Perth Amboy evening news., 1903-11-10
OUR CUBAN TRADE.
The Presidents Message to
Congress on Reciprocity.
ISLANDS POSITION is UNIQUE
1t Wa Provided by. the Treaty That
When Frcedcm Was Declared h
Should stand In Close Trade
Relation With This Country.

WASHINGTO:;. Nov. 10. Presi.
dent Rooseyelt's message to congress,
convened in extra session, was sent to
the house today:
To the Senate and House of Representa-
tiveS:
l have convened the congress that ii
may consider the legislation necessary to
put into operation the commercial treaty
with Cuba which was ratified by the SEN
ate at its last session and subsequently by
the Cuban government. l deem such legis-
latian demanded not only by our interest,
but by oVr honor. We cannot with pro-
priety abandon the course upon which we
nave so wisely embarked. When the ac-
ceptance of the Plat 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 u unique position as regards this
country. 1t was provided that when the
island became Il free and independent re-
public she should stand in such close rela-
lions with US as in certain respects to
como within our system OF ~nteEnl tlonal
policy, and IL necessarily followed that
she must also to q certain degree become
included within the lines OF our economic
policy. Situated as Cuba Is IT would not
be possible for this country to permit the
strategic abuse OF the island by any for
eign military power.
It Is for this reason that certain limita-
tons have been imposed upon her tinan-
cial 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 compile
ton. They are 80 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 he still further In
creased by the building Of the istnmian
canal. They are both military and eco
naval stations above alluded to is OF the
utmost importance from a military stand
point 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 nigh
among her sister republics of the new
world. She Is Loyalty observing her obll-
cations to uS, and she Is entitled to like
treatment by us.
The treaty submitted to you for APP
prevail secures to th9 United States Geo
nomio advantages as great as those given
sacrificed. by the treaty q large Cuban
market Is secured to our producers; IT IS
a market which lies at our doors, which Is
alrS S65 IaI and w whicb is is e SapaPIl9i 4i hssp rere
tant to the development Of our export
trade. 1t would be indeed shortsighted
for us to refuse TO take advantage OF such
GA NbtOA NNAAAANN NA'O
making arrangements with other countries
to our disadvantage.
This reciprocity treaty stands by itself;
1t is demanded on considerations OF broad
national policy as well az by our economic
interest. 1t will do harm 10 no industry.
1t will benefit many industries. II lS IN
the interest OF our people as c whole. Dotn
because CT it's Importance from the broad
standpoint OF international policy ana be-
cause economically 1t intimately concerns
US to develop and secure the rich CUBAN
market for our farmers, artisans, Iner-
-e+4et4fts- ts4a-inanHf2eulrers.- klu-ly IT Is.
desirable as n guarantee Of the good faith
Of our nation toward her young sister re-
public to tho south whose welfare 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 ldier who fought for her In war, by
the memories Of the wisdom and integrity
of our administrators who served hcr IN
peace and who started her 50 well on tho
difficult path of self government. we
must help her onward and upward ana IN
helping her we shall help ourselves.
The Foregoing considerations caused the
negotiation of the treaty with Cupa ana
its ratification by the senate. 1hey 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 a population or the
pledged faith of the nation.
transmit herewith the treaty as
amended by the senate and ratified by the
Cuban government.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
white HOuSp. Nov. 10, 1903.