New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-09
ETCITES THEIR WONDER.
ST. Thomas Cannot See Reason for
Lynchings Here.

St Thomas. Sept. From time to time the
people OF these islands are brought 10 know
through our local newspapers Of the lynching
of oolored people in the Southern States OF
America. These items are taken from promi-
nent New-York Journals and when given
they are written. with the usual accompaniment
OF FIRE and torture. create a most unfavorable
impression. That this unfortunate race ques-
tion should not have been settled long ago in
the United States. Il has been here. is mat
ter OF surprise 10 every one who lives in the
West Indies. That black man should work
alongside his white or colored brother. that he
should sit TO him in a church or in
theatre, or marry woman fairer than him
self, or white man marry a woman Of 2 dark
er complexion than his own. is so natural to
every one in these communities that they can
not help smiling at the thin skinned American
who is horrifed at the idea
They wonder why the American, who is so
great in many things. cannot be great in so
small thing this. But. above ell. they
der what will be their position when the Amer
can flag flies over these places. as it must some
day. AS might be expected. the lynching bust
ness has been made much Of by some OF those
opposed TO the sale of these islands, but as
many Of the people here have relatives in Amer
lea who are doing very well indeed, and speak
highly of it and its people, these fears become
paper accounts has subsidized.
The report OF the Royal Commissioners. which
is to be laid before the Diet in October does not
seem to elm at anything beyond the raising of
taxes. administrative duties and the taxing of
uncultivate3 land. the owners OF which. being
too poor to cultivate what they have, win be
obliged 70 sell az any price. if they can find
purchasers. and this is doubtful under the pres
ent circumstanc and the longer Denmark
waits before coming 10 a decision as to what
she really means 20 do, the longer viii uncer-
tainty prevail and prosperity be on the wane-
II has got to be pretty generally understood
that the mother country will not do anything
and that the most that may be expected is from
wave Of sentiment has passed and destiny
the Ianosthing has decided TO keep the colony
seems inclined TO invest his kroners in the
turned out cane pieces or barren hills. AS for
the establishment of industries, the people are
waiting TO see them' just as they were two years
ago.
II these islands escape the fate Of Jamaica
snd Martinique and no hurricanes pass over
them this year. all, more or less, may celebrate
the Jubilee Of King Christian TX. in November,
The committee is planning three days OF
recreation How they viii respond to it is diff
hCult 10 say. II is not unreasonable to suppose
that the multitude VIII have no objection 10
having little fun, especially II that be at some
one else's expense. In st. Croix, they have set
TO work earnestly in this direction They have
had some rain. lately. which may have animated
them and inclined their hearts to little enjoy
ment. Il is well Il should be so. for dreary
prospect is before them IL all the planters say
is true.
In the mean time ST. Thomas is preparing for
influx Of tourists And 1t is certainly worth
while visiting by those who desire TO escape the
cold blasts Of 4 Northern winter. Its people are
cosmopolitan and hospitahle and have happy
knack OF making stranger welcome. especially
the American. who is one Of the most liberal
men on earth when he travels