The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-12-12
PHILIPsBURG, ST.. MARTIN, /
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PHLIPsBURG, ST.. MARTIN, !
WEST INDIES, October s, 1851
agricultural Resources Of 81. Martin-Sah Ponds
-Guano the adjoining Island of Sombrero-
Export Of Manure to the United States-Occu
patton of the Island by the americans.
The island of st. Martin, as you know, is one of
the most northern of the windward West Indian
islands, and is so situated that it commands that
thoroughfare of vessels trading to this part of the
world; the "Sombrero Passage" The soil is very
good producing sugar cotton, and all the vegetable
family that tropical and southern United States
climate and soil usually can; the yield per acre is
not perhaps as great as that of the more southern
islands, but still it can with great propriety be
considered an average one. The facilities
for grazing purposes are excellent; in proof
of which / cite you to the fact that
during the prevalence of the cholera at Porto
Rico the inhabitants of that island were supplied
with cattle and sheep from this place. st. Thomas
now receives great portion of her beef and poultry
from us. Possessing climate OF the most salubrous
kind, and an excellent soil, what glorious place
this would be for government to place the wedge
that must ultimately make space sufficient for an en-
trance and future occupancy of American citizens.
But the soil and climate are not the only the
greatest attractions there are others-amongst
which, permit me to inform You that possess
salt pond" capable, if properly managed, OF yield
ing two crops annually, in sufficient abundance to
supply the Atlantic States with that very valuable
article of universal consumption and at cost that
would make Wall street Spectator lick his chops
The French inhabitants Of the island also possess
some salt ponds, but they are not Of much conse-
quence.
Recently it has been discovered that the little
island OF Scmbrero. Qrom which the channel al
lnded to before obtains its name.) has upon its
surface that very valuable manure called GU
ano, Of quality not inferior TO the cele.
brated Peruvian article. A company has been
formed in your city for the purpose of digging
it up and conveying il TO the United States.
This speculation must prove very lucrative If
TO judge from the extensive manner that it is carried
on; numerous laborers have been employed (mostly
from this island) in the work and vessels often
arriving to this port waiting for cargoes to be fur
nished them from SombSero, and when laden they
depart for New York. The American flag has been
hoisted at Sombrero Gt being hitherto unnhabted
key unclaimed by any power) in strict conformity
with the established law of nations. Water and
other necessaries obtained from this place which
acts a. kind of tender to the Sombrero laborers
You will at once learn how useful this island would
be 10 the people Of the United States and particu-
lary to all those engaged in the valuable guano and
salt trades. Thus you see that the American flag
has at last been hoised in the West Indies. What Is
TO hinder gradual dominion over the most va
liable OF the islands, Nothing, save the old fogy"
notions formerly entertained by the defunct wing
party.
The Dutch have for some years made this colony
a dependency Of Curacao; which latter colony enters
somewhat largely into the business Of salt
manufacturing. The salt works at Curacao belong
TO government; here, they owned by the inhabi-
tants. Owned as this island j., by two governments
the French and Dutch-and valuelsss thereby to
both Of them, have no hesitation in surmisng that
the United States could purchase both properties,
at small remuneration, from their majesties OF
France and Holland. There Is nothing like trying
particularly when we reflect upon the ultimate re-
suits TO our country's welfare. Suppose the HERALD
puts the ball in motion" and thus naugurate the
spread Of our political principles and business ener.
~ all over the West Indian islands.
Most, II not all, OF the West Indian colonies are
worthless 10 their European owners, owing to the
maladministraton Of their respective governments.
This Il an admitted fact and cannot be gainsayed:
for Europe seems 70 have sacrificed the interests of
the West for those Of the East Indies The majority
Of the respectable inhabitants in nearly all of these
islands, in favor Of American annexation by pur
chase.