The herald., 1898-03-31
THREE LITTLE ISLANDS
WELL LOCATED FOR COALING
STATIONS
DANISH WEST INDIA ISLANDS
To Be Purchased by the United States.
Denmark Will Also Sell Five
War Vessels
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
, NEW YORK, March 3o.-A special to
the Journal and Advertiser from Wash
ington says:
There is some reason to believe that the
government has made a most important
deal with foreign nation, which win have
a significant bearing upon our relations
with Spain. 1t is said that negotiations
have been concluded for the cession to
this country of the Danish islands in the
West Indies-St. John, st. Thomas and
st. Croix.
1t is also understood that Denmark sells
to this country two cruisers and three tor
pedo boat destroyers.
The price paid for the whole is said to
be $15OO0,OO0.
Nothing can be learned Of the details,
but it is reported that the islands were sold
for about 100000. The islands will be used
as coaling stations and as base for naval
action.
NOT YET SECURED
WASHINGTON, March 3O.-As stated in
these dispatches. the Navy Department has
had in view the acquisition of a coaling
station in the West Indies The govern
ment is now without any coaling station
Ill any lOIGlSi SOuHtiy VI ally AlilPOI tdHCcs
a matter of considerable regret among
naval officials. Ever since the trouble
with Spain has been threatened, Captain
Bradford, chief of the Bureau of Equip
ment, has been looking over the field very
carefully and has indicated to Secretary
Long several desirable places in the West
Indies where excellent harbors exist,
which, in his judgment, might be acquired
by the government. One of these locations
was the island of st. Thomas. Danish
possession, where it is said the facilities
for the establishment of a coaling station
are admirable. Secretary Long has recog-
nized the force of Captain Bradfords argu-
ments and representations and has laid the
matter before the State Department OH.
Gals with view to the acquisition of -.
Thomas. 1t is said at the Navy Depart
ment that no purchase of the island has
yet been contaminated, but that negotia-
tons are under way. The Associated Press
announced last week that the island Of Ma
vassa would not be selected, but that the
tendencies were toward the Danish island,
which could be purchased for a consider
able sum.
One of the most prominent visitors at
Secretary Algers office was General John
NJ. Schofield, who formerly commanded
the army and who Is now on his way to
New York.
General Schofield is President of the Ma
tional Volunteer Reserve Association Of
the United States, which is seeking to
enroll in its ranks from 100000 to 5000, 900
men who will respond to any call that will
be made upon them by the government in
case Of war. Other persons who saw thu
Secretary were Senators Mason, Proctor
| and Hawley and General Sichler.
| MKINLEY'S ULTIMATUM
| NEW YORK, March 30.-A special to the
Herald from Washington says:
Mckinley waits on Sagasta and tho Dip
lomatic relations of the two nations hang
| in the balance on the Cuban question. Our
proposition is that Spain arrange some
time in the near future to accept Gomez's
offer to pay 5000 900 900 for Cuban independ-
ence: that an armistice be entered into
during which the Spanish troops are to be
Withdrawn from the island; that the re-
concentrates be released Immediately and
permitted to return to their homes, and
that the United States furnish them not
only with food, but purchase them farming
implements. Spain Is considering this in
Madrid.
A cablegram was received from Minister
Woodford which shows that the negotia-
tions are proceeding in a way entirely
| satisfactory to the President It Is said
that this cable merely said Accepted"
Whether this meant all the propositions or
merely the proposition that an armistice
be attempted and that Spain will release
the reconcentrados Is not known. It Is not
believed that Spain will at this stage prom.
Use independence.
But on the strength OF the information
from Madrid. the President decided to send
| a message to Congress. and q high off, iai
| said the way was opening to a speedy toi-
| Element of the whole Cuban situation.
On the Maine question Spain is eviderti
preparing to combat the contention that
| the ship was destroyed by an outside explo-
sion, and instead of forwarding an apol-
ogy will send denial and ask for interna-
tional arbitration.