Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1903-11-12
PRESIDENTS
MESSAGE
A nrief Thoa@h consimctng Argamemi
For Reciprocity With

1
sentasives: have convened the CON-
gress that IL may consider the legis-
lation necessary TO put into operation
the commercial treaty With Cuba,
which was ratified by the senate ~ Its
last session and subsequently BY the
Cuban government. deem such legis.
fation demanded. not only by our in.
terest, but by our honor. We cannot
with propriety abandon the course
upon which We have so wisely embark
led. When the acceptance OF the Plat
amendment was required from Cuba by
khe action OF congress OF the United
states. this government thereby def
nitely committed itself 10 the policy OF
treating Cuba as occupying unique
position as regards this country. IL
was provided that when the island be-
came free and independent republic
she should stand In such close relations
with tls BE la certain respects TO come
within our system OF international
policy: and Ii necessarily follows that
she must also 10 certain degree be.
come included within the lines OF our
economic policy. Situated " Cuba is,
llt would not he possible for this c0untry
TO permit the strategic use OF the To-
land by any foreign military power. II
Ii for this reason that certain limita.
lions have been imposed upon her
financial policy and that naval stations
have been conceded by her TO the
/ United States. The negotiations as TO
the details OF these naval stations are
on the eve of completion. They are 80
situated as to prevent any idea that
llhere is the inten ton ever to use them
lagainst Cuba, or otherwise than for the
Iprotection OF Cuba from the assaults Of
foreign foes, and for the better safe.
lguarding OF American interests In the
waters south OF US.
/ These interests have been largely In
lcreased by the consequences of the war
with Spain, and will be stlll further
Increased by the building oI The isih-
mtan canal. They ara both military
and economic. The granting 10 us by
Cuba OF the naval stations above allud-
ed TO is of the most Importance from
a military standpoint, and is proof Of
the good faith with which Cuba Is
treating US. Cuba has made great
progress since her independence was
established. She has advanced stead
lily in every way. She already stands
, high among her sister republics of the
new world. She is Loyalty observing
. her obligations TO ue; and she is en-
Titled to like treatment by Us.
4 The treaty submitted to you for ap.
proval secures to the United States
, economic advantages as great as those
! given to Cuba. Not an American inter.
J eat Is sacrificed by the treaty; d large
+ Cuban market lie assured to our pro.
7 ducers. Ii is valuable market which
lies at our doors, which is large, cap
able of great expansion, and which Ii
) particularly important TO the develop.
. ment OF our export trade. II would be,
. indeed, short-sighted for as to refuse
9 to take advantage of such opportunity
! and TO force Cuba into making arrange
Q ments with other countries TO our dis
$ advantage.
& This reciprocity treaty stands by Its.
I lself. 1t IL demanded on consideration
|of broad national policy as well as BY
: our economic interest. IL will do harm
g to no industry. 1t will benefit many
. industries. 1t Is in the interest OF 0ul
people as Q whole. both because Of III
Importance from the broad standpoint
of international policy and because
i economically IL intimately concerns u
= to develop and secure the rich Cnbas
. market for our farmers, artisans, me,
b chants and manufacturers. Finally, i
g 10 desirable rs guaranty OF the good
u faith OF our nation towards her younl
'r sister republic TO the south, whose vel
r fare must ever bs closely bound witt
u ours. We gave her liberty. We are
a. knit to her by the memories OF th.
blood and the courage oi our soldier
who fought for her In war; by the mem
ories Of the wisdom and integrity o
a. our administrators who saved her ii
Il peace and who started her so we'll Il
n the difficult path Of self government
as We must help her onward and upward
" and Ia helping her we shall help our
id selves
10 The foregoing considerations caused
70 the negotiation of treaty With Cub
and its ratification By the senate. The,
now, with equal force. support th
I, Legislation BY the congress which b
the tearmsof the treaty, IL necessar,
OF ID render il operative. A failure Il
ly enact such legislation would com
Ia perilously near repudiatlon Of th
In pledged faith Of the nation.
q. transmit herewith ths treaty .