Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1903-11-12
STILL FIRM FOR CUBA
PRESIDENT SENDS TERsE MES.
SAGE TO CONGRESS.
Chief Executive Says Legislation in
Question is Demanded Not Only by
Our Interests, but by Our Honor.
Plea for Island Republic.

Question is Demanded Not Only by
Our interests, but by Our Honor
Plea for Island Republic.
Washington, Nov. 10.-The second
day of the special session of congress
was devoted to the reading of the
presidents message, urging the en-
action of legislation necessary to
make effective the Cuban reciprocity
treaty. The following is the text of
the message:
To the Senate and House of Representa-
tives:
have convened the congress that
it may consider the legislation neces-
sary to put into operation the COM
mercial treaty with Cuba, which was
ratified by the senate at it's last ses-
sion and subsequently by the Cuban
government. / deem such legislation
demanded, not only by out interest,
but by our honor. We cannot with
propriety abandon the course upon
which he have so wisely embarked.
When the acceptance of the Platt
amendment was required from Cuba
by the action of congress of the United
States. this government thereby def
nitely committed itself to the policy
of treating Cuba as occupying a
unique position as regards this coun-
try. 1t was provided that when the
island became free and Independent
republic she should stand in such
close relations with us as in certain
respects to come within our system
of international policy; and it neces-
sarily follows that she must also to a
certain degree became included within
the lines of our economical policy.
Situated as Cuba is, 1t would not be
possible for this country to permit the
strategic abuse Of the plan by any for
eign military power. 1t is for this
reason that certain limitations have
been imposed upon her financial pol
icy 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-
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 been largely
increased by the consequences of the
war with Spain, and will be still fur
Their 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
alluded to is of the most Importance
from 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 repub-
lies of the new world. She is loyalty
observing her obligations to us, and
she is entitled to like treatment by us.
The treaty submitted to you for ap-
prevail secures to the United States
economic advantages as great as
those given to Cuba. Not an Ameri-
ia large Cuban market is assured to
our producers. 1t is large market
which lies at our doors, which is large,
capable of great expansion, and which
Is particularly important to the de-
velopment of our export trade. 1t
would be. indeed, shortsighted for us
to refuse to take advantage of such
opportunity and to force Cuba into
making arrangements with other coun-
tries to our disadvantage.
This reciprocity treaty stands by It.
self. 1t is demanded on considerations
Of broad national policy as we'll as by
our economic interest. 1t will do harm
to no industry 1t will benefit many
Industries. 1t is in the interest of
our people as whole, both because
OF it's 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 manufacture
ers. Finally, it is desirable as guar
anty of the good faith of our nation
towards her younger sister republic
to the south, whose welfare must ever
be closely bound with our. 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 ad