The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1903-11-12
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

ate and House OF Representatives: |
have convened the Congress that it
may consider che legislation necessary
to put into operation the commercial
treaty with Cuba, which was ratified
by the Senate at its last session, and
subsequently by the Cuban govern
ment. deem such legislation de-
manded 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 Platt amend
ment was required from Cuba by the
action of the Congress of the United
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 that when the island
became free and independent repub-
lie she should stand in such close re-
lations with US as in certain respects
to come within our system of interna-
tional policy; and it necessarily fol-
lowed 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 posi-
BILE 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 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 so situated as to 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 che
better safeguarding of American inter-
ests in the waters south of us
These interests 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 utmost i'm
portance from military standpoint.
and is proof of the good faith with
which Cuba is treating us. Cuba has
made great progress since her indie
pendence was established. She has
advanced 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 treat
ment by us.
The treaty submitted to you for APP
proval secures to the United States
economic advantages as great as those
given 70 Cuba. Not an American in
terest is sacrificed. By the treaty a
large Cuban market is secured to our
producers. 1t is 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.
IL would be indeed shortsighted for
us to refuse to take advantage of such
an opportunity and to force Cuba into
making arrangements with other coun-
tries to our disadvantage.
This reciprocity treaty stands by
itself. 1t is demanded on consider
ations OF broad national policy as we'll
as by our economic interests. 1t will
do harm to no industry. 1t will bene.
fit many industries. 1t is in the inter-
est OF our people as whole, both be-
cause OF its importance from the broad
of international policy,
and because economically it intimately
concerns us to- develop and secure the
rich Cuban market for our farmers.
artisans, merchants, and manufac-
turers. Finally, it is desirable as a !
guaranty of the good faith of our ma
tion towards 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
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 admins
traitors who served her in peace and
who started her so we'll OH the diff
cult path of elf-government. We
must help her onward and upward;
and in helping her we shall help our
selves.
The foregoing considerations caused
the negotiation of the treaty with
Ouba and its ratification by the SEN
ate. They now with equal force sup
port the legislation by the Congress
which by the terms of the treaty is
necessary to render it operative. A
failure to enact such legislation would
come perilously near reputation of
the pledged faith of the nation.
L transmit herewith the treaty, as