The Oskaloosa herald., 1903-11-12
MESSAGE.
Full Text of Document Delivered to
Congress Today.

Washington, D. c., Nov. 10.-Pres-
ident Roosevelt delivered his mes,
sage this afternoon to the extraordi.
nary session of congress, called to
consider Cuban reciprocity. The full
text Of the document is as follows:
no THE SENATE AND HOUSE
OF REPREsENTATIvES:-I have
convened the congress that it may
consider the legislation necessary tc
put into operation the commercial
treaty with Cuba, which was ratified
by the senate at its last session and
subsequently, by the Cuban govern
ment. 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 there
by definitely committed itself to the
policy Of treating Cuba as occupying
unique position as regards this
country. 1t was provided that when
the island become free and inde-
pendent republic, she should stand
in such close relations with us as in
certain respects to come within our
system of international policy, and If
necessarily followed that she must
also to a certain, degree become in
cluded within the lines Of our eco
nomic policy. Situated as Cuba is,
it would not be possible for this coun-
try to permit the strategic abuse of
the island by any foreign military
power. 1t is for this reason that GER
tain limitations have been impressed
upon her financial policy and that
naval stations have been conceded by
her to the United States.
The negotiations 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 pro-
tection 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 been largely
increased by the conseqences of the
war with Spain and will be still fur
ther increased by the building Of the
isthmian canal. They are both mil
itary and economic. The granting
to us by Cuba of the naval stations
above alluded to is Of the utmost i'm
portance from 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 approval, secures to the
United States economic advantages
as great as those given to Cuba. Not
an American interest is sacrificed.
BY the treaty a large Cuban market
is secured to our producers. A mar
ket which lies at cur doors, which is
already large. which is capable of
great expansion and which is especial
ly 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 arrange
ments with other countries to our
disadvantage.
This reciprocity treaty stands by
itself. 1t is demanded on considera-
tions of broad national policy as well
as by our economic interests. It will
do harm to do industry It will ben
eft many industries. 1t is in the in
terest of our people as whole, both
because of its Importance from the
broad standpoint of international
policy, and because economically it
intimately concerns us to develop
and secure the rich Cuban market for
our farmers, artisans, merchants and
manufacturers. Finally, it is desir-
able as a guaranty Of the good faith
of our nation towards her young SIS
ter 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 inteori