Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-07-06

severed, depending upon a popular vote
or plebiscite throughout the islands.
On the day the popular vote was TAX
en-. Jan. 3. 1865. holiday was declared.
and the stars and stripes were substi-
tuted for the flag OF Danneborg on ev-
cry tower and hilltop.
We thought the die was cast, espe-
cially when on the 30th OF June, 1865,
the king affixed his signature to the
treaty, which had been ratified by the
Danish rigsdag. Four months were al
lowed for the ratification by the United
States senate: then the time was ex-
tended 10 a year. and again to April.
1870. when the United States committee
on foreign relations recommended sus-
pension Of action and ultimately report
ed it adversely.
So the wretched thing was hung up.
and it dragged through several admin
istrations. until 1t at last became a
byword and 4 shame. And poor old
Denmark, our beloved uiotherland. had
the ineXpressible humiliation forced
upon her of taking back 10 her bosom
all the islanders. to whom her king had
hidden an affectionate and fearful fare
well. 1t was very hard particularly
as she needed that s7.5OO.e0o. to have it
so nearly within her grasp and then to
r.
And all that occurred a generation
ago. Our dear old King Christian OF
Denmark still reigns at home and is
still noted for his goodness and forbear-
ance; but think of the years that have
passed over his head since he was oblig-
ed TO swallow whatever resentment he
may have felt at the action of the United
States senate. He Is an old man now
Sand he and his gracious queen ceIe-
brated their golden wedding just eight
years ago. But when that action was
pending by which we were to be given
over to the United States he was only
80 and in the full vigor of manhood. He
is said to be the oldest and most high
ly respected sovereign OF Europe. and
1t Is q pretty good proof of his elevated
character that he has not allowed the
treatment he received from the United
States to sour him toward you.
/ OF course, you will say that little
! Denmark needed the money so mucl,
that she would undergo almost any sort
/ of humiliation in order to secure the
price promised for the islands. and we
know we'll enough that she can never
! get that sum again 1t is rumored that
she Will now accept $4,000. 600 for the
entire group Ii she can get it. for cir
cumstanoes have changed since the
Sliic VI lslIlColl GTiul anu seward
Your navy has outgrown all predictions
made ut that time. and in sense you
need the harbor of st. Thomas more
than ever as coaling station. At the
same time we know that by the acqui-
siticn OF Porto Rico you obtained con-
troll of several harbors that might be
adapted to your purpose.
Granted that the Americans need q
fortified harbor In the West Indies
where they can coal and provision their
naval vessels. where they can intrench
themselves in case of war with n strong
European power. they have nothing in
Porto Rico equal to this one harhor OF
Charlotte Amaiia. capital of st. Thomas
1t is deep and spacious. capable OF shell
tering hundred ships of war and Is
so we'll protected on three sides by hills
that 1t could be made impregnable by
Notifications. Here lies our pretty lit
tie capital, Charlotte Amalia, built on