New-York tribune., 1902-05-13
DOUBT IN DANISH WEST INDIES.
HOPE AND FEAR ALTERNATING AMONG
THE ISLANDERS IN REGARD TO SALE.

(From an Occa sional Correspondent Of The Trhune)
St. Thomas, d. w. J., MAY I.
Speculation is rife concerning the advent OF Chief
Justice Jurs. X D. who IS expected from Copen-
hagen to-day, by way OF Southampton the
royal mail steamer. He left this place some time
ago leave of absence 1t IS rumored that ne
comes out az commissioner In connection with the
intermlnable sale question. one thing has been s.
serted with some sort OF conhdence-that our pres
ent Governor, Colonel Hedeman. *. d. IS going
home and that chief Justice Iurs will take his
place as Nice-Governor. a post he has filled before
several occasions with tact and discretion. Civ
ing satisfaction to the inhabitants.
The late kilograms have excited much comment
especially that which stated that the anti-sae
party In Copenhagen Is now devotIng itself 10 in
fuencing the islanders sentiments, and that IT is
reported that person In that city has mailed
thousands OF circulars be distributed here. Peo-
pie asking. Whence this sudden hope OF in
huencing any ones sentiments in st. Thomas st.
Croix and St John, after all they have said OF us?
Won Jessen failed, and with his failure and ex-
posure manufacturer of false and de-
monstrations 1t will be difficult. indeed. to
vince population OF any good intentions the
antl-sale party in Denmark may have toward us.
BY nearly every is acquainted with its
methods, of which those Of Christmas and Nieis
Gron are such admirable specimens. But there is
knowing what may be in store for should the
Landsthing acquiesce in a general plebiscte. Thus
they have succeeded in delaying the sale Still
time will be lost before the plebiscite can be
taken. and though 1t will most likely result in an
overwhelming majority for the transfer II is quite
possible other game of wriggle and shuttle
may be played before the actual ratification takes
place
Respectable folks in St. Thomas are scarcely in
cned to welcome plebiscite in any form re-
sriced unrestricted, especially If the anti-saie
party in Copenhagen attempts to influence the
tive population. They look with a natural sort OF
dread toward a reopening of the old discussions.
and with anxiety toward revival OF the old feuds.
now almost extinct No wishes TO fresh
wood thrown upon the dying embers. To say the
least of IT, II is an i'll advised the part
OF the anti-sale party in Denmark. one which they
may have reason to regret.
In st. Croix much dissatisfaction Is voiced in re-
gard o the proposed plebiscite The planters x
press themselves in unmeasured terms about It.
Apart from the delay, which means ruin for them.
there is always the fear Of conflicting elements.
eliminating In riot and disorder. should such agita-
tion is threatened by the anti-sale party In
Copenhagen be allowed. Thus IL will be seen that
people here are living in state Of hope and fear
all the time. and really the sufferers, In the
mean while Danish speculators are taking advan-
tage Of the occasion. one OF the finest and most
advantageOusly situated blocks Of buildings in this
town was sold yesterday for $1,000 possibly In the
hope Of getting $4,000 when the enterprising Yam
kee along. Delay means ruin To n
less they hold on few months longer.