The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-11-13
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

To the senate and Hous. of Repre-
seutatrEes:
l have convened the Congress that
II may consider the legislation nee
eSss.ry to put into operation the com
mercial U1eaty with Cuba. which was
ratified by the Senate at its last ses-
sion, ana subsequently by the Gu
ban government. | deem legislation
demanded not only by our interest,
but by Eur honor We cannot with
prOpriety abandon he ours upon
which we have so wisely embarked.
When tie acceptance OF the Plat
amendment was required from Cuba
by the action of the Congress of the
United States. this government there
by definitely mmitt itself to the
policy Of treating Cuba as occupying
a unique position sS regards this
country 1t was provided that when
the island became Il free and indie
pendent republic. she would stand in
such close relations with us as in
certain respects to come within our
system OF international policy; and
ii necessarily followed that she must
also, to Il certain degree. become in
Guided Within the mes of our econ
OIniC policy.
Situate as Cuba is. it would not
be possible for this country to per
1865 80 VI NAAN AsAAA
by any foreign military power. 1t is
for his reason. hat certain limita-
lions have been imposed upon her
financial policy and that naval sta
tiOuS have been conceded by her TO
the United States. The negotiations
as to the details of these naval sta
tiOnS 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 protection of
CZha 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 increased by the Conse
enc OF the war with Spain and
will be still further increased by the
building of the isthmian canal. They
are both military and economic. The
granting to US by Cuba of the naval
stations above alluded to. is of the
utmost Importance from a military
standpoint. and is proof of the good
faith with which Cub is treating
Us.
Cuba has made great progress
since her independence was estab-
Iished. She has advanced steadily
in every way. h already stands
high among her sister republics of
the new world. She is Loyalty OBJ
~ BEL x obAASiN-SA-N 80" NHN
h Is entitled TO like treatment 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
Americas interest is sacrificed. By
the treaty. 4 large Cuban market is
secured 10 our producers. It is q
market which lies at our doors,
which Is already large. which is
capable OF great expansion. and
which is especially important to the
development of Our export trade. It
would be indeed ShOrt-Sighted for US
10 refuse to ake advantage of such
an opportunity, and to force Cuba
into making arrangements with 9TH
er countries TO u disadvantage.
This reciprocity treaty stan by
itself. 1t is demanded fin cOnsid-
Grafton 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 a whole.
both AT of its Importance from
the broad standpoint or international
policy and because. economically, 1t
intimately concerns us to develop
and secure the rich Cuban market