The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1903-11-12
CUBAN TREATY
Presidents Message Urges
Speedy Action by Congress
BOUND BY HONOR TO Do SO

Island Republic Should Come Within
Our System of International Policy
Treaty secures to Is as Great
Economic Advantages as to Cuba
Washington, Nov. 10.-The follow
ing message Of the president was sub
mitted to the extraordinary session Of
congress today:
TO the senate and house of representa-
tiyes
have convened the congress that it may
consider the Legislation necessary to put
into operation the commercial treaty With
Cuba, which was ratified by the senate at
Its last session, aud subsequently by tn"
Cuban government. l deem such legisla'
ton demanded not only by our interests,
but by our honor. We cannot with pro
prlety 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 commit
ted itself to the policy of treating Cuba as
occupying unique position as regards this
country.
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 necessarily followed that she must
also to a certain degree become included
within the lines of our economic policy.
Situated as Cubn is 1t would not be posi-
BILE 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 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 pre-
vent any Idea that there is the intention
ever to use them against Cuba, or other
wise 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 wal
creased by the building OF the sthmlan
canal. They are both military and eco
homie. The granting to us by Cuba of the
naval stations above alluded to Is of the
utmost Importance from 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 is Loyalty observing her
obligations to US; and she is entitled to like
treatment by US
The treaty submitted to you for approval
secures to the United States economic ad.
vantages MS great rs those given to Cuba.
Not an American interest Is sacrificed. by
the treaty a large Cuban market is secured
to our producers. 1t is market which
lies at our doors, which is already large,
which is capable OF great expansion and
which Is especially important to the de.
velopment Of our export trade II would
be indeed shortSehtcd for u to refuse To
take advantage Of such an opportunity. and
to force Cuba into making arrangements
with other countries 10 CIR disadvantage.
This reciprocity treaty stands by Itself
1t is demanded on considerations Of broad
national policy rs we'll Ms by our economic
interest. 1t Will do harm To no industry.
II will benefit many industries II Is in
the interest Of our people as a whole, both
because Of It's Importance from the broad
standpoint of international policy. and he
cause economically it Intimately concerns
US to develop aud secure the rich Cuban
market fer or farmers. artisans. mer-
chants aud manufacturers. Finally. ii Is
desirable a. n guaranty Of the good fatb
Of our nation towards her young sister re
public TO the south. whose welfare must
ever I've closely bound with ours. We gave
her liberty. We are knit to her by thu
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 Ii
peace and who started her so well on the
difficult path Of self government We must
help her onward and upward; and in help
Ing her we shall help ourselves.
The foregoing considerations caused thu
negotiation OF the treaty with Cuba aud IL.
ratification by the senate. They now With
equal force support the legislation by The
congress which by the terms of the treaty
is necessary TO render 1t operative. 4 fail
ure to enact such legislation would come
perllonsly near n reputation Of the pledged
faith OF the nation.
transmit herewith the treaty as amend
ed by the senate and ratified by the Cuban
government
White House, November 10 1903
THEODORE ROOSEVELT