The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1903-11-13

which was ratified by the senate at its
last session and subsequently, by the
cuban government | deem sucb
Iegislation demanded not only by our
interest but by our honor. We can
not. with propriety. abandon the course
upon which We have so wisely en-
parked. When the acceptance of the
Platt amendment was required from
Cuba by the action of congress of the
united States, this government there
by definitely committed itself TO tbe
poIjcy OF treating Cuba as occupying
unique position as regards this coun-
try 1t was provided that when thu
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 interna,
uonal policy; and il necessarily fol-
lowed that she must also to a GER
tam degree become included within
the lines OF our economic policy.
Situated, as Cuba is, it would not
be possible for this country to PER-
the strategic abuse of the plan by an5-
foreign military power. 1t is for
reason that certain limitations have
been imposed upon her financial policy
and that naval stations have been con-
ceded by her TO the United States.
The negotiations as to the details of
these naval statioi.. are on the eve OF
completion. They are so situated as
70 prevent any idea that there is the
intention ever TO use them against
Cuba or otherwise than for the pro-
lection of Cuba from the assaults of
foreign foes. and for the better safe
guarding Of American interests in the
waters south OF us.
These interests have largely in
creased by the consequences of the wal.
with Spain and will be further il,
creased by the building of the 18th
milan canal They are both military
and economic. The granting TO H.
by Cuba of the naval stations above
alluded 10 is Of the utmost importance
from military standpoint and is 4
proof OF the good faUn with which Tn
ba is treating us. Cuba has made,
great progress since her independence
was established. She has advanced
steadily in every way. She already
stands nigh among her sister repub
lies Of the new world. She is loyal
~ observing her obligations TO rs.
and she is entitled TO like treatment
by Us.
The treaty submitted to you for sp-
proval secures 20 the United States
economic advantages as great as those
given 10 Cuba. Not an American in
terest is sacrificed. By the treaty g
large Cuban market is secured to our
producers. II is a market which lies
al our doors, which is already large,
which is capable Of great expansion
and which it is especially important
TO the development or our export
trade. IL would be indeed short
sighted for Us 10 refuse TO take adj
vantage OF such opportunity and to
force Cuba into making arrangements
with other countries to our dis2dyan.
tage-
TEis reciprocity treaty stands by it
self. II is demanded on consideration
OF broad national policy as well as b.
our economic interest. Ii Will do
harm 10 no industry. 1t will beneht
many industries. Ii is in the inter
est Of our people as a whole. both be
cause Of its Importance from the broad
standpoint Of international policy and
because of economically il intimately
concerns US TO develop and secure the
rich Cuban market for our farmers.
artisans. merchants and manufactur-
ers. Finally. il is desirable as a
guaranty OF good faith Of our nation
towards her sister republic 10 the
south. whose welfare must ever be
closely bound with ours. We gave
her liberty. We are knit TO her By
the memories OF blood and the cour-
age o. cur soldiers who fought for
her in way; Icy The memories of the
wisdom and integrity of our admin
strators who saved her in peace and
who started her so well on the difficult
path of self-EOvernnent. We mus
help her onward and upward. and /.
helping her We shall help ourselves.
The foregoing considerations causa.
the nesotiation Of the treaty with Gu
ba, and ratification by the senate
They now. with equal force. supper,
the legislation by the congress which.
by the terms Of the treaty. is neces-
sary TO render il operative. A fail.
ure 10 enact such legislation would
come perilOusly near a reputation of
the pledged faith Of the nation.
l transmit herewith the treaty as
amended by the senate and ratified bv
the Cuban government. (Signed) The
odOre Roosevelt, White House. Nov.
10, 1903.