The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-11-19
THE PRESIDENTS
SPECIAL MESSAGE
Mr.. RooseveIt's Recommendations to
the Extra Session
TREATY RELATIONS WITH CUBA
Both Interest and Honor Demand OF
Our Government Prompt Action
A Brief But Vigorous Paper.

Washington, Special.-Congress con.
vened at noon Tuesday and the menu
bers Of both houses listened to the
reading Of the Presidents message, the
full text Of which follows:
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
ITO the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives:
Il have convened the Congress that
1t may consider the legislation neces-
sary to put into operation the CONNER
cial treaty with Cuba, which was rati-
fed by the Senate at its last session,
and subsequently by the Cuban govern
ment. deem such legislation demand
ed. not only by our interest, but by our
honor. We cannot with propriety
abandon the course upon which we
have so wisely embarked. Whea the
acceptance Of the Platt amendment
was required from Cuba by the action
Of the Congress Of the United States,
this government thereby definitely
committed itself to the policy Of treat
ing Cuba as occupying unique position
as regards this country. It was pre-.
vided that when the island became 4
free and Independent republic, It
should stand in such close relations
with us as in certain respects to come
within our system of internal policy;i
and it necessarily followed that she
must also to a certain degree become
included within the lines Of our econos
mic policy. Situated as Cuba is, 1t
would not be possible for this country
to permit the strategic abuse OF the
island by any foreign military power.
1T Is for that reason that certain
limitations have been imposed upon
her financial policy and that naval sta
tions 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 arc
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 form the as
saults of foreign foes, and or the bet
ter safeguarding Of American interests
in the waters south Of US.
These interests have been largely
increased by the consequences OF tho
war with Spain and will be still furth-
er increased by the building Of tho
isthmian canal. They are both mill
tary and economic. The granting to US
by Cuba Of the naval stations above
alluded to is of the utmost 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
steadily in every way. She already,
stands high among her sister republics
of the New World. She is loyalty OBJ
serving her obligations TO US; and she
is entitled to like treatment by us.
NOT AN AMERICAN INTEREST
SACRIFICED.
"The treaty submitted to you for ap-
proval secures to the United States
economic advantages as great as those
given Cuba. Not an American interest
is sacrificed. BY the treaty, a large
Cuban market is secured to our pro-
ducers. 1t is a 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.
It would be indeed short-sightad TOT
us to refuse to take advantage OF sucn
an opportunity and to force Cuba into
making arrangements with other coun-
tries to our disadvantage. This re-
ciprocity greatly stands by itself. IL
is demanded on considerations or
broad national policy as well as by
our economic interest. It Will do harm
to no industry. It is in the interest OF
our people as a whole, both because o.
its importance from the broad stand,
poin of international policy and De-
cause economically 1t intimately con-
Germs us to develop and secure the rich
C1,ban market for our farmers, ar
tisans. merchants and manufacturers.
A GUARANTY OF GOOD FAITH
"Finally, it is desirable as a guaranty
NJ the good faith OF our nation towards
her young sister republic to the soutn,
whose welfare must ever be closeiy
boupd with ours. We gave her liberty.
We are knit to her by the members OF
the blood and the courage OF our SOL
diers who fought for her in war; py
the memories Of the wisdom ana ln-
tegrity Of our administrators who serv-
cd her in peace and who started ner
so we'll on the difficult path Of self
government. We must help her onward
and upward; and in helping her we
shall help ourselves.
PLEDGE OF TIT NATION ACSI be-
KEPT.
"The foregoing consideration caused
the negotiation OF the treaty " ith Guoa
and its ratification by the Senate. Iney
now. with equal force, support the les-
islation, by the Congress which by tne
terms of the treaty is necessary to rem
der II operative. A failure to enact
snch legislation would become peril
ously near reputation Of the pledged
faith of the nation. *
81 transmit herewith the treaty as
amended by the Senate and ratified Dy
the Cuban government.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
white House, Nov. 10, 1S0S.
Boiler Takers Convention.
Tonp Cnaciol-Tho