New-York tribune., 1902-01-28
CONDITIONS IN DANISH ISLANDS.
SENTIMENT OF PEOPLE BEFORE SALE WAS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DUE TO
RUMOR THAT 1T WAS OFF"

tFRoM A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNEl
St Thomas D. w L. January 13
What puzzles the average Danish West Indian
more than anything else IS the impression which
seems to have gained ground in America and else
whero that he objects to the transfer of these
islands and that plebiscite is necessary. Apart
from the fact that there many different
nationalities in the Danish West Indies that It
would be matter OF great difficulty TO arrive at
just conclusion in case OF plebiscite. it may be
confidently asserted that such wish has been
expressed. and II II possible to take vote.
under such circumstances. 1t would be in favor Of
the transfer.
That there may have been a feeling against It
some time ago among a few OF the natives Is pos
sible but this was partly owing to sentiment and
partly 10 the statements made by the anti-saIe
party about the miserable condition of Porto Rico
under Am ercan rule Now that the truth has
come light about that island. ard every mail
brings further reports OF its progress. again.
as in 1867. people are looking forward the
change, believing that there be nothing save
prosperity for these islands should II take place
It is a pity that this state Of feeling OF the in
habitants has not been more widely circulated
throughout the United States. that Americans
might know that they not taking under their
protection unwilling population-a fact which
can be substantiated by any American who has
visited these islands. Not that the Danish West
indian is ungrateful TO the mother country for
having prepared him for eventful a change.
For period of thirty years more he has been
initiative various occasions.
There has been little excitement here the last
few days. owing to a rumor that the sale OF
AT St Croix. Offset to the telegram sent
the Finance Minister and the Rgsdag by IS lead
ing Inhabitants among whom were forty planters.
representing 5000 out OF 5000 acres OF cultivated
land OF the Island praying for tho sale an opposi-
tion list was started. The few property holders
that were overlooked refused 10 sign it, but the
officials and few policemen did so. But the opia-
ION seems to be gaining ground that all the oppo-
sition has been fostered by Danish SPECTATORS in
ana VaIues become further deprecated, they may
be able 70 purchase lands and houses for song
ana, while posing as patriots. enrich themselves
When the sale is accomplished.
The st. Crox Avis" in a letter from the rector
or the Angican church. exposes the manner in
WhIch ant-sale signatures were obtained TO list
IN Bassin' the other town. This list was sent by
the 9th in. II protests against the telegram sent
by the forty planters and 1O6 proprietors already
alluded TO, characterizing them as American capt.
talsts, ana asks his excellency TO his sn-
1uence to keep ST. Croix under the Danish flag on
the condition that the mother country will know
now 70 nnd means to make the cultivation OF sugar
which at present finds itself in critical po-
siLon, remuneratye 10 this island"
This is signed by three Danish planters two
merchants and by 2l5 other persors all erninentlv
respectable but not employers Of nearly two-thirds
OF the islands laborers. who will shortly be with
out employment unless some change takes place
for even the protestants against admit the
hope in the event of the sale falling through thai
some one will be able to place our position before
the mother country in such way as to induce
the capitalists and merchants in Copenhagen who
have so loudly protested against Denmark's part
ing with the Danish West Indies to come forward
and do as much for as the Americans have
done for Porto Rico. But no one here or in St
CroiX expects Denmark will open her ports 70 free
sugar any more than he does the establishment
Of schools for the higher education of our children
The majority, as every knows is pro-saIe to a
man, believing that il is the only salvation for the
Danish West Indies. The general feeling Is that
Of despair for the future Of these islands If the
sale is not completed. N0