The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-03
RECIPROCITY TREATIES.
An Agreement with Cuba Urged-Ar-
rangement with ~vfoundIaud

/ hope soon to submit to the Senate a
reciprocity treaty with Cuba. On May
20 last the United States kept its promise
soil and turning Cuba over to those whom
her W people had chosen, as the first off,
Gals of the new republic.
Cuba lies at our doors, and whatever
affects her for good or for i'll affects us
also. So much have our people felt this
that in the Platt amendment we definitely
took the ground that Cuba must hereafter
have closer political relations with US than
with any other power. Thus in a sense
Cuba has become a part of our interna-
tional political system. This makes ii nee
essary that In return she should be given
some of the benefits of becoming part of
our economic system. 1t is. from our W
standpoint. a short-sighted and mischiev-
Gus policy TO fail TO recognize this need
Moreover, 1t is unworthy of a mighty and
generous nation, itself the greatest and
most successful republic in history, to re-
1use 10 stretch out a helping hand to a
young and weak sister republic Just enter
ing upon its career of independence. We
should always fearlessly insist upon our
should with u~ngrudging hand do our gen.
erous duty by the weak. L urge the adop-
ton OF reciprocity with Cuba. not only
because 1T is, eminently for our own in
tereSts to control the Cuban market and
by every means to foster our supremacy
in the tropical lands and waters south of
us, but also because we, of the giant re-
public OF the north. should make all our
sister nations of the American Continent
feel that whenever they will permit II we
desire to show ourselves disinterestedly and
effectively their friend.
A convention with Great Britain has been
concluded, which will be at once laid before
the senate for ratification, providing for
United states and Newfoundland on SUBJ
stantially the lines of the convention for
merry negotiated by the secretary OF state,
Mr.: Blaine. L believe reciprocal trade re-
latons Will be greatly to the advantage of
both countries.
AS civilization grows warfare becomes
less and less the normal condition OF for
eign relations. The last century has seen
a marked diminution of wars between civ
ilized powers; wars with uncivilized powers
are largely mere matters of international
police duty, essential for the welfare of the
world. Wherever possible, arbitration or
some similar method should be employed
In lieu of war to settle difficulties between
civilized nations, although as yet the world
has not progressed sufficiently TO render II
possible, or necessarily desirable, TO in
woke arbitration in every case. The forma-
tlon OF the international tribunal which sits
at The Hague is an event Of good omen
from which great consequences for the
welfare of all mankind may flow. IL is far
better. where possible. to invoke such a
permanent tribunal than TO create special
arbitrators for a given purpose.
III is a matter of sincere congratulatior
TO our country that the United States and
Mexico should have been the first TO use
the good Offices of The Hague court. Thi:
was done last summer with most satisfac
tory results in the case of a claim at issue
between US and our sister republic. Ii /:
earnestly 20 be hoped that this first cas-,
Will serve as a precedent for others, IN
which not only the United States but for
eign nations may take advantage Of III,
machinery already In existence at Tn,
Hague.
l commend TO the favorable considerable,
Of the Congress the Hawaiian fire claims
which were the subject OF careful investi
cation during the last session.