Mr. Sleeper to Mr. Hay.
Habana , November 10, 1904 .
Sir: I have the honor to confirm on the overleaf my telegram [not printed] of the 7th instant, relative to the opening of the present session of the Cuban Congress, and to advise you that the session commenced at 3 p.m., with more than two-thirds of the, members of each house present.
[Page 242]The President’s message * * * was read simultaneously in both the Senate and House, after which an adjournment was taken until the following day.
The message deals with matters of much interest to the United States, salient among which are:
the platt amendment.
In a short paragraph of seven lines the President thus expresses himself: “The 1st day of last July the ratifications of the treaty signed at Habana on May 22, 1903, were exchanged. This treaty determines the political relations between Cuba and the United States, and as a consequence of this pact the amendment to our constitution containing the provisions of the Piatt law are implicitly eliminated.”
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sanitation.
The President finds the sanitary condition of the country no worse than last year, and notes the various things that are being done to perfect and extend this most important service. He points particularly to the good work of the sanitary brigades and recommends further appropriation for the continuance of their work. Santiago is especially cited in regard to sanitation. The President says that the sanitation of that city by the General Government, the building of a new customs-house there, and the construction of an aqueduct, are essential to Santiago’s well being, and urgently recommends appropriations for these works. He mentions the recent yellow fever case there, explaining that not only was it immediately and successfully taken in hand, but that it must have originated from causes over which Cuba had no control.
The general sanitary board has in preparation many general orders, which the President declares his intention to legalize with his signature, thus obviating much legislation that would otherwise be necessary.
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Concerning foreign relations, the President remarks that although Cuba has a remarkably praiseworthy foreign representation, consisting of 100 diplomatic and consular officers, her intercourse with the outside world calls for a more extensive foreign service, and he recommends, in addition, the sending of a special mission to visit all the South American republics.
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I have, etc.,