The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-02-22
ANOTHER VIEW.


Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: "Undcr the Monroe Doctrine. we could
not allow any European power to acquire the Dan.
ish West India islands, therefore, we could not
in fairness. ourselves refuse to buy them, when
they were for sale"
After these words in the senate, from Senator
Bacon, OF Georgia Dem.), there was not single
obicctor and the treaty of purchase at 5000 900
was unanimously ratified.
We get clear warranty deed OF the property,
the islands OF st. Thomas, st. Croix and st. John.
They cover an area OF l27 square miles, with a
population of 30,0O0-Dcnnark has held them, I'M.
proftably, since 1911, but in our hands, with
our energy and up to date methods our nearncss,
both in our mainland, and in Porto Rico. the
island revenues will soon tell "anotlicr story"
as Kipling says
Charlotte Amclic is the largest place the
| island of st. Thomas. At present, only IL per
cent of the population is white, hut the color
line is not drawn. in business churches. The
hlackmcn and women are Of superior class.
Intcrmarriagc Is not unusual. Whites and blacks
share rights and privileges equally Education is
compulsory for children OF both colors, between
the ages OF seven and thirteen.
Everybody speaks English, and it is used in
the schools and courts of justice, though the of.
fetal language is Dutch.
Charlotte Amclie has fine harbor. large coal
wharvcs and dry dock. As Senator Cullom said
in the senate, 'the strategic value OF that harbor
is Of great proportions, as it commands tho mill
tary situation in Cuba. as far as is necessary.
and il we build our canal across the Isthmus of
Panama. this harbor will guard its approach"
st. Thomas is not of agricultural Importance.
Its 1000 people are mainly fed from the United
states
Frcdcrkstcd and Clristianstcd are the chief
towns Of the island of st. Crox. The stores
and shops OF one story, like those on the
island OF st. Thomas. They have Episcopal, Mo-
rav;an. Catholic, Dutch Reformed and Meth.
odist churches and synagogue the membership
is about equal oi whites and blacks full
hooded negro is one OF the Dutch Reformed
deacons.
The Danish army has been maintained at about
go men, sent out to stay six years.
st. Crox island has thirty.two sugar estates
and all the produce goes to New York.
st. John island has population of 700, nearly
all blacks. There is much grazing land on this
island The Chief judge of the island is also
chief of police (olcc of two, postmaster. truant
school principal wharf master and custom house
officer N'oohbalD
Tho climate is purely tropical, the temperature
in summer ranging from 50 to 81 degrees.
In 1901. our sales To the islands, increased $j7,-
28S. We shipped 1921 barrels of -four at a value
of $iS,23l while all other countries sold only ~
barrels Of the value of $lj3
Ioaling steamers is the principal industry of
the islands. About thirty steamers coal there
each month. Last year they took on 90,Ss ions
ai coal. of which S6,21l tons came from the
United States.
Home life is priced. and high estimate is
held of the family relation.
With the nearby prosperous Porto Rico an
associate, guide and cncrgizcr, there arc great
possibilities fol good in the "Tcrrtorv of The An
titles Walter J. Ballard.
Schenectady, y. v, Feb. 20.