The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1903-11-13
The PRESIDENTS
MESSAGE.
Reasons Given For Calling
Extra Session.

II have convened the congress that
it may consider the legislation nec-
essary to put into operation the COM
mercial treaty with Cuba, which was
ratified by the senate at its last ses-
sion and subsequently by the Cuban
government. deem such legislation
demanded not only by our interest,
but by our honor.
1--WE cannot with propriety abandon
the course upon which we have so
wisely embarked. When the accept
ance of the Platt amendment was re-
quired from Cuba by the action of
congress of the. United States, this
government thereby definitely COM
mitted itself to the policy of treating
Cuba as occupying unique position
as regards this country.
at was provided that when the
island became a free and indepen-
ent republic she should stand in such
close relations with us as in certain
, respects to come within our system
of international policy: and it neces-
arily followed that she must also to
a certain degree become included
within the lines of our economic pol
, icy. Situated as il is. it would not be
, possible for this country to permit
, strategic abuse of the plan by any
foreign military power.
' s'It is for this reason that certain
limitations have been imposed upon
her financial policy and that naval
stations have been conceded by her
to the United States. The negotia-
tions as to the details of these naval
stations are on the eve of completion.
They are so situated as to prevent
any idea that there is the intention
ever to use them against Cuba, oI
otherwise than for the protection oi
Cuba from the assaults of foreign
foes. and for the better safeguard
ing of American interests in the
waters south of u.s.
These interests have been largely
increased by the consequences of the
war with Spain, and will be still fur
ther increased by the building of the
isthmian canal. They are both mill
tary and economic. The granting tC
us by Cuba of the naval station:
above alluded to is of the utmost i'm
portance from military standpoin,
and is proof of the good faith witt
which Cuba is treating US.
Scuba has made great progress
since her independence was estab
lished. She already stands high
among her sister republics of the new
world. She is Loyalty observing hel
obligation to US; and she is entitled
to like treatment by us.
"The treaty submitted to you for
approval secures to the United
States economic advantages as great
as those given Cuba. Not an Ameri.
can interest is sacrificed. BY the
treaty large Cuban market is Sc
cured to our producers.
sIt is the market which lies at our
doors, which is already large, which
Is capable of great expansion, and
which IS especially important to the
development of our export trade.
1t would be indeed short sighted for
us to refuse to take advantage of
such opportunity and to force Cuba
into making arrangements with 9th
er countries to our advantage.
This reciprocity treaty stands by
itself. 1t is demanded on consider
alton of broad national policy as by
our economic interests. 1t will do
harm to no industry. 1t will benefit
many interests. 1t is in the interest
of our people as 4 whole, both be-
cause of its Importance from the
broad standpoint of International
policy and because economically it
intimately concerns US to develop
and secure the the rich Cuban mar
kets for our farmers, artisans, mer-
chants and manufacturers.
Finally it is desirable as q guar
anty of the good faith of our nation
toward her young sister republic to
the South, whose welfare must ever
be closely bound with ours. We gave
her liberty. We are knit to her by
memories of the wisdom and integri-
ty of our administrators who saved
her In peace and who started her so
well on the difficult path of self-gov-
ernRent. We must help her Onward