The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1903-11-13
MUST KEEP FAITH
PRESIDENT ASKS LEGISLATION
TO PUT CUBAN TREATY IN
OPERATION.
INTEREST AND HONOR DEMAND IL
SECURES TO US AS GREAT ECU
NOMlc ADVANTAGES AS is
GIVEN TO CUBA.
CUBA HAS KEPT FAITH Win Us
FULFILLING OBLIGATIONS TO US
AND ENTITLED TO LIKE
TREATMENT.

message to congress:
ITO the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives:
81 have convened the congress that
it may consider the legislation neces
sary to put into operation the CONNER
cial treaty with Cuba, which was ratl-
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. When 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 a unique posi-
ton as regards this country. 1t was
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,
it would not be possible for this coun-
try to permit the strategic abuse of the
plan by any foreign military power. 1t
is for this reason that certain limita-
tons have been imposed upon her
financial policy, and that naval sta
lions have been conceded by her to the
United States. The negotiations as to
the details of these naval stations are
On the V of completion. They are so
situated as to prevent any idea that
there is the intention ever to use them
against Cuba, OF otherwise than for the
of Cuba from the assaults
of foreign foes, and Tor the better safe
guarding of American interests in the
waters south of us. These interests
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
he utmost Importance from a military
standpoint, and is proof of the good
faith with which Cuba is treating us.
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 observing her obliga-
lions to us and she is entitled to like
by us.
The treaty submitted to you for ap-
1roval secures to the United States
economic advantages as great as those
given to Cuba. Not an American inter-
sst is sacrificed. By the treaty a large
Cuban market is secured to our pro-
ulcers, 1t is a market which lies at
'ur doors, which is already large.
which is capable of great expansion.
nd which is especially important to
he development of our export trade
t would be, indeed, short-sighted for
IS to refuse to take advantage of such
opportunity and to force Cuba into
making arrangements with other coun-
ries to our disadvantage. This reci-
'roclty treaty stands by itself. It is
demanded on consideration of broad
latlonal policy as well as by our eco
ionic interest. 1t will do harm to no
ndustry. 1t will benefit many indus
rles. 1t is in the interest OF our Deo.
lie az a whole, both because of its i'm.
ortance from the broad standpoint of
policy, and because. eco
omically, it intimately us tn
evelop and secure the rich Cuban
market for our farmers, artisans
l~erchants and manufacturers. Final
Y, 1T is desirable as a guaranty of the |
God faith of our nation toward bnr
sister republic to the south
nose welfare must ever be CLOSELY
ound with ours. We gave her liberty
We are knit to her by the memorie If
ne blood and the courage of our sol.
icrs who fought for her in war. bv
he memories of the wisdom and integ.
ty OF our administrators who saved
err in peace, and who started her so
ell on the difficult path of self-gov.
rnment. We must help her onward
upward; and in helping her we
1all help ourselves.
foregoing considerations
the negotiation of the treaty
18th Cuba and it's ratification by the
mate. They now with equal force
'pport the legislation by the congress
hich, by the terms of the treaty. is
ecessary to render it operative. A
lure to enact such legislation wou,d
p%erilously near a reputation Of
e pledged faith of the nation.
Il transmit herewith the treaty as
nended by the senate and ratified hv
e Cuban government.
White House, Nov. 10, 1903" =