New-York tribune., 1896-01-07

WHY THE UNITED STATES DID NOT AC-
QUIRE ST. THOMAS.
FREDERICK W. SEWARD ADVOCATES ITS PUR-
CHASE AND TELLS OF THE FAILURE OF
NEGOTIATIONS By PRESIDENT


CHASE AND TELLS OF THE FAILURE OF
NEGOTIATIONS By PRESIDENT
JOHNSON.
To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: Twenty-seven years ago there was an
informal after-dinner conference at the house
of the Secretary Of State, in Washington. Some
Senator'S were present who were warm oppo-
nents of President Johnson's policy. though still
remaining on friendly terms with his Secretary
of State.
The United States Government during the
Civil War. had found that it greatly needed
naval station in the West Indies. The Secretary
had now negotiated treaty with Denmark Tor
the purchase of the islands of ST. Thomas ana
ST. John. The Danish Government had acceded
to it. The inhabitants Of ihe Islands had as
sented to it by popular vote. All that was re-
aured was the consent and approval Of the
Senate Of the United states. The Secretary had
also negotiated treaty with the Dominican
Republic for the harbor of Samana. and subse-
quently had obtained proposal for the anneXa-
ticn of the entire Republic This also lacked only
the consent and approval of the Senate
''Governor Seward" said one of the gentle
men, what do we want of any more Southern
States when we not sure that we can peace
And. Governor" said another. our radlcal
friends think that whatever may be valuable
I'm these treaties of yours can just as well De
got 1T any other time under some othcr auiiiih-
istraton."
These two remarks explain why to-day we
have no naval station in the West Indies
Twenty-seven years have brought thelr IN
evtable changes. They have given us c0nsOii-
dated Union wherein North and South vie with
each other IN declarations of patriotism. Inc
partisan animosites of that day have passed
away. Successive administrations have come
and gone. And now the question recurs. DO
do not need "A naval station In the
West Indies"
All through our Civil War the blockade run
ners and Confederate cruisers found ready wei
come in the West India ports especially at Mas
sau ana others belonging to Great Britain, while
the United states naval vessels sent to check
them were shut out OF detained by veXatious
port regulations. avowedly designed 10 prevent
their getting coal or repairs. II was realized
then that the first need Of the United states
in any future war would be one or more naval
stations in the West Indies. Otherwise we mlgnt
look for a chain OF hostile ports close upon our
borders But the contingency was remote The
Civil War over. No foreign war was I'M
pending The people were not seeking further
enlargement of their territory. The Senate re-
hected the popular indifference to the question
Now It recurs, and with additional reasons Tor
consideration. During the twenty-seven years
the great European Powers have steadily devel-
oped the policy Of Jointly or severay enlargng
their domnons. II we Will rot have West Indian
islands then other Powers will. Denmark Is our
friend. and one that never has done and probably
never will do us any harm. But II her ports pass
into the control of some European Power whose
interests are opposed to our own tney VIII 90
us incalcuablc injury.
1t is not merely a question as 10 whether we
want naval and coasting stations and dockyards
ourselves 1t Is whether We will deliberately give
them up To those who oven now are threaten
ing to become our enemies who decline arbtra-
ton. and rely upon fleets and armies as the best
means Of settling disputes.
FREDERICK W. SEWARD.
Montrose- on he-Hudson. Jan 4. 1896.