622 Presidential Addresses 



pendence. We should always fearlessly insist upon 

 our rights in the face of the strong, and we should 

 with ungrudging hand do our generous duty by the 

 weak. I urge the adoption of reciprocity with Cuba 

 not only because it is eminently for our own inter- 

 ests to control the Cuban market and by every means 

 to foster our supremacy in the tropical lands and 

 waters south of us, but also because we, of the giant 

 republic of the north, should make all our sister na- 

 tions of the American Continent feel that whenever 

 they will permit it we desire to show ourselves dis- 

 interestedly and effectively their friend. 



A convention with Great Britain has been con- 

 cluded, which will be at once laid before the Senate 

 for ratification, providing for reciprocal trade ar- 

 rangements between the United States and New- 

 foundland on substantially the lines of the conven- 

 tion formerly negotiated by the Secretary of State, 

 Mr. Elaine. I believe reciprocal trade relations will 

 be greatly to the advantage of both countries. 



As civilization grows warfare becomes less and 

 less the normal condition of foreign relations. The 

 last century has seen a marked diminution of wars 

 between civilized powers; wars with uncivilized 

 powers are largely mere matters of international 

 police duty, essential for the welfare of the world. 

 Wherever possible, arbitration or some similar 

 method should be employed in lieu of war to "settle 

 difficulties between civilized nations, although as yet 



