and uncertain capacity for self-government.

XXV

Cuban passengers witness the hackmen fight and view it as an insurrection of the lower orders.