Explanation of cartoon
Although Cuba had just fought a war for their independence, America brought Cuba under its control through the Platt Amendment. Here, the man tied up is a Cuban and he is being controlled by President McKliney, who is holding the red ribbon. The Cubans lost its independence to the U.S. because they could not make other treaties with others that would compromise their independence or take debt beyond their resources, but allowed the U.S. to intervene to restore order when necessary and gave America coaling or naval stations. This angered the Cubans greatly.
background
Because of the Teller Amendment, the U.S. had promised to give the Cubans their freedom as soon as they overthrew the Spanish in control of the country. This declared war between the U.S. and the Spanish with an American victory. As a result, the Spanish gave the U.S. Cuba, Guam, and Puerto Rico. As promised, the United States withdrew from Cuba but only on the Condition of the Platt Amendment. This amendment said that Cuba could not make other treaties with others that would compromise their independence, and take debt beyond their resources, but allowed the U.S. to intervene to restore order when necessary and gave America coaling or naval stations. Even though the Cubans were fighting for freedom, they seemed to be under someone's command once again.