Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-23

lotte, lies the liquid pearl of ST. Thomas
Its harbor. There is no other like 1t IN
these seas: that is, with all it's manifold
attractions of scenery and social life con-
tiguous. There is not a sailor who has
sailed to the American tropics who does
not recall, and with delight. the harbor of
st. Thomas. According to the sailing di-
rections' of nautical experts ii affords pro-
lection from every quarter except from the
southwest. from which direction gales sell
dom come save during the hurricane
months. On its west side is what is called
the Careening cove, where are large moor
ingS on shore, to which vessels can be
cured. and lie in twenty feet of water,
securely as in any harbor of the West
Indies. The average depth of the harbor
is over six fathoms: the entrance is open.
but sufficiently protected. and is about half
a mile in width. Within, the harbor is
about a mile across with sufficient accom-
mediation, old sailors say, for 200 sail. Thar
means 200 steamers, as well: but perhaps
100 will suffice, that being many more than
obtain it.
As a COnlfnE Station.
AS to the necessity for this harbor as a
coaling station for the United States navy,
there are no two opinions among naval
men. When Mr.. Sumner desired to be in
formed regarding this harbor he sent for
the veteran Admiral David ID. Porter, who
told him that there was no harbor in the
West Indies better fitted for a naval sta
ton. That st. Thomas was small Gil
braltar in itself. only requiring guns, with
little labor expended upon fortified works.
Moreover as to its location: 1T lies right
IN the track of all vessels from Europe.
Brazil, East Indies and the Pacific ocean
bound to the West Indies or the United
States. 1t is a point where all vessels
touch for supplies: 1t is a central point
whence any or all Of the West Indies can
be aSsailed, while of itself it is imperyious
to attack from landing nd no
fortified to any extent. The bay. at the
head of which lies the town, is almost cir
cular, the entrance being by a neck, guard
ed by two heavy forts In fine l think St
Thomas is the keystone to the arch Of the
west Indies, it commands them all. 1t is
nation!'
Another gallant officer of our navy,
capt.. u. " Fox, also sent to Mr.. Sumner
similar report respecting the immense
value to us of that port and island. The
maroon, ne says, lis one of the best in
the West Indies, admirable for naval MIR
poses, and fully equal to all the reouire-
meh's OF the commerce of those seas The
entrance is narrow and capable of being
opstructed. The hills on both sides have a
commanding elevation sufficient to place
the batteries thereon above the reach of
Inc shlps guns, while an attacking fleet
would be subjected to their plungine fire
Inc harbor on the land side is covered
by similar eminences These are conditions
which, together with its small area and in
sular position, give satisfactory security
Tor naval depot. The eminent strategic
geographical and commercial position
winch st. Thomas occupies arrests the at
tehuon OF the most casual observer of the
worlds chart"
But notwithstanding all this expert opin-
Ion as to the real necessity for q coaline
station, as to the superior fitness of the
Danish Island and harbor for such a sta
ton, when once the conditions were favor
able Tor its acquisition MIR. Sumner and his
coadjutors let 1t slip from their grasp
Favor Annexation.
The Inhabitants of the Danish Islands
are still in favor of annexation to the
united States, since they know that their
fortunes are more closely allied with ours
than with those of any European nation
Even among the Danish officials there is
the same strong feeling that 1t would re-
suit 10 the benefit of all concerned, for the
rank and file would be relieved from ser
Vice % far from the home country, and
the higher officers and officials would be
retired on ample pensions. The govern
fneht Is at present expensive and somewhat
oppressive. The annual deficit to Denmark
is from $50 900 to 800 600 and there are no
means of alternating the financial distress
Like the inhabitants of all the islands of
these seas, the people here resident see
that their only salvation lies in closer no
htlcal connection with the United States
since that would imply increased CONNER
cial advantages and resultant prosperity
AS the people here all speak English
even the Danish officials. there would be no
violence to national or racial prejud,ces
ana the transfer could be effected with
very little friction.
The recent movement toward an inquiry
into the possibility for acquisition may lead
to important results. But it must be con-
quoted with extreme caution. Denmark
Will nave every reason to view with dis
trust any proposition emanating from the
United States. for the same king, whose
eighty-eighth birthday was recently ceIe-