646 Presidential Addresses 



relations with us as in certain respects to come with- 

 in our system of international policy; and it neces- 

 sarily 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 pos- 

 sible 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 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 

 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 mili- 

 tary 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 al- 

 ready 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. 



