New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-09
GREATLY DEPRESSED.
FEELING AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF
THE DANISH WEST INDIES
GLOOMY PROSPECT.

~.
The month OF October has been an eventful- one
in the history Of these islands. on October g.
1867 just four days after his majesty King Chris
tian Issued his proclamation 10 the people OF this
town informing them OF the cession OF St Thomas
and st. John the United States OF America a
terrific hurricane took place. in which three hun
dred lives were lost and about seventy-seven yes
sells stranded wrecked. On October %.
1871 another frightful hurricane took place. which
destroyed half the town and killed many persons.
ON October > 1873. Instruction broke out among
the laborers Of 81. CroiX. in which the country
laid waste the managers houses were burned
and the town Of Frederiksted or West End was
reduced &c ashes. And in October has come
the news that tine Landsthing has rejected, by a
tie vote thrty-two thirty-two, the treaty for
the sale Of these islands to the United States.
Another October calamity say the people. who,
when the first telegram arrived, October y.
received il with incredulity. 1t not until later
kilograms brought its confirmation and a Few
further particulars they realized that all their
hopes OF a brighter future under the Stars and
Stripes utterly quashed. And this by the
votes OF octOgenarian and nonagenarian,
whose fossilized brains could not possibly have
grasped what il meant for the future OF thirty
thousand people. one must move among them. be
identified with them to understand how keen is
their disappointment To all classes the transfer
meant the infusion of blood, fresh energy,
capital, aid progressive ideas.
Already many saw improvements in every di-
rectiOn, water supply, sanitary arrangements.
school system and especially a high school for the
middle classes. But with this unexpected turn OF
affairs there is not much more than what We have
20 be looked for We hear that commission is
be appointed TO investigate the means Of giving
economic assistance TO these islands. We all know
what such commissions amount to. and how
long they take TO do anything-so long that many
OF us viii have left these islands passed away.
before anything is accomplished. We remember
that came out here shortly after the insur-
rection in ST. CroiN. Its members were enter
tained. and they interviewed all except the right
persons. and they went home again. A few COM
manders and knights of Dannebrog were made.
and that the last heard of the commits
sion. As for the private promises made by the
anti-sale party. no one believes them The fact
IS, such is the ignorance Of the majority in Den
mark Of our actual condition and wants that even
with the best of intentions they Will not be able
10 accomplish anything for our benefit.
So the outlook is very gloomy in ST. Thomas st.
Croix and st. John. Their population is profoundly
depressed, for UP the last. the sun of hope had
ilumined their pathway. And such is their con-
fdence in America that many Of them Yet believe
that II il is in earnest about having these Islands
and the Liberals IN Denmark in earnest about
selling them. the question viii come up again, as
II has already done twice They fail 10 how
1ic vote can settle a question. especially such
question this-one which greatly concerns
the welfare Of themselves and their children.
Up 10 now there many who viii not believe
that the question is decided. They say, with Mr..
Cullom. chairman Of the United States Senate For
eign Committee, that the check the Danish
West Indies treaty only temporary They have
long looked forward TO its consummation
solution the difficulties financial and otherwise
which threaten The ruin of these islands that they
exists no longer SO there has been open
demonstration against the L-andsthihgs decision.
Livery day knots OF people gather the main
street ana discuss the outlook and the kilograms,
The ST. Crox Avis justly remarks in an edi-
torial: AS loyal subjects have 10 accept the
decision OF ne government and make the best OF
existing conditions But these are so hopeless. so
Tar as 81. Croix is concerned, that stands
perspective should the present prices prevail and
There be no rainfall large quantity Of sugar
many planters heart leaped with joy when he
1-tnasthlhg that he had been assured by the
United states government that the islands prod
and every bag of sugar Skinned vii he We ~ f,h
Whatever II can. As the proceeds viii be poor,
usual consequences viii follow. not only for the
planters. but an others who are interested in
Premier Dcun;zer. in his speech to the Lands
thing on the FIRST reading OF the treaty. pointed
out the Dement'S which would accrue 10 these ISL
enos II they belonged TO the United States of
<aLhsIlca whlcn was their natural market for their
products and he voiced the sentiments of nearly
were unanimous in their desire for The al ,nr
But the LanosthinS has not desired it, even though
ISLANDS and in America ~ 'i'Ss
II Premier Deuntzer told the truth about Amer
lea IN his speech. is Denmark TO be our natural
market in the future? Are the Baltic ports TO
VIII the West India Trading EompaDT nv us
NE lands which have been barren for years
InIoueh want Of labor and capital? Will the vine
garas II proposes TO plant be proof against insect
{sss oT WI Mhish me European agrieulturist has
nake i lost 10y not being annexed TO the great re-
salvation as best we may with ncreas ed fsTa 4%n
% meet the expenditure, by those who never con-
suited us when they sought by every means foul
r ist' On Polilcs 10 back out Of their bargain.
not Keep its word?