Speech #510097944

I am of the opinion that so far from being a burden on the taxpayers of our country a wellconsidered policy will give such aid to American ships as will induce their construction. and thus we will lighten the burdens of taxation. I am not sufficiently familiar with the details of this bill to decide whether they will answer this purpose or not. I have endeavored to urge in other respects and upon other bills and resolutions the importance of such public policy by this Government as would lead to the establishment of independent governments over the Island of Cuba and the adjacent islands. a form of government which would establish civil order and open those fertile and beautiful regions to the immigration of the overtaxed and oppressed people of our own country. and make a market for our own products. both of the farm and the factory. It is in that point of view that the peopleof the State of Florida. which I in part represent. feel a great interest in the passage of some bill and of some legislation which will develop the American shipping interests. We desire to have the Island of Cuba under an independent government. where the interests of our cattlemen and our people generally might be protected and receive fair and just consideration.