CHAPTER XXV 304

British Designs against Spanish Possessions--Covetous Eyes Turned upon Cuba by British Empire-Builders--Isolation of Cuba from Spain--France Playing False--Cuban Reprisals--Further Attacks by Freebooters--Controversy over British Prisoners--Disastrous Earthquakes--Ecclesiastical Troubles--Spain at the Brink of Bankruptcy--Cordova's Administration--Revised Code of Laws for the Indies--Civil and Ecclesiastical Controversies--Some Ruthless Work--Founding of the City of Matanzas--Official Disputes and Scandals.