Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-11-10
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

IhEClDEN1 l. = ln EaoOAOEs
The following is the full text of Presi-
dent Roosevelt's message which was sent
to Congress today
To the Senate and House of Repres-
entatlves:
have convened the Congress that
it may consider the legislation neces-
sary to put into operation the
commercial treaty with Cuba, which
was ratified by The Senate at lis last
session, and since that by the Cuban
Government. | deem such legislation
demanded not only by our interest but
by our honor. We cannot with pro-
priety abandon the course upon which
we have so wisely embarked. When
the acceptance of the Plat amendment
was required from Cuba by the action OF
the Congress of the United States, this
Government thereby definitely commit
ted itself to the policy Of treating
Cuba as occupying unique position as
regards this country. 1t was provided
that when the island became free and
independent republic she should stand
in such close relations with US as in
certain respects to come within our sys-
tenn of international policy; and it neces-
sarily followed that she must also to a
certain degree become included within
the lines of our economic policy. Stu
ated as Cuba is it would not be possible
for this country to permit the strategic
abuse of the island by any foreign
military power. 1t is for this reason
that certain limitations have been i'm
posed upon our financial policy, and
that naval stations have been conceded
by her to the United States. The nego-
tiations as to the details of these naval
stations are on the eve of completion.
They are so situated as 10 prevent any
idea that there is the intention ever to
use them against Cuba, or otherwise
than for the protection of Cuba from the
assaults of foreign foes, and for The bet
ter safeguarding of American interests
in the waters south Of us. These inter-
ests have been largely increased by the
consequences Of the war with Spain, and
will be still further increased by the
building Of the Isthmian canal. They
are both military and economic. The
granting to us by Cuba Of the naval
stations above alluded to is Of the ut
most importance from a military stand
point, and is proof of The good faith
with which Cuba is treating us. Cuba
has made great progress since her inde-
pendence was established. She has adj
vanced steadily in every way. She
already stands high among her sister
republics of the new world. She is
Loyalty observing her obligations to us;
and she is entitled to like treatment by
us.
The treaty submitted to you for APP
proval secures to the United States
economic advantages as great as
those given to Cuba. Not an
American interest is sacrificed. BY the
treaty large Cuban market is secured
to our producers. 1t market which
lies at our doors, which is already large,
which is capable of great expansion, and
which is especially important to the de-
velopment of our export trade. 1t would
be indeed shortsighted for us to refuse
to take advantage OF such an opportunity,
and to force Cuba into making arrange
ments with other countries to our disad-
vantage. This reciprocity treaty stands by
itself 1t is demanded on considerations
of broad national policy as well as by our
economic interest. 1t will do harm to no
industry. 1t will benefit many industries.
1t is in the interest of our people as
whole, both because Of its importance
from the broad standpoint Of information
al policy, and because economically 1t
intimately concerns us to develop and
secure the rich Cuban market for
our farmers, artisans, merchants and
manufacturers. Finally, it is desir-
able as a guaranty of the good faith
of our nation towards Der young
sister republic to the south, whose well
fare must ever be closely bound with
ours. We gave her liberty. We are
knit to her by the memories of the blood
and the courage of our soldiers who
fought for her in war; by the memories
of the wisdom and integrity of our ad-
ministrators who served her in peace
and who started her so well on the diff
fcuIt path of self-government. We
must help her onward and upward and
in helping her we shall help ourselves.
The foregoing considerations caused the
negotiation of the treaty with Cuba and
its ratification by the Senate. They
now with equal force support the legisla-
ton by the Congress which by the terms
of the treaty is necessary TO render it
operative. A failure to enact such legis-
lation would come perilOusly near
reputation Of the pledged faith of the
nation. transmit herewith the treaty,
as amended by the Senate and ratified
by the Cuban government.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
White House November 10 1908