CHAPTER XXIII 343

The "Soles de Bolivar" in Cuba--Administration of Villanueva--Oppression of the People--Vain Attempts to Suppress Patriotic Societies--Conspiracies for Freedom--Early Martyrs to Patriotism--The Black Eagle--Trouble with Mexico--The Tyranny of Tacon--His Conflict with Lorenzo--Victims of Spanish Despotism--Cuban Deputies Excluded from the Cortes--Manipulation of the Police--Propaganda of Freedom by Cubans in Exile--Tacon's Public Works--Dealing with Pirates and Smugglers--Origin of the Havana Fish Market--Tacon as the Champion of Virtue in Distress--End of a Bad Reign.