# Political Condition explained — To Cuba and Back

> Chapter companion for To Cuba and Back by Richard Henry Dana Jr..

## What happens

This chapter details the political condition of Cuba under Spanish rule, focusing on the Royal Order of May 29, 1825, which established martial law and a state of siege. It describes the absolute power of the Captain-General, the suppression of legislative assemblies, censorship, the prohibition of native Cubans from holding office, heavy taxation, and the military occupation of the island.

## Themes in this chapter

### Colonial Oppression and Despotism

The chapter describes Cuba as being under an 'unmixed despotism of one nation over another,' with the Captain-General wielding absolute power and the population disarmed and disfranchised.

### Uncertain Political Future of Cuba

The chapter highlights the lack of legislative assembly, the suppression of popular liberties, and the heavy military presence, pointing to an uncertain and oppressive political future for Cuba.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator observes and reports on the political situation in Cuba, noting the limitations of his own brief residence and conversations.

### Cubans

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

### Spaniards

Spaniards compose the army and navy, and hold the positions of power in Cuba, ruling over the native population.

## Key lines

> This Royal Order is the only constitution of Cuba. It was probably intended merely as a temporary order to the then Captain-General; but it has been found convenient to adhere to it.

The Royal Order of 1825, initially meant as a temporary measure, became the permanent governing document for Cuba.

_Highlights the arbitrary and enduring nature of the despotic rule._

> Since 1825, there has been no legislative assembly in Cuba, either provincial or municipal.

All forms of representative government in Cuba were abolished after 1825.

_Emphasizes the complete absence of political representation._

> The power of banishing, without a charge made, or a trial, or even a record, but on the mere will of the Captain-General, persons whose presence he thinks, or professes to think, prejudicial to the government, whatever their condition, rank, or office, has been frequently exercised, and hangs at all hours over the head of every Cuban.

The Captain-General could exile anyone without trial or explanation, a constant threat to all Cubans.

_Illustrates the arbitrary and terrifying power of the colonial government._

> According to the strictness of the written law, no native Cuban can hold any office of honor, trust, or emolument in Cuba.

The law formally excludes native-born Cubans from any significant government position.

_Shows the institutionalized discrimination against Cubans._

> In fine, what is the Spanish government in Cuba, but an armed monarchy, encamped in the midst of a disarmed and disfranchised people?

The Spanish government in Cuba is essentially a military dictatorship ruling over a powerless population.

_Summarizes the chapter's central critique of the colonial regime._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/political-condition
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters