Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1903-11-13
A SHORT MESSAGE.
President Roosevelt Forwards
One to Congress.
He Wants Reciprocity Treaty With
Cuba Approved - 1t Will Open n
Large Market TO Our Products
and Benefit Both AmerI.
cans and Cubnns.

Washington, Nov. 10.-The following
is the message of the president to the
extraordinary session of congress:
TO the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives:
j have convened the congress that,
1t may consider the legislation neces-
sary to put into operation the COM
mercial treaty with Cuba, which was
ratified by the senate at its last ses-
sion, and subsequently by the Cuban
government. 1 deem such legislation
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 was required from Cuba
by the action of the congress of the
United States this government there
by definitely committed itself to the
policy of treating Cuba as occupying
n unique position as regards this
country
1t was provided that when the
island became free and independent
republic she should stand in such
close relations with us as in certain
respects to come within our system
of international policy, and it neces-
sarily followed that she must also to
certain degree become included
within the lines of our economic
policy. Situated as Cuba is it 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
TO the United States. The negotia-
tions 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 the better safeguarding
of American interests in the waters
south of US.
These interests have been largely
increased by the consequences of the
war with Spain, and will be still fur
ther increased by the building of the
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 inn
portance from a military standpoint,
and is proof of the good faith with
which Cuba is treating us. Cuba has
made great progress since her inde-
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 ap-
TornyaI tn 1nff Stnfa
economic advantages as great as
those given to Cuba. Not an Ameri
can interest is sacrificed. BY the
treaty q large Cuban market is Sc
cured to our producers. 1t is n mar
ket which lies at our doors, which is
already large, which is capable of
greater expansion and which is es-
pecially important to the develop
ment of our export trade. 1t would
be indeed short-sighted for us to re-
fuse to take advantage of such an op-
portunity, and to force Cuba into
making arrangements with other
countries to our disadvantage
This reciprocity treaty stands by
itself. 1t is demanded on considera-
tions of broad national policy as we'll
as by our economic interest. 1t will
do harm to no industry. 1t will bene-
fit many industries. 1t is in the IN
terest of our people as a whole, both
because of its Importance from the
broad standpoint of international pol
icy, and because economically it in
timately concerns us to develop and
secure the rich Cuban market for our
farmers, artisans, mechanics and man
ufacturers. Finally it is desirable as
guaranty of the good faith of our
nation towards her young sister re-
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 in the courage of our soldiers
who fought for her In war; by the
memories of the wisdom and integrity
of our administrators who served her
in peace and who started her so well
on the difficult path of self-govern-
ment. We must help her onward and
upward, and in helping her we shall
help ourselves.
The foregoing considerations caused
the negotiation 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 it operative. A
failure to enact such legislation would
come perilously near reputation
of the pledged faith of the nation.
| / transmit herewith the treaty, as
amended by the senate and ratified by
the Cuban government.
White House, November 10, 1903.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT. ,
ItaIy,s Finance Minister Sutcidas.