The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1903-11-14
R00SEvELT'S SAY
The Presidents Message In Fui! s. Trans
mitted by him to Congress Convened
In Extraordinary Session.

The following II the president mes
sage in full to lhe Fifty-eighth congress
To the Senate and House of Represen-
satives; convene congress that it may
consider such legislation as is necessary
to put into operation the commercial
treaty with Cuba which was ratified by
the senate at its last session and subse-
quently by the Cuban government. ]
deem such legislation demanded, not
only by our interest, but by our honor.
We cannot, with propriety, abandon the
course upon which we have so wisely
embarked. When the acceptance Of the
Platt amendment was required from Gu
ba by action of the congress of the Uni
ted states this government thereby def
nitely committed itself to the policy of
treating Cuba as occupying unique
position as regards this country. 1t was
provided when the island became free
and independent republic that she should
stand in such close relation with us in
certain respects to come within our sys-
tenn of international policy, and it neces-
sarily follows she must also, TO a certain
degree, become included within the lines
of our economic policy. Situated as Cuba
is it would not be possible for this coun-
try to permit the strategic abuse of the
island by foreign military powers.
1t was for this reason that certain linn
itations have been impressed upon her
financial policy, and naval stations have
been conceded by her to the United
States. Negotiations as to details OF
these naval stations are on the eve OF
completion. They are SO situated - to
prevent any idea that there is any in
tention ever to use them against Cuba,
or otherwise than for the protection OF
Cuba from the assault OF foreign foes,
and the better safeguarding OF American
interests in the water south of us
These interests having been greatly in.
creased by the consequences If the wal
with Spain and will be further increased
by the upbuilding of the isthmus canal
both military and economic. The grant
ing to our use by Cuba, OF the naval sta
tions alluded to is OF the utmost inlpor
tance from a military standpoint and il
proof OF Cuba's good faith. Cuba has
made great progress since gaining indie
pendence. and already stands higl
among her sister republics of the new
world. Loyalty observing her obliga
ton to us she is entitled to like treat
ment by us.
The treaty submitted to you for ap
proval secures to the United States eco
nomic advantages great as those givel
to Cuba. No American interest is sacri
feed. BY the treaty a large Cuban mar
ket is secured to our producers. Thi
market which lies at our doors is alrcad
large and s capable of great expansio
and is especially important in the dc
velopment of our export trade.
would be shortsighted for us not to tax
advantage of such an opportunity an
force Cuba into milking arrangement
with other countries to our disadvar
tage The reciprocity treaty stand
by itself It is demanded on consider
: alton OF broad national policy rs well .
by our economic interests. 1t will harI
no industry and will benefit many il
dustries. 1t is in the interest of 0t
people as whole, both because OF i
Importance from the broad standpoil
Of international policy, and becaus
economically, it intimately concerns l
TO develop and secure the rich Cuba
market for our farmers, artisans me
y chants aud manufacturers. Finally II
desirable as guarantee OF good faith G
the part OF the nation toward a youI
sister republic to the south, who
welfare must ever be closely bound 1
with ours, We give her liberty; y
knit to her the memories of blood al
courage of our soldiers who fought I
her in war; by the memories OF the wi
dom and integrity of our administrato
who served her in peace and who staI
ell her SO well on the difficult path
self-government; We must help her o
ward and upward. and helping iief, he
ourselves.
The foregoing considerations caus
negotiations for treaty with Cuba al
its ratification 10y the senate. They no
,. with equal force. support such legisl