The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-12-30
Twelve Million Kroner offered by
Minister Swenson i'm Behalf of
the Mckinley Administration.
TREATY MUST BE NEGOTIATED
SENATE MUST APPROVE 1T WITH
FORMAL RATIFICATION,
And the House Must Appropriate the
Necessary Money Before the Pro-
posed Deal Il Completed.

COPENHAGEN, Dec. 29-The United
States minister, L. s. swenson. has in
formed the Danish government that the
United States offers 1900. 900 kroner for the
Danish Antilles, and will give no more.
WASHINGTON. Dec 29.-The negotia-
tions between the government of the
United States and the government of Den
mark have been in progress, though inter-
mittently. for the past two years. In the
earlier stages something was attempted
here through the resident minister of Den
mark, Constantin Bruen, and one Capt
Christmas Dirkfeldt, but while these ef-
forts laid the foundation for what followed
in Europe they could not be regarded as
successful, and after mature consideration
the State Department decided that Mr..
Swenson, the United States minister to
Denmark, was the best person to deal with
the case in the interest of this country
Therefore he was given full instructions
and some measure of authority. He had
nearly succeeded in his object last spring
when through an internal change i'm Dem
mark the minister of foreign affairs was
displaced. The new minister was opposed
to the transfer of the islands to the United
States, and wave of patriotic feeling
government was Obliged to yield, and the
negotiations were suspended for a time.
Now change has taken place in the pub
lie mind of Denmark and the present min
lister of foreign affairs has. it is believed
here, reluctantly come to the conclusion
that for financial reasons 1t is scarcely
possible to hold on to the islands. Their
export trade, normally done in large part
ha fad hoc hoof, flx
depressed, and though the commerce might
yield sufficient taxation under unrestrained
intercourse with the States to make the
islands self-sustaining. at present they are
a drag on Denmark and the Danish gov
ernment is obliged to make good a con-
siderable deficit on their account.
The sum named in the Copenhagen dis
patch as offered by Minister Swenson-l2,-
COO 900 kroner-as the price to be paid for
the islands is roughly equivalent to about
So, ,240, 900. 1t is impossible to learn whether
this is the maximum price to be offered
Purely business reasons would account for
the official silence on this point. 1t is
gathered that Mr.. Swenson was allowed
considerable latitude in dealing with the
matter, but it is intimated that he has
about reached the end OF his abilities on
this point. Of course an acceptance OF his
proposition by the Danish government
would not complete the transaction The
transfer can be accomplished only under
a form of treaty which must be accepted
by the Senate of the United States. And
in addition. owing to the necessity of pro-
viding the money to be paid for the islands,
the House OF Representatives must have
it's say. being called on to make the neces-
doubtedly consume much time in its con-
sideration, based on the course assumed by
the Senate up to this point in passing upon
treaties, and as scarcely more than two
months remain of the present session of
Congress speedy action would be required
on the part of the negotiators at Copen-
hagen in order that there may be reason
able chance for action upon the treaty be-
fore adjournment