Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-08-01
A TINY BRITISH COLONY.
Seventeen Households On the Island Of
Tristan d'Acunha.

4 Blue Book (Cd. 1900 just issued in
London containing further correspond
ence relating to the island of Tristan
d Acunha," gives some information of IN
terest about the condition of this a.
minutive colony. In January Tristan
Thrush, and Lieut.. Watts-JoneS ami
Surgeon Lobb of that vessel drew ul a
report on the island which was for
warded by the admiralty to the colonial
office. to be laid before the secretary Of
state on March 26 The population. saws
this report, now consists of Seyenty-Six
persons divided into seventeen families
or households. All but four of the in
habitantS were born in the island. two cf
the exceptions being Italians, who are
described as being probably the best
educated persons there. There have been
no marriages in the island for three
years. The islanders though sun-burned.
are described as being practically
white" The men are hardy. but not Of
fine physique; 1.-THE women are decidedly
finer specimens than the men; their fea-
lures are regular, pleasing, and of some
what Semitic type. The children are
clean, fat, healthy, and well cared lfor.
and surprisingly well clad"
There is no definite sign of mental or
physical deterioration arising specifically
from the system of intermarriage. The
pebpIe say the OU1ceFS. Were
very anxious about the education of their
children, and the difficulties attending
this seemed largely responsible for the
views they expressed on the subject Of
leaving the island. Their staple food is
potatoes, milk, beef, mutton and poultry
produce, and of these there is an ample
supply, but for anything beyond the in
habitants are entirely dependent upQn
passing ships. Rats, which prevent tn
growing of any grim tho o,,,.ya :
the island. Fish are plentiful, but the
islanders are chiefly q farming con-
munity.
The Thrush" says the report, 'took
thirty-three eases to the island, all of
which came from the Cape; this does not
include the mails and some books which
came from England. She brought Back
forty-fiye packages, addressed to various
people in Cape Colony, as the islanders
said that unless they could send some If
their things to their relations in the col
Ony they would get no clothing" The
schooner trade which used to be regular
~ carried on with the island has come
TO an end. 1t is pointed out that the
island might in the future have a value.
should large carrying trade be estab-
llshed between South America and the
Cape, as an intermediate station for
wireless biography; but this and the o.
casional assistance given to shipwrecked
people seem the only imaginable reasons
for occupying it. The great majority Of
the people said they would like to quit
the island if they could realize or receive
compensation for leaving their stock be-
hind them. Admiral Moore, in his Dis
patch TO the admiralty covering the re
port of the Thrush, says that "the pos
sibility of removal having been presented
to the islanders, l submit it is very de-
sirab Bile decision in the matter should he
arrived at, and communicated to them az
the first possible opportunity, in order
that they may remain no longer than IS
necessary in any doubt as to their fu-
ture. London Times.