Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-05-04
MAY YETGET ISLANDS.
Another Effort in Denmark to Secure
Action on Treaty.

Washington, May 3.-Unofficfal in
formation comes from Copenhagen that
another attempt will be made this
summer to secure the ratification or
the treaty for the sale of the islands OF
st. Thomas and Santa Cruz to the
United States. This treaty, as you
may recollect, was ratified by the folKe-
thing, or house of commons of Den
mark, but was defeated by tie vote IN
the landsthing, or senate. The tie was
accomplished by bringing into the
chamber man 90 years of age, VINO Is
in a state of senile debility and had not
attended its sessions for many years.
His mind is so far gone that ne was
utterly unconscious of the meaning of
his own act CT of the proceedings that
we're gong on around nm. Anotner
aged member of the landsthing, who
was also i'll, was brought in upon a
litter. his strength being fortified by
stilnulants and his vote also was ac-
cepted. 1t is an open secret also that
the Princess Marie d'Orleans, wife of
Prince Waldemar. the sixth son of the
king, was actively engaged in lobbying
against the ratification of the treaty
anu NNtiNiTNu NlniSlttCi any
over several of the members. much to
the scandal of the royal house.
The landsthing, or house of lords,
consists of siXty-six members, twelve
of whom are appointed for life by the
crown. The remainder are elected in a
manne" similarto our senators for terms
Of eight years. They are the largest
landhOlders and taxpayers in the king
dom and represent the aristocratic
element of the population. The vote
IF The lower house was decidedly in
favor of ratification and represented
public sentiment which is in favor of
lisposing of the colonies in the West
indies because they produce no
revenue, contribute nothing to the
wealth or welfare of the kingdom and
ne constant drain upon the treasury.
It costs the government of Denmark
about 100000 a year to maintain them.
The folkething, or lower house of
parliament, before it's adjournment
last winter, appointed a committee to
make Il personal investigation of the
condition of affairs in ST. Thomas and
Santa Cruz, to ascertain the sentiment
of the people concerning their anneXa-
ion to the United States and to report
whether in their opinion any policy
nay be contrived by which the ex-
.)cnse Of maintaining the colonies may
De reduced and they may be made to
contribute something to the kingdom
rhe commission has visited ST. Thomas
md Santa Cruz and returned to Copen-
hagen strongly convinced that the
best thing to be done is TO ratify the
treaty and obtain the $5,O00,O00 which
the government OF the United States
1as offered to pay for the islands.
They are now preparing their report.
which they believe will cause a change
If several votes in the landsthing and
secure the ratification of the treaty
and annexation.
The regular meeting of the Danish
parliament, however, does not occur
until the LIST of October, while the
-reaty expires on the LIST of July. Sec
.etary Hay has informed the Danish
minister that it is exceedingly doubt
full whether the United States Senate
would r2tify another treaty if the
Danes allow that which is pending to
Expire, and the President will not be
'esponsihle for failure if the Danish
parliament defers action until fall.
dence it is proposed to convoke the
.andsthing in special session about the
ist of June. King Christian is said to
De i'll favor of such action.