The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1903-11-11
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

| have convened the congress that il
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 subse-
quently by the Cuban government. I
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
thereby definitely committed itself to
the policy of treating Cuba as occu-
pylng unique position as regards this
sountry. 1t was provided that when the
ISLAND became Il free and independent
republic she should stand in such class
stations with us as in certain respects
Go come within our system of inter
satinoal policy; and it necessarily fol-
lowed that she must also to a certain
iegree become included within the lines
NJ our economic policy. Situated as
Cuba is it would not be wise for this
country to permit the strategic abuse of
ihe island by any foreign military pow
sr. 1t is for this reason that certain
limitations have been imposed upon
her financial policy and that naval sta
rions have been conceded by her to the
United States. The negotiations as to
details of these naval stations are on
the eve of completion. They are so
situated as to prevent any idea that
shere is the intention ever to use them
sgainst Cuba or otherwise than for the
protection of Cuba from the assault of
foreign foes. and what better safeguard
Of American interests in the water
SDuth of us.
These interests have been largely in
reased by the consequences of the war
with Spain and will be still further in
creased by the building of the isthmian
esnal 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
IS. Cuba has made great progress since
her independence was established She
bss advanced steadily in every way.
She already stands high among her sis
Ter republics of the world. She is 10y
ally observing her obligations to us;
she is entitled to like treatment by us.
The treaty submitted TO you for APP
efoval secures to the United States
economic advantages as great as those
gwen to Cuba. Not an American inter
sst Is sacrificed by the treaty, and
barge Cuban market is secured to our
producers. 1t is market which lies at
our doors, which is already large, which
% capable Of great expansion and which
B especially important to the develop
ment OF our export trade. It would be
indeed short sighted for Us TO refuse
20 take advantage OF such opportunity
End to force Cuba into making arrange
nsnts with other countries to our dis
advantage.
This reciprocity treaty stands by it.
self 1t is demanded in consideration of
sroad national policy as well as by our
seonomic interest. 1t will do harm to
80 industry. 1t will benefit many indus
Ties. 1t Is in the interest OF our people
as whole, both because OF its import
snee from the broad standpoint of in
Sensational policy and because economi-
s4lly it concerns Us to develop and Sc
cure the rich Cuban market for our
farmers. artisans merchants and man
zfaeturers. Finally it is desirable as a
guarantee Of the good faith Of our ma
<son towards our young sister republic,
uhose welfare must ever be closely
bound with ours. We gave her liberty.
Ne are knit to her by the memories of
the blood and the courage of our sol
xsrs who fought for her in wars; by
me memories Of wisdom and integrity
If our administrators who saved her in
peace and started her so well on the
fIficult path of self government. We
szsst help her onward and upward: and
- helping her shall help ourselves.
The foregoing considerations caused
sssr speculation of the treaty with Cuba
.nd its ratification by the senate. They