The New York herald., 1868-03-03
THE ST. THOMAS TREATY.

The folowingi the English text OF the treaty made
with Denmark for the purchase OF tho islands OF 81
Thomas and ST. John. At the meeting OF the upper
house Of the Rlgsdag In Copenhagen on the Goth OF
January the treaty with the United States for the
transfer OF those islands duly ratified thereby
pleting the action Of Denmark In the maiter:-
His Majesty the King OF Denmark and the United
States Of america being derous OF con1rming the good
understanding which exists sbetweenthem have for that
purpose APPOINTED plenipotenaries his Majesty the
Kineof Dc (nark, Coun. Christian Emil Jue Wind Frs
President of the Council OF tho Ministers and Minister
for Foreign Affairs Grand Cross Of the Order OF Dane
brog and decorated with the Cross Of Honor OF tho
Order and the President of the United staes Geoge
Yeaman, their Minister Resident to his said Majesty,
and the said penpotentares having exclaimed their
full powers, which were found to DO in due form have
agreed upon and signed tho following articles
ARTICLE l. His Majesty the King Of Denmark agrees
to cede to the United States by this convention nime
d aey upon the exchange OF the Publications hereof,
tho islands Of ST. Thomas and st. John, in the West In
dies with the adjacent islands aud rocks situated north
OF the eighteeotu degree OF north latitude.
Ii 8 Majesty the King OF Denmark will, however, not
exercise any constraint over the people and viii there
fore, as soon practicable them opportunity
Of freely expressing their wishes In regard TO this ces
sion.
ART q In the cesson OF territory and dominion made
by the preceding article Is included the rah OF prop
squares vacant lands ana all public buildings, forlidca
Tons barracks and other edaces which are not private
individual property.
cations shall remain In possession of the chlrcnes
which are used by them, and that sums due the
Dan sh treasury by individuals and not
pass by this cession.
Any government archives papers and documents rela
tive 10 the territory and dominion aforesaid which may
be now existing there shall be lett In the possession Of
the agent OF the United States appointed in accordance
with article Ave. but an authenticated copy or such OF
them as may be required will be at all times gwen by
tho United rates 10 the Danish government such
Danish officers or subjects as may apply for them.
ART. g. The Inhabitants of the sad is ands shall be
protected IA their liberty, their religion their property
and private rights, and they shall be free 10 remain
where they now reside or TO remove at any time. re-
Ya Ting in fbp a,th
islands dsposing thereof and removing the proceeds
wherever they please, without their being subjected
this account TO any contribution tax or charge what
ever. Those who shall prefer TO ROMAN In the said
islands may either retain the title aud tue rights OF their
United States. But they shall make Their election
within two years from the Of tne exchange of rat1
cations Of this conyenon aud those who snail remain
In the said isaDds after the expiration OF that
without having declared their intentions to retain their
natural allegiance shall be considered 10 have elected
become citizens of the United states.
Art. Immediately after the payment by the United
States Of the Of money stp lated tor the nth
article OF this Convention his Majesty King of Den
mark will appoint an agent or asens for the purpose OF
formally delivering to similar agent or agents APP
sap rd 0 an s'a9s no
above, including any fortihcatons or military posts
which may be in the oedei territory, and for doing any
other act which be necessary In regard thereto
But tho cession with tho right OF nmedlae possession
Is nevertheless to bs doemod complete aud absolute
the exchange OF ratitcauons without waiting for such
formal delivery. Any Danish troops which may be in
the territory islands Aforesaid shall be withdrawn
SoOu hS uuy W IoeSouuOiy CuHVenienlly prhCtis
cable.
g. In consideration OF the aforesaid the
United States 70 at the Treasury la Washing
ton within three months after the exchange OF tho ra
cations of this convention 10 the diplomatic repreen
tative other agent Of his Majesty the King OF Don.
mark duly authorized to receive the same s5o000o In
gold.
Tho eossion conveys 10 the United States tho said
islands and appurtenances In full aud entire sovereignty
with all the dominion, rights and powers which Deo-
marknow possesses aud exercise in thom, free aud
imoered by any grants conditions privileges
franchises in any way affecting or limiting the exercise
of sucn sovereignty
ART Q. When this convention shall have been duly
ratified by his Maesty the King OF Denmark, by and
with the consent OF the Rigsdsg tho part and
other by the President OF tho United states by
and with the advice and consent Of the Senate, the
ratications shall be exchanged at Washington within
four months from the date hereof, II possible
In faith whereof the respective pisnpotentsres have
signed this convention aud thereto affixed the seals OF
their arms
Done Copenhagen the 24th October tho year OF
lord one thousand eight nuadred and sixiy-seven
C. Il. JUEL WIND FRIJS
GEO. II. YEAAAS.