The Annexation Question.

the subjects of the various chapters including: the reasons for the conservation of Cuba as a Spanish colony ("...pues baldón eterno sería para España, si por su impericia y abandono llegase a consumarse la pérdida del último y tan brillante resto del imperio español en el Nuevo Mundo..."), Spain's ignorance about Cuba and its consequences, the annexation project, the consequences of Narciso López's expedition, the duties and responsibilities of the Governor General, civil administration, public works, the police and justice system, health and education; the author attributes the unrest in Cuba to its inefficient administration and the complacence of those ignoring why Spain lost its other colonies in South America, and seeks to explore how its rich resources can be exploited for 'social well-being' ('bienestar social'), which in turn will guarantee its continued allegiance to Spain



c. 230 pages, 4to, bound in contemporary panelled calf, c. 1851, binding rubbed

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Written in at least two hands (and probably not autograph), it appears from internal evidence that this account may have been meant for publication, although its abrupt end suggests it was not completed.

"...habiendo participado Cuba de la revolución moral que preparó la separación de las provincias hispano-americanas del Continente, si dejó de seguir el ejemplo de estas, fue debido no a su bienestar, ni a su buena administración, sino a los elementos mismos de que su población esta formada..."

"...las maquinaciones de los abolicionistas, las intrigas de los agentes británicos y los sucesos de 1844 en que se juzgó descubierta una gran conspiración de negros, haciendo creer al Gobierno que en Cuba no había que temer otros peligros que los que pudieran venir de esa parte, le mantuvieron en un todo imposible ante lo que pasaba en el vecino continente; y así es que preocupado solo de aquella idea, acabó de disolver la poca fuerza que existía aun organizada con gentes de color, que tanto se habian distinguido siempre por su espiritu español, y que en mi opinión, dado el caso de una invasión extrangera, volverían a ser un fuerte apoyo para el Gobierno..."