Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-23
FAVOR THE TRANSFER
COLONISTS OF DANISH. WEST IN
DIES DISAPPOINTED.
They Desired Annexation to the United
States-Punishment Of Those
Who Were outspoken.


Special Correspondence Of The tveaing Star
SAN JUAN, Porto Rice. January Is, 1903.
AS Culebra will not answer our purposes
nor will any Of the harbors Of Porto Rico,
1t becomes clear. in theslight Of events of
recent occurrence in Haytt and Venezuela,
as well as in view Of cur proposed con-
struction of the isthmian canal and the
necessity for its ample protection, that we
have a great and vital need for St. Thomas.
Can We hope to still acquire possession Of
Denmark's little heritage in these west
ern seas?
The Colonists Disappointed.
A recent visit to these islands has dis
closed an intense sentiment of disappoint-
ment among the colonists in consequence of
the recent action Of the home government
in the defeat of the sale treaty. Analysis
Of this feeling finds the motive differing
according to locality. In st. Croix the
single and absorbing interests of the sugar
growers find a hopeless outlook in the con-
tinued closure of the American markets
to their output. Were a plebiscite to be
taken the writer does not hesitate to say
on the best information, that not half a
score Of votes would be registered against
annexation. So bitter Is the sense of in
with universal assent, though 1t Is under
stood that outspoken clergy have suffered
some mild rebuke at the hands of the gov
eminent church authorities In st. Thomas,
whose voice finds sympathetic echo in st.
Johns. there is a scarcely less pro-sale SEN
timent than in ST. Croix, although the gov
eminent influence is naturally the strong
est there. The reasons are, however, some
what different. They may be substantially
thus given: The sole business of this island
is centered in its port.
Here ships have long been calling for coal
and other supplies and for repairs upon
a large floating dock, but for numerous
reasons the commerce of the place has been
steadily passing into decay. The under
stood purpose Of the United States to es-
tablish naval station at St. Thomas in
the event of the purchase Of the islands
held out bright hope to the people for
improved times. The prevailing local con-
ditions of stagnation in all lines, with
small promise of change, opens little pros
poet OF betterment as things are, so in
this we find the main spring of the discon-
tent.
Favorable to Annexation.
To the outsider who visits ST. Thomas
and whose identity being known acquires
the confidence of the leading classes the
pro-sale sentiment is frankly expressed.
But among the working element there is
no sort OF concealment, every individual
therein not actually employed by the gov
eminent may be openly asked and will be
round almost without exception to be in
favor of American ownership
among the mercantile and professional
classes there is a reason for caution in
speaking. This is soon found to lie in the
quiet punitive scheme through which the
colonial administration "gets even" All
Sorts OF petty annoyances are placed upon
cltlzens who are marked for their offensive
partfsanship in the sale propaganda. This
takes form in various ways. On one occa-
sion three leading citizens were summoned
before the police authorities and placed in
a SOFT OF lnqutsitorial Sweat box" for the
purpose or ascertaining1 the share thew
might have taken in sending out certain
legitimate news kilograms to the American
press. which did not chance. to be quite
pleasing to the Danes. Official patronage
is withheld and the payment of bills quietly
forced among those who are thought too
active. Yet men In high places, and un-
quest1onably we'll qualified to speak, tell YOU
mat not per cent of all the population Of
the islands. If given the opportunity would
cast their votes against the SALE
Ihat the government does not wish to
put It's action to the test by plebiscite has
peen made only too clearly evident. Out
side the official class a small number who
oppose annexation are found among few
wealthy colored persons who are said to
rear the American prejudice against their
race, and the possible loss Of social dignity
and prestige which they might suffer in the
event of the islands passing under the con.
troll Of the states
A few others have taken the ground that
the islands, under such control would no
longer enjoy the advantages they now hold
as free ports of entry. The arguments of
the latter are feeble and find almost no ac-
ceptance.
Admiral Crowninshield's Action,
In view OF the opinions Of the former
class the alleged action of@Admiral Crow
ninshield during his late visit at ST. Thomas
In declining to accept an invitation to din
ner from the governor because the Amer
lean consul, who happens to be colored
man. was to be present, Is greatly to be
depored.
W nat the government commission from
Denmark now in the colonies expect to do
Tor their languishing interests no one seems
to know clearly. 1t is plain that no large
sum will be expended in the improvement
OF harbors by the present owners. What
then, will be done? Will there be an effort
made to foster agriculture in st. Thomas
and St. Johns? The latter is too small to
warrant much, and the sterile heights Of
st. Thomas offer little in this way. The
island could never be fitted to compete
with its far more richly endowed neighbors
st. Croix could scarcely be improved in any
way; its lands are now marvelously rich,
but the product Of her cane fields finds no
profitable market. 1t Is difficult situa-
ton and calls for a display Of unusual
craftsmanship. Just now the colonist OF
the Danish West Indies has his ear very
close to the ground, nor does he believe that
his hopes lie to any great extent in or near