The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-11-12
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Was Read In Both Branches Of
Congress Today.
IT DEALS SOLELY WITH CUBA


IT DEALS SOLELY WITH CUBA
Says Not,an American Interest ls Sac.
rheed In the Treaty, and That a
Large Market is Secured TO Our
Producers.
Washington. Nov. 10. 80 President
Roosevelt's message was read In both
branches OF congress. II deals solely
with the treaty with Cuba. and In full
is rs follows:
To the Senate and House OF Repre-
sentatives:
have convened the congress that 1t
may consider the 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 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. 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
committed itself TO the policy of treat
ing Cuba as occupying a unique posi-
81
provided that when the island became
a free and independent republic she
should stand in such close relations
with us as In certain respects TO come
within our system of international pol
icy: and It necessarily followed that
she must also to a certain degree be-
come included within the lines OF our
economic policy. Situated as Cuba Is
IL would not be possible for this coun-
try 10 permit the strategic abuse OF the
island by any foreign military power.
IL is for this reason that certain limi-
tations have been imposed upon her
financial policy, and that naval sta
lions have been conceded by her to the
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 better safe
guarding of American interests In the
waters south OF us
These interests have been largely in
creased by the consequences OF the war
with Spain. and will be still further In
creased 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 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 sis
ter republics OF the new world. She Is
Loyalty observing her obligations to us;
and she is entitled 10 like treatement
by US.
The treaty submitted to you for ap-
prevail secures 10 the United States
economic advantages as great as those
given to Cuba. Not an American inter-
est is sacrificed. BY the treaty large
Cuban market Is secured to our produc-
ers. Il 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 develop
ment of our export trade. II would be
indeed short sighted for us 10 refuse TO
take advantage OF such an opportunity
and to force Cuba into making arrange
ments with other countries to our dis
advantage
This reciprocity treaty stands by IT.
self. II Is demanded on considerations
OF broad national policy as well as by
our economic interest. II Will do harm
to no industry. II will benefit many
industries. II is in the interest OF our
people as a whole, both because OF its
Importance from the broad standpoint
OF international policy, and because
economically 1t intimately concerns us
TO develop and secure the rich Cuban
market for our farmers, artisans. mer-
chants and manufacturers. Finally, II
Is desirable as a guaranty OF the good
faith OF our nation towards her young |
sister republic 70 the south, whose well
fare must ever be closely bound with |
ours. We gave her liberty. We are |
knit to her by 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 |
difficult path of self government. We |
must help her onward and upward; |
and In helping her we shall help our
selves.
The foregoing considerations caused
the negotiations of the treaty with
Cuba 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 1t operative. A
failure to enact such legislation would |
come perilously near reputation OF
the pledged faith Of the nation.
transmit herewith the treaty, az
amended nv the senate and ,atified nv
the Cuban government.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
White House. Nov. 10, 1908.