Equally unexpected and important to the development of ordered liberty and good government in the world was the American refusal to accept any responsibility, for themselves or for the Cubans, on account of the so-called Cuban debt.
Reid highlights the significance of the American refusal to take on the Cuban debt for the advancement of liberty and governance.
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Isn’t it better to have the laws in some way take the matter out of their hands and make them work?
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.
Public sentiment was against the sale of lands to the Yankees; “Get white laborers,” they urged, “and in a year you’ll make enough to be able to hold on to your lands.
Fully believing the debts of their Rebel Government legal and just, they were prepared to repudiate them at a hint from Washington.