New-York tribune., 1902-04-28
ANXIETY IN THE ISLANDS.
SOME INDICATIONS OF THE POPULAR
G-MISREPRESENTED
AT COPENHAGEN.

d-ron, an Occasional Correspondent o Trtbune)
St Thomas D. ". l.. April 10
The American squadron left this port on the 18th
It was followed by the good wishes of the people
of this island Much money was spent by the
officers and men. Many courtesies Were shown TO
our citizens by Admiral Higginson, who invited
them to visit the ships under his command lie
also permitted the band from the Olympia to play
In the public gardens. which was treat to all
lovers of good music. Altogether. the visit was
timely and made excellent impression. infusing
hopes in every one for the future when the
opposition in Denmark sees its way to put itself
straight the eyes of the islanders by ratifying
sale which they initiated under Conservative
Ministry. Nearly every one here now believes that
the sale question in the Rigsdag is merely po-
tical fight between the two parties, the retention
of these islands as Danish territory being
ondary. and any consideration for the wishes of
the inhabitants in this respect nil
The activity infused in business circles by the
presence of the American squadron forerun-
ner of what might expect if the treaty is
promptly ratified. and the depression following its
departure a fair sample of what will surely happen
should the delay be prolonged. Many are becoming
discontented and impatient the methods adopt
ed by the opponents of the treaty In the Lands
thing. which considered TO be in the highest
degree detrimental to the future OF these islands
and not at all consderate of the welfare of their
inhabitants.
That there viii be an overwhelming majority in
favor OF the transfer should plebscte be taken
here is certain but this Is what IS feared in
Copenhagen by the Opposition. and may contribute
to its rejection directed by Won Jessen. who
when in st. Thomas declared that everything hu-
manly possible would be done by his party to pre-
vent the ratification of the treaty. II it
signed, delay 1t in such manner to get 1t
eventually sheved One thing is sure: No one
wants pIebiscite here and the government papers
of St. Thomas and ST Croix have stated that there
IS no necessity for it. Won Jessen says the
same AS the Editor of the 'St. CroiX Avis justly
says of him: He has found out at last that his
facts are all wrong. and that. contrary pre-
yious statement. people out here like the Dan
fish statesmen and the bulk OF the Danish people.
favor OF the transfer Having found this out. he
would now like deprive of all say In the
mat tier. and therefore advises his party in the
Landsthing vote for the rejection of the treaty.
What logici Ordinary people would suppose that
when IL found that the islanders held the
view Of the question the majority in Denmark
IL would be argument for the LandsthiDg to
the same side. but Mr.. Won Jessen sees in
his discovery reason for taking the opposite
course and rejecting the treaty.
And this appears to be likely, judging from late
kilograms, especially those of yesterday in which
Mr.. Estrup depends the sentiments of His
Majesty the King in face of the popular majority
The following Is from ''Lightbourne's Mail Notes
of to-day's date: Things very blue in S.
Croix, owing to the procrastination of the Lands
thing in the sale negotiations. No less than fifteen
thousand bags Of crystals stored by factory
and ten thousand by shippers IN West End await
ing shipment Ruin is staring the poor islanders
In the face"