, 1868-03-13

Council members In the Tree expression
of their views but who does not know,
that when that certain respect which IS
due TO a superior by an inferior, is brought
to bear Immediately upon the latter, by the
presence and sentiments of the former, a
powerful check is too aften given to the
free expression of sentiments, which
might be opposed in principle to the su-
p%erior's opinions, but which, nevertheless,
are withheld simply, but not rightly,
from courtesy and good manners. Thus,
a g~ood-meanlng representative might cas-
ily be deferred, even from u natural diff
fdence of character, from representing
the interest of his constituents at the pro-
per time and place.
l will not claim, Mr.. Editor, any ability
to the holding out of a lengthy discussion
on the subject which has been agitated
and impelled by the very liberal remarks
of Secretary RoSenstand but | hold that
it is the "right" the "duty", of this com
munitv 10 discuss aud deliberate on the
subject in question, or any other, regard
less Of the anticipating Of the Councils
opinions at any time, for the very ccgent
reasons assigned above.
The expression Of ones opinions, how
ever, upon the Importance of ceding this
island 10 the United States, along with st.
Thomas and ST. John, seems frausht with
danger TO him who speaks his whole mind;
and indeed, late experience warrants eve
ry one in thinking, that it is quite possible
for him to inculpate himself in the eyes of
the Government, not knowing when ii
might "reluctantly" institute an action
against him although his "right" and "du-
~" TO discuss and deliberate on this sub
iect has been acknowledged. But, hoping
against hope, | think the llberality of the
Government has been given such an impe-
tus in the right way, that its administra-
tors will not be prevailed upon, to attempt
the suppression Of sentiments aud opin-
ions which are acknowledged TO be the I'M
p~erative "duiy' and right" Of every one.
Whether the welfare of our little island
in The future would be best secured under
a Danish or American rule, is a question
only 10 he satisfactorily answered by
past experience. This island has been
under Danish rule for 1876 years except
with two short intermissions of 10 months
and s years severaIly, 10 which two peri
DDS the English governed, and surely the
question might we'll be asked, what has
Deen uOUc IOI IL III VIC pdoG, "hlOu WOuIo
guarantee to IFS inhabitants a more fruit
Inc future? TO this very important ques-
ton | venture to answer-NOTHING y!
The quotations from Mr.. Heilbuth's
scientific" pamphlet, called Denmark and
st. Croix in their mutual relations. as
given in your columns of the 2sth Janua-
ry last, will best illustrate the benefits
which had been derived from a Danish
rule up to the period when that work
was published. | must not however omit
to say, that since that time the dawn of
Improvement mas beamed upon certain
points in the political compass of our af-
fairs, the brightest beams of which is the
institution of a representative government
held fast by the shackles of a confrmedly
conservative principle, with a strong lead
er at it's head.
Here, Mr.. Editor, is no guarantee that
the future will be better for st. Thomas
n-A g Tx -o-4 A. A@%nI E,~1on ~.VrH