The Cuba Review and Bulletin, Vol. 5

Book excerpt: Excerpt from The Cuba Review and Bulletin, Vol. 5: December, 1906 The beginnings of Cuba's real existence are linked with the advent to her shores in October, 1492, of a colossal figure, that of Christopher Columbus. From that period, Cuba began to mark time, with a feeble rhythm at first, but with stronger and stronger beat as the centuries rolled on. Prior to 1492, historians tell us the Indian inhabitants of the island lived a quiet, peaceful life. \ve are told they were gentle, hospitable and docile, but disinclined to any more effort than was required to maintain an easy, slothful existence. The island was known then as Cuba, an Indian name, though Columbus on landing, promptly named it Juana in honor of the eldest daughter of his sovereigns. After King Ferdinand's death the island was called Fernandina, and later on was named Santiago in honor of Spain's patron saint. Still later the inhabitants to show their piety named it Ave Maria. Notwithstanding these several titles, it is to-day known as Cuba, a name which in all probability it is destined to retain. At Columbus' time the island was divided into nine principalities under different caciques, all independent of each other, and yet such was the pacific disposition of the people, the utmost tranquillity usually prevailed. But the invaders soon changed all that and troublous times came until 1511, when an expedition came from Spain purposely to conquer and possess all the territory, in which they naturally succeeded, by reason of their superior armament and methods, killing, it is said, some natives in the process. Few traces of the original inhabitants are now to be found, although in the interior towns one may find a few descendants. Dating from these ancient days are the principal towns of the island. Columbus believing he had reached the shores of India. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.