The Morris County chronicle., 1903-11-13

| Washington, Nov 10.-Both houses
Of congress assembled at noon today to
listen to the reading of President
Roosevelt's message The document
was brief and to the point, treating
only with the object for which the ex-
traordinary session was called-viz,
the establishment of commercial rela-
tions with the Cuban republic. The
text of the message is as follows:
/ have convened the congress that it
may consider the legislation necessary to
put into operation the commercial treaty
with Cuba which was ratified by the sem
ate at it's last session and subsequently by
the Cuban government. / deem such legis-
lation demanded not Snly by our interest,
but by our honor. We cannot with pro-
priety abandon the course upon which we
have so wisely embarked. When the ac-
ceptance of the Platt amendment was re-
quired FROM Cuba by the action of the
congress of''the United States this gov
ernment thereby definitely committed it
self to the policy of treating Cuba as oc-
cupying unique position as regards this
island became free and independent re-
public she should stand in such close re-
lations with us as in certain respects to
come within our system Of ~ irrational
policy, and 1t necessarily followed that
she must also to a certain degree become
included within the lines of our economic
policy. Situated as Cuba is, 1t would not
be possible for this country to permit the
strategic abuse Of the island by any for
e1gn military power.
1t is for this reason that cerhin limita.
tions have been imposed upon her finan-
cial policy and that naval stations hav,
been conceded by her to the United States
The negotiations as to the details of thesi
naval stations are on the eve of compile
ton. 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 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 eco
nomic. The granting to us by Cuba of the
naval stations above alluded to is of the
utmost Importance from military stand
point and is proof of the good faith with
NItiril SuOei 10 - Stitill6 U.s. SuDd mas itltu6
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 obli-
cations 10 us. and she is entitled to like
treatment by us.
Not ar American interest Sacrificed.
The treaty submitted to you for ap-
proval secures to the United States eco
nomic advantages as great as those given
to Cuba. Not an American interest is
sacrificed BY the treaty a large Cuban
market Is secured 70 our producers. 1t is
a market which lies at our doors, which is
already large which is capable of great
expansion and which is especially impor-
tant to the development of our export
trade. 1t would be indeed shortsighted
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.
1t is demanded on considerations of broad
national policy as well as by our economic
interest. 1t will do harm to no industry
1t will benefit many industries 1t is in
the interest of our people as whole. both
because of its Importance from the broad
standpoint OF international policy and be-
cause economically it intimately concerns
us to develop and secure the rich Cuban
market for our farmers, artisans, mer-
chants and manufacturers. Finally 1t is
desirable as guarantee of the good faith
of our nation toward her young sister re-
public to the south, whose we8fare 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 integrity
of our administration 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 ourselves.
The foregoing considerations caused the
negotiation of the treaty with Cuba and
its 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 failure to enact such legislation would
come perilously near reputation OF the
pledged faith of the nation.
l transmit herewith the treaty as
amended by the senate and ratified by the