The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-12-30
A HITCH OVER
DANISH ISLANDS
Spectators at Copenhagen
Delay Negotiations.
EAGER TO GET GET PUBLIC FRANCHISES.
Greed Along this Line Retards the
Sale to the United States Sen
timent Expressed at the
Island of ST. Thomas.

The latest hitch in the negotiations for
the transfer OF the Danish West Indies is
attributed to the activity of SPECTATORS
at Copenhagen, who insist upon partici-
pating in the profits which are to pro-
ceed from the transaction Under
former Cabinet certain agents undertook
to bring about sale OF the islands to
the United States for liberal commits
sions. but tie State Department declined
20 deal with middIemen, and took up the
matter directly with the Danish Govern
ment through the regular diplomatic
channels. Little progress was made.
however. until the ministry changed
when an agreement was speedily reached
as to price, the only tedious discussion
relating to the character OF citizenship
the islanders would enjoy under the
American flag, Denmark finally reeog-
mixing that Congress alone could confer
citizenship after the manner that had
been pursued in the case Of Porto Rico
and the Philippines.
Began to scheme for Concessions.
Directly after the announcement of this
agreement the agitation on the part of
the cisgruntled agents in Copenhagen be
gan, their latest scheme being to delay
the transfer OF sovereignty until they
could secure various concessions in the
Islands, make few investments. and get
their affairs into shape to demand large
payments from the United States for
their vested rights.
To this end they have been extremely
energetic in distributing nominal inter
est in their paper enterprises throughout
Denmark, and are bringing strong popu-
lar influences to bear on tie Government.
They hope to have the treaty provide for
plebiscite in the islands, and before the
vote is taken to induce the people there
TO support them in squeezing good sums
out OF the United States
Unanimous for Cessfon.
When the last vote on the question was
taken in January, 1868. two Islands only
were poIIed that of ST. Thomas being
unanimous for cession. and that of ST.
John being 1,039 for and % against It is
believed that the vote would be different
today. with the hopes held out 10 the in
habitants by the promoters who failed as
middlemen
Under the circumstances 1t is probable
make any further concessions. and the
offer 10 purchase may be withdrawn. No
one here doubts that the plan of the
Danish promoters 10 make investments
viii promptly fall through If this Govern
ment decides not TO buy. and that the ISL
ands viii go a-begging again, with no
European nation daring 10 take them
As small indication Of the Admin
istration's Indifference in the matter.
President Roosevelt has just made over to
the navy Culebra Island for use as coal
ing base. thus placing that island, which
Immediately adjoins the Danish West
Indies. in precisely the same category as
TutuiIa and Guam. Surveying operations
under Rear Admiral Bradford's directions
have led TO the discovery OF an admirable
barber in this easternmost of American
possessions, and it is possible that the
great strategic value of St. Thomas may
be totally eclipsed