The international picture also is not favorable…

The international picture also is not favorable to the Cuban cause for independence.

The United State, fearful of European expansion into the New World and particularly of British and French designs on Cuba, had been quick to issue the Monroe Doctrine (1823), which warned in part that the nation would not tolerate the transfer of New World colonies from one European power to another.

The United States seems to have preferred Cuba under a weak Spain than under a mighty Britain.

If anyone else is to have Cuba, some United States politicians and business interests reason, it will be its neighbor to the north.