, 1893-06-24

10y - IVA WA
to assume, definitely assume so great an
annual expense, then there must be made
reforms 80 thorough, that it may be hoped
that progress and prosperity will again take
place in the islands, which have been so
richly endowed by the hands of Nature, for
the benefit of the Inhabitants as we'll as of the
Mother Country. 1t must also be held in
view that IN spite of whatever benefit the
Mother Country or the Colonies might former
ly have had from the union, the political and
commercial state of affairs are such that it
perhaps would be most beneficial for both,
if the Colonies were united to a greater
Power. But if this could be performed in a
satisfactory manner for Denmark, the chances
for this are more likely if the colony contain an
independent, vigorous AMI we'll to do popula-
ton than as at present a dissatisfied and dis
couraged one.
The Law Of 9th November 1868 accorded
the Colonial Councils of st. Thomas end st.
Croix the rights in affairs exclusively relating
to the affairs within the boundaries Of the
Islands to participate in the legislation and
that of financial independence; yea, it was even
supposed that the Islands, besides defraying
their own administration also would be able
to contribute to the finances Of the Mother
country.
The first couple Of years the result was for
St. Croix a surplus of about 10000 Kroners
annually.
Since 1869 there has been an increasing
deficit, which in 1889 reached about 200, 900
Kroners annually.
AS regards st. Thomas and st. Jan already
the second year showed q deficit and this has
increased so that it in 1890 reached up to
100000 KGoners annually.
st. Croix owes besides for a loan in virtue
Of Law of 10th June 1876, 100000 Kroners
plus Interest in all about 10000 KrOners,
as also in virtue Of Law of 25th February
1876 a guarantee for Interest which are not
included in the calculation.
The fact of the matter is this that the Law
Of 9th November 1868 likely was a mistake
and it became so to a still greater extent as
the times brought to the West India Islands
as elsewhere retrOgressiou in and
in the returns from agricultural pursuits.
When the Draft of Law introduced by the
Home Government now aims at a retrogres-
sion from the Law of 9th November 1868
in such q manner that the sslf-government
accorded the islands in future alone should
appertain to the purely municipal affairs,
then the Mother Country in conformity with
said Law after having heard the Colonial
Councils, has true enough the right to do 30;
but the Colonial Councils disrecommend it,
regret same as an Infringement of rights once
accorded, aud complain furthermore In con-
nection herewith Of what they consider
former financial wrongs-at the same time
as the Mother Country considers it necessary
for the sake of the Colonies to assume COM
paratively intolerable burdens.
The Minority therefore considers this
retrogression at. all events, in the shape pro-
posed as most unfortunate; it will burden
the Mother Country with entirely too heavy
us eless expe ises and at the same time most
likely result in the Colonial Treasures
in the course Of a few years becoming unable
to fulfil the obligations assumed, their
indebtedness again increasing and the State
again having to furnish aid.
This will presumably be proved by the
figures in the Home Governments own draft,
which contains the following divisions;
For 81. Croir.
Revenues accruing to the State Trea-
sury .......".... ..............".S 6I,%OO
Expenses to be used by the State
Treasury ISt,OOO
Deficit. 5 $4,000
For 80. Thomas.
Revenues accruing to the State Trsa-
Expenses to be assumed by the
State Treasury ...... .....-... A5A,oOO