It is certainly true that when the war began neither Congress nor the people of the United States cherished an intention to hold Cuba permanently, or had any further thought than to pacify it and turn it over to its own people.
Reid reflects on the initial intentions of the United States regarding Cuba at the onset of the war.
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The people have generally more education and refinement than in other parts of the State; their public improvements are better, and their country is every way more attractive.
That would be “jumping from the frying-pan into the fire,” indeed.
Here was the opportunity for a statesman to grasp.
Brushing aside, then, these bugbears, gentlemen, what are the obvious duties of the hour?