The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-03-28
TOUCHING CUBA

Inc special message OIL Tie pTeSlQeuL
to congress on Cuban affairs marks the
approach to the conclusion of the pecu-
liar relations our government has sus-
tanned toward the island since the sign
ing and ratification of the treaty Of Paris.
1t marks the conclusion, too, of the pro-
gram of our government to carry out to
the letter the pledge to hand the govern
ment of the island over to the Cubans,
embodied in the joint resolution Of con-
gress of April 20, 1898, accentuated by
the order issued in 1900 by the military
governor Of Cuba for the holding of an
election to elect delegates to the consti-
tutional convention to frame and adopt q
constitution for the people Of Cuba. This
constitution President Roosevelt now rec
ognizes, as well as the validity of the
election of president, congressman and
provincial officials by the Cubans and rec
ommends a suitable appropriation for the
maintenance Of our diplomatic and con-
sular service in the new republic. The
president very properly quotes the full
text OF the amended joint resolution of
April 20, 1898, for it shows that congress
recognition of their independence, limi-
tations deemed necessary for the peace
and safety of Cuba and for the main
tenance of cordial relations between the
two governments.
We have, in placing such limitations
upon Cuban action, in imposing certain
duties on the Cuban republic, imposed
Of
and safeguarding CT Cuban interests. The
United States has been, since the occu-
patton of Cuba, in the position of trustee
and under the joint resolution of March
2, 1901, now incorporated in the Cuban
constitution, that relation is in some
measure continued The Cubans reluc-
family consented TO the limitations speci-
fed in the Plat amendment after protest,
but they submitted in good faith, and the
last administration gave the Cuban COM
missioners who went to Washington to
confer on the subject, clear intimation
that Cuba should enjoy commercial ad-
vantages with the states. President
Roosevelt very strongly, in his message
last December said that there are
tional interest why the policy of reci-
procity should be held to have peculiar
application in the case of Cuba, and he
emphasized the wisdom of providing for
substantial mot 20 per cent? reduction
in the tariff duties on Cuban imports into
the United States. Cuba having consented
and in her constitution affirmed what we
cbn Oh ,
more friendly relations with us than with
any other power In his message, yester-
day, he said that our new relations with
Cuba should be "broadened and strength
ened in every proper way by conventional
pacts with the Cubans and by wise and
beneficent legislation aiming to stimulate
the commerce between the two countries
if the great task we commenced IN 1895
is to be tittingly accomplished" That is
counsel at once rational and patriotic and
honorable. From moral standpoint We
cannot go back on our obligations
Mr.. Littletield of Maine contends that
the United States has no constitutions
right to guarantee a stable government
for Cuba. He likewise contends that the
Cubans shall be left to shift for them.
selves. This gentleman represents the
tone of the opposition to concessions OF
any kind. He is confronted by protec-
tionists as true to the principle as he
who, after full knowledge of the sub.
ject. contend that we can give the Cubans
generous measure Of relief without VIC.
lating the principle Of protection. We
ha TO C,,ho
and has assumed responsibilities for hel
which are as great as if Cuba was a par
Of this nation. It is craftsmanship tt
view the subject from this standpoint, ant
in this matter we want the best of Ameri
can craftsmanship to act.