condition that we keep true to the principles upon which this Nation was founded, and judge each man not as a part of a class, but upon his individual merits.  All that we have a right to ask of any man, rich or poor, whatever his creed, his occupation, his birthplace, or his residence, is that he shall act well and honorably by his neighbor and by, his country.  We are neither for the rich man as such nor for the poor man as such; we are for the upright man, rich or poor.  So far as the constitutional powers of the National Government touch these matters of general and vital moment to the Nation, they should be exercised in conformity with the principles above set forth.

It is earnestly hoped that a secretary of commerce may be created, with a seat in the Cabinet.  The rapid multiplication of questions affecting labor and capital, the growth and complexity of the organizations through which both labor and capital now find expression, the steady tendency toward the employment of capital in huge corporations, and the wonderful strides of this country toward leadership in the international business world justify an urgent demand for the creation of such a position.  Substantially all the leading commercial bodies in this country have united in requesting its creation.  It is desirable that some such measure as that which has already passed the Senate be enacted into law.  The creation of such a department would in itself be an advance toward dealing with and exercising supervision over the whole subject of the great corporations doing an interstate business; and with this end in view, the Congress should endow the department with large powers, which could be increased as experience might show the need.

I hope soon to submit to the Senate a reciprocity treaty with Cuba.  On May 20 last the United States kept its promise to the island by formally vacating Cuban soil and turning Cuba over to those whom her own people had chosen as the first officials of the new Republic.

Cuba lies at our doors, and whatever affects her for good or for ill affects us also.  So much have our people felt this that in the Platt amendment we definitely took the ground that Cuba must hereafter have closer political relations with us than with any other power.  Thus in a sense Cuba has become a part of our international political system.  This makes it necessary that in return she should be given some of the benefits of becoming part of our economic system.  It is, from our own standpoint, a short-sighted and mischievous policy to fail to recognize this need.  Moreover, it is unworthy of a mighty and generous nation, itself the greatest and most successful republic in history, to refuse to stretch out a helping hand to a young and weak sister republic just entering upon its career of independence.  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