Why did the u. s. want to become a protector for former spanish colonies? to control foreign lands to establish naval stations to spread democratic ideas to keep the spanish from reconquering the lands

The political cartoon below was drawn by thomas nast in 1871: a political cartoon shows a heavy set man with a long nose and a beard in a suit and vest. he is smoking a cigar and has a menacing expression. he leans against a large box that says, in counting there is strength. on top of that box is a smaller container labeled, the ballot. dialogue under the cartoon reads, thats whats the matter. boss tweed, as long as i count the votes, what are you going to do about it? say? public domain what issue does this cartoon address?