Cubans, moreover, were badly armed, knew little of the trade of
soldiering, and were merely a band of sturdy patriots, fighting with a
determination to conquer or die, while the Greeks were finely equipped
soldiers.

One would have supposed that the Greeks would have given the Turks some
hard fighting, and have been able to make their own terms in the end, and
that the Cubans would have been subdued in very short order.

[Illustration: ATHENS: KING'S PALACE FROM THE GARDENS.]

How different the results have been.

Greece with her splendid army had no leaders worthy of the name, and has
been whipped and shamed in two short weeks of war.

Cuba, in spite of her motley, ill-armed bands of soldiers, is happy in the
possession of some great leaders. Cuba had her Maceo, and has yet her
Gomez and her Garcia.

What have these generals done for her?

For more than two years they have carried on the unequal war. Clever
enough to avoid meeting the Spaniards in any pitched battles, that, if
lost, would ruin their cause, they have succeeded in harassing their foe,
wasting Spain's money, wearing out her patience, and keeping her at bay
until time has made better soldiers of them, drawn more friends to their
cause, and rendered the conditions more equal.

The success of the Cubans can be looked forward to with confidence,