My winter in Cuba

Front matter

MY WINTEK IN CUBA.

BT W. M. L. JAY,

Author of " S7iUo7i."

Preface

The personal pronoun " my " in the title of the present work is explanatory, not egotistical. The ""Winter" herein described is mine, and not another's, in that it deals so largely with that domestic side of Cuban life, which few travellers ever see, and whereof none, to my knowledge, have ever written. The reader may find elsewhere more graphic descriptions of Cuba's scenery, combined with accurate tables of her statistics, and profound views of her politics ; but he will find no work that opens to him so frankly the doors of Cuban homes, and allows him to watch the inner currents of Cuban life. JSTor could the present narrative have flowed thus freely across private thresholds, except by the use of fictitious names. There may have been Samanos in Cuba, but I never saw them there. The real names of my kind entertainers are stereotyped only on my heart. But, with this slight exception, the narrative may be relied upon as strictly true.

If it be found to touch but lightly upon matters of policy and government, it is because their present

VI PREFACE.

aspect is felt to be so transitory. Enough, has been said to show that the Cubans had cause for revolt; more might cease to be pertinent between the pen and the press. "Whether the present rebellion succeed or no, its ultimate effect can scarcely fail to be beneficial to the Cubans. "Whether that benefit is to come through amelioration of the Spanish, rule, independence, or annexation, it is not worth while to predict. But all those who have felt the fascination of the beautiful island, and keep her fair memory in their hearts, will most devoutly pray that it come soon, and bring with it social, political, and religious regeneration.

Hudson, N. Y., July, 1871.

Contents

PAGE

I. Wherefore, 9

III. Landing and Hotel, . . . . . .16