University of Virginia Library

MESSAGE COMMUNICATED TO THE TWO HOUSES
OF CONGRESS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE
FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS

I 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, and subsequently by the Cuban Government.
I deem such legislation demanded not only by our interest
but by our honor. We can not with propriety 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 committed itself to
the policy of treating Cuba as occupying a unique position
as regards this country. It was provided that when
the island became a 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 Cuba is, it would not be possible for
this country to permit the strategic abuse of the island
by any foreign military power. It 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 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 increased by the consequences
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 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 republics of the
New World. She is loyally 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 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.
It is a 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 to
refuse to take advantage of such an opportunity, and to
force Cuba into making arrangements with other countries
to our disadvantage.

This reciprocity treaty stands by itself. It is demanded
on considerations of broad national policy as well as by
our economic interest. It will do harm to no industry.
It will benefit many industries. It is in the interest of
our people as a 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 desirable
as a guaranty of the good faith of our Nation
towards her young sister Republic to the 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 courage of our soldiers who fought for her in
war; by the memories of the wisdom and integrity of our
administrators who served her in peace and who started
her so well on the difficult path of self-government. We
must help her onward and upward; and in helping her we
shall help ourselves.

The foregoing considerations caused the negotiation of
the treaty with Cuba and its 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 it operative. A failure to enact such legislation
would come perilously near a repudiation of the pledged
faith of the Nation.

I transmit herewith the treaty, as amended by the
Senate and ratified by the Cuban Government.