Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-10
THE MESSAGE READ
Congress Listens to the Presi-
dents Communication.
OUR DUTY TO CUBA
LEGISLATION HE DEEMS DE-
MANDED BY HONOR.
Only a Fifteen Minute Session of the
Senate-House Adopts Resolutions
of Respect for Deceased Members.

The President sent the following message
to Congress today:
To the Senate and House of Representa-
tives:
I 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 government / deem such legisla-
tion 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 required from
Cuba by the action of the Congress of the
United States, this government thereby def
initey committed itself to the policy of
treating Cuba as occupying a unique posi-
Ion regards this country. 1t was pro-
vided that when the island became free
and independent republic she should stand
in such close relations with us as in GER
tain respects to come within our system of
international policy: and it necessarily fol-
lowed that she must also to a certain de-
gree become included within the lines of
our economic policy Situated Cuba is
Il would not be possible 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
90 the United States. The negotiations as
to the details of these naval stations are
on the eve of completion. They so sit
uated 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 the better safeguarding of Ameri-
can interests in the waters south of us.
These interests have been largely in
creased by the consequences of the
with Spain. and will be still further in
creased by the building of the isthmian
nal. 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 military standpoint, and
is proof of the good faith with which Cuba
is treating us. Cuba has made great prog
ress since her independence was estab-
lished. 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 u.s. and
she is entitled to like treatment by US.
The treaty submitted to you for approval
secures to the United States economic ad-
vantages great as those given to Cuba.
Not an American interest is sacrificed. By
the treaty 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. 1t would be indeed short
sighted 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.
IT is demanded on considerations of broad
national policy as well as by our economic
interest 1t will do harm to no indus
try. IT will benefit many industries. 1t is
in the interest of our people a whole,
both because of its Importance from the
broad standpoint of International policy,
and because economically 1t intimately con-
Germs us to develop and secure the rich
Cuban market for our farmers, artisans.
merchants and manufacturers. Finally, It
is desirable as a guaranty of the good faith
OF our nation toward her young sister
public 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 integ-
rlty or our administrators VINO served neT
In peace and who started her so well on the
difficult path OF. self government. We must
help her onward and upward; and in help
Ing her we shall help ourselves.
The foregoing considerations caused the
negotiation of the treaty with Cuba and It's
ratification by the Senate They now with
equal force support the legislation by the
Congress which by the terms of the treaty
Is necessary to render 1t operative. A fall
ure to enact such legislation would come
perilously near rerudiation of the pledged
faith of the nation.
transmit herewith the treaty, amend
ed by the Senate and ratified by the Cuban
government.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
White House, November 10, 1903.
HOUSE OLE REPRESENT TATINES