, 1885-03-18

is therefore every reason to do something
to effect an equilibrium.
The expenses for the military and the
pensions amount to between "a and So, 900
dollars yearly; should this burthen be re-
moved, there would be a chance of the
deficit being reduced.
In connection herewith he saw himself
compelled to propose a provisional reduc.
ton in the duties, in order to aid st. Croix
in the sugar cultivation. Extraordinary
circumstances exist, which make it not only
justiiable, but actually imperative, that
we look after the affairs of the colony.
Everything depends on the sugar cultiva.
ton, and if his should fail, the island
would he undone. He explained the parti.
cular circumstances connected with the
sugar cultivation in the island, and recon.
mended the draft of law.
In the meeting of the Landsting of 18th
Feb, the draft of law for provisional re-
duction in custom dues on sugar and mo-
laSses manufactured in st. Croix was open.
ed for discussion.
BrOberg said that it was to be regretted,
but nevertheless correct, what the Minister
had said at the introduction Of the draft.
The cause Of the miSfOrtunes exists in ex.
ctssive production, caused by the protec-
ton which this produce SO greatly receives
all over Europe. This draft also contained
a proposal for protection, but he would re.
commend the draft on account of the local
relations, and because it was necessary TO
relieve St. Croix:
He was of opinion that the ship dues
ought to be abolished i'll st. Thomas.
The Chairman was not averse to re-
marks being made on the other draft Of
law for the West Indies.
Mat@en recommended the draft, although
he did not possess sufficient technical
knowledge as to the manner in which it
could be carried into effect.
The Minister Of Finances was exceed.
ingly happy to see that the draft had
been SO we'll received by the W. last speak
ers. He did not think that the question
could affect the Danish Sugar ulanufHc-
tue. He would h0WeN er recommend the
consideration Of this matter to a committee.
1t was OF course only a provisional regnla-
ton. Ii HE circumstances attendant on
the production in the West Indies We're the
same as in Denmark, then we would be
justified in asserting that any benefit
granted to the one should also he granted
to the other, but the conditions of pro
duetion were widely different .... He
readily adopted the advice to abolish the
Ship dues, but the difficulty lay in discov.
eling a suitable compensation herefOr.
". Petersen was of opinion that a round
sum paid by the STATE treasury to the
islands might be more i'll order, and that
the islands be left at liberty to apply it
in accordance to their best Judgment.
He did not think that the estates were
efficiently managed, but il this small draft
Of law can be of assistance to them he will
not oppose it.
The Minister Of Finances WAS Of opinion
that the subvention should not be c0nsi-
dpTed purely as a disbursement for the
Colonies. He considered it a duty Of the
State TO supply the necessary military
force. This force had been placed on the
islands because at the time this was done
they were in a position to pay the OK
penses. 1t is not simply a question OF
keeping the Colonies alive but also of lay
ing a new foundation for their future, as it
is evident that the foundation laid in 1863
is no longer applicable. This point he
considered too important to be overlooked.
The draft Of law was passed to second
discussion, and on proposal of Matzen 1T
was referred to a committee of seven
members.
The discussion on draft of law for q re.
vision OF the Colonial aw for the Danish
West Indies Of eth November 1868 was
next brought forward. Christensen, in his
capacity as a member of the late West
Indian Commission. expressed as his
opinion that the mother country should