, 1896-06-06
To the Editor Of the st. CrOiu AVis.

Dear Sir,
1t would have been prcposterous in me
indeed 10 have expected that my letter on the
subject of "The Contemplated Transfer Of the
Danish West India Islands," published last
week in your paper, would have escaped cri-
ticism. My expectation therefore was some.
what realized in the Reply TO Content"
from america" which appeared in the sue.
ceeding issue,
Now, MI. Editor, though l have not, as
say, been taken by surprise at some one
picking up the gauntlet, So to speak, yet 1
must confess that the style which this writer
has assumed in taking up the defence of his
adopted country, (S he is evidently not a
natural born SOM his apparent inability to
deal with the question. and to argue the
points at issue, in a cool and quiet spirit,
and in plain language, his scurlilous remarks,
to say, nothing of his ignorance beyond a
doubt, Of even the parts Of speech of certain
words of English, in which language l wrote
all combine to make me almost unwilling to
take any notice Of his article at all, but rather
to give him up IN disgust, and regret that he
was not a iOeman more worthy of my steel.
| am almost inclined to refuse to battle with
such a weakling. Iwould indeed preferfght-
ing with, Gf even / had to lay down my sword,
after being conquered, at the feet of q wor-
thy adversary than to cross blades with
such q rash and impetuous buffoon. How.
ever, l will, the temptation being 80 great,
indulge, though unaccustomed to, III a little
criticism myself, at my friends expense; just
by way of ridiculing his school boy kind Of
zeal, and with the hope that he may be taught
a lesson that may tend to cool his ardour,
and check him in that fiery and impetuous
spirit in which he seems wrong or right to
write newspaper articles on important SUBJ
iects that interest and concern the communl-
tv, and when his communications are the most
likely to be put under general discussion.
l will ut my criticisms in the form OF
queries, and passing over the minor points,
charitably exclude the glazing grammatical
srrors, ard take up hose, if may so allow,
which more nearly concern the subject OF the
contro; eTsy, and proceed by asking.
Will Mr.. America, whose knowledge is
very extensive, and by which I, land perhaps
YOU also Mr.. Editor may profit immense
". if / can get him to return to the charge.
be good enough to inform, as | do not really
remember having heard, whence came these
Islands, that according TO his statement "are
nOw situated in the Caribbean" by what
convulaion of nature, and at what time
does history tell US that they were removed
from their former situation to that in which
they nor are? Probably they tumbled on
the verge of American adoption, alluded to
by nv learned friend, into their present
situation, there to remain, only until there
be a fortunate ratitying of an Gbsolu te p"r-
chase when they may again change their
geographical position. Oh dear oh dear! !!
Is Mr.. America able to prove to the entire
satisfaction of all concerned. that the very
humane and exceedingly philanthrsphic
people and government of the United states
do to-day, throughout the land, positively
protect and defend in every particular thai
race of mankind which they 50 gloriously
relieved from suferiag, and allow the DE-
scendants thereof the rights and privileges