The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-11-25
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
On CUBAN RECIPROCITY

Washington, D. C.. - The President
transmitted to Congress the CONNER
cial treaty with Cuba, with tho follow
ing message:
40 the Senate and House of Eeprcsen-
tativeS:
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 rati-
fed by the Senate at its last session,
and subsequently by the Cuban Gov
ernment. l deem such legislation de-
manded, not only by our interest but
by our honor. We cannot with pro-
priety 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 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 certain degree, become
included within the lines of our eco
nomic 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 con-
.eded by her to the United States. The
negotiations as to the details of these
naval stations are on the eve Of COM
pletion. They are so situated as to
prevent any idea that there Is the in
tention ever to use them against Cuba.
DR. 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 large
ly 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 al
luded to is Of the utmost Importance
from 4 military standpoint. and is
proof of the good faith with which
Cuba is treating US.
"Cuba 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 obligations to
US, and she is entitled to like treatment
by us.
'4The treaty submitted to you for ap-
proval secures to the United States
economic advantages as great as those
given to Cuba. Not an American in
terest is sacrificed. By the treaty
large Cuban market is secured to our
producers. 1t is market which lies at
our doors. which isalready large, which
Is capable of great expansion. and
which is especially important 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 it.
self. It is demanded on considerations
of broad national policy. as well as by
our economic interest. 1t will do harm
10 no industry. 1t will benefit many in
dustries. 1t is in the interest of our
people as q whole. both because of Its
importance from the broad stan lpoint
Of international policy, and because
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 guaranty OF the good
faith of our nation towards her young
sister republic to the south, whose well
fare 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 administrators, 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 our
selves.
"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 repudiation Of
the pledged faith Of the nation.
81 transmit herewith the treaty. as
amended by the Senate and ratified by
the Cuban Government.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
"White House, November. 1908"