How we cite our quotes: (Section)
Quote #1
That the government of Cuba shall never […] authorize or permit any foreign power or powers to obtain by colonization or for military or naval purposes or otherwise, lodgement in or control over any portion of said island. (I)
This quote is saying that Cuba can't let other nations colonize their island. Um.
We're pretty sure that no country actually wants someone else to come in and colonize them. So, by saying this Congress is essentially implying that Cuba is very weak and can't control their own territory. And because they are so weak, other countries could simply swoop in and take what they want. Nice vote of confidence for Cuba there, Congress.
Quote #2
That said government shall not assume or contract any public debt […] (II)
The bigger idea here is that the U.S. doesn't want Cuba to owe any favors to other countries who might help them pay off their debts if things go bad. But, think about why Congress even thought about debt in the first place—perhaps they're assuming that little Cuba doesn't know how to run an economy and will get into trouble. That Cuba is such a weak, frail nation that debt is almost inevitable. That's the underlying message here.
Quote #3
That to enable the United States to maintain the independence of Cuba, and to protect the people thereof, as well as for its own defense, the government of Cuba will sell or lease to the United States lands necessary for coaling or naval stations at certain specified points to be agreed upon with the President of the United States. (VII)
Now here's some patronizing talk. Cuba can't maintain its own independence; the U.S. has to do that. Cuba can't protect its own people; the U.S. will do that. Cuba can't defend anything; U.S. naval stations will help do that. These statements aren't just implying weakness, they're cramming it down Cuba's throat. No subtlety here. This quote both confirms America's view that Cuba is weak and opens the door to U.S. occupation of the island in the future. Bit of a power trip there, eh Congress?