Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-01-30
DANISH ISLANDER
DO NOT OPPOSE
SALE TERMS
WEST INDIANS ARE NOW ANXIOUS
TO HAVE THE FLAG OF UNCLE
SAM FLOAT ABOVE
THEM.

NEW YORK, Jan. 2S.-The special cor
respondent Of The Tribune at st. Thomas.
Danish West Indies. sends the following
in connection with the reported transfer
of the islands to the United States:
What puzzles the average Danish West
Indian more than anything else is the I'M
preston which seems to gain ground in
America and elsewhere that he objects TO
the transfer OF these islands and plebis-
cite is necessary. Apart from the fact that
there are so many different nationalities
in the Danish West Indies. that 1t would
be a matter Of great difficulty to arrive
at a just conclusion in the plebiscite. It
may be confidently asserted that no such
wish has been expressed, and II II were
possible TO take a vote under such circum-
stances. it will be in favor of the trans
fer That there may have been a feeling
against it some time ago among few or
the natives Is possible but this was partly
owing to sentiment and partly to the
statements made by the anti-sale party
about the miserable condition OF things
under American rule. Now that the. truth
has come 10 light about Porto Rico and
every mail brings further reports Of its
progress, once again. as in 1861 our peo-
pie are looking forward TO the change,
believing that there can be nothing save
prosperity for these islands should II take
place.
1T is a pity that this stated feeling Of
the inhabitants has not been more widely
circulated throughout the United States,
so that Americans might know that they
are not taking under their protection an
unwilling population-a fact which can be
substantiated by any American who has
visited these islands.
There has been a little excite
ment here the last few days. owing TO a
rumor that the sale was of. At ST. Croix.
an Offset to the telegram sent 10 the
finance minister and the rigsdag by JAG
leading inhabitants. among whom were
40 planters. representing 1900 out OF $1,000
acres OF cultivated land Of the island
praying for the sale an opposition list
was started. The few property holders
that were overlooked refused to sign II,
but the officials and a few policemen did
so. But the opinion seems TO be gaining
ground that all the opposition has been
fOstered by Danish spectators in the
hope that should negotiations be declared
of and values become further deprecia-
ted. they may. be able to purchase lands
and houses for a song.
- The St. CrOix Avis in a letter from
the rector OF the Anglican church, ex-
poses the manner in which anti-sale Sig
natures were obtained to a list I'm Basin,
the other town. This list was sent by
cable TO the prime minister at Copenha-
gen on the 9Th instant. 1t protests against
the telegram sent by the 40 planters and
1O5 proprietors. already alluded TO, char
acterizing them as American capitalists
and asks his eXcellency to use his infiu-
ence to keep st. Croix under the Danish
flag under condition that the mother
country will know how TO find means to
make the cultivation Of sugar, which at
present finds itself I'm most critical po-
sitiOn, remunerative to this island"
This is signed by three Danish planters,
two merchants and 215 other persons, all
eminently respectable, but not employ
ers OF nearly two-thirds of the islands
laborers, who will shortly be without en-
ployment unless some change takes place
for even the protestants against the sale
admit the critical position Of the sugar
industries. The general feeling is that or
despair for the future of these islands If
the sale Is not completed.