The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-03-05
THE DANISH WEST INDIES.

Renewed rumors of sale by Denmark of the
Danish West Indies including the strategic har-
Dor of St Thomas, probably mean more than
British nervousness of German Intentions
These islands, which command the Caribbean.
are practically OF no use to Denmark To
powerful nation figuring in the world politics,
which include an ever presen. POSSIBLE
ity, they would give overshadowing prestige.
Naturally, with the Panama Canal about to be
opened, the story of their acquisition by some
power other than the United States gains added
interest II is not surprising, therefore, that
England which Is always aware of the German
shadow, should prick up its ears at the tale
of disposal of the islands by the Danish gov
eminent to private parties. who would, or
might assign their interests to some other gov.
ernment
Although there is nothing to prevent Den.
marks sale of her West Indian possessions to
any nation, her ability to do so is subject
to the facts than to theory. 1t is not conceivable
that the United States would meet such at
tempt otherwise than by Immediately extending
the scope of the Monroe doctrine to prohibit
such a transfer. There were, in fact, rumblings
of such a course of action when the German
rnmnr gained head few years ago. In such
an event Great Britain would undoubtedly
stand with this country. II Denmark wishes
to sell, she has but possible customer
The vast strategic Importance of st. Thomas
was first recognized in 1870 by President
Grant who endeavored to negotiate the pur-
cnase of 1t and the neighboring islands. His
efforts however. were defeated when General
Raasloff then Danish Prime Minister discov-
cred that while his government was TO re-
ceive s5o00ooo the United States was to pay
s7.500000, A commission of a quarter million
dollars at that time undoubtedly kept the Is
lands from passing into the possession of this
country. Again in 1895. Captain Walter
Christmas. of the Danish Navy, came to Amer
Tea, and In connection with Carl Fisher Hansen,
who was on close terms with William Mckin-
ley and his brother Abner, attempted to arrange
sale This. also fell through after the matter
had been put to a vote of the Danish Folk
consent on the ground that the government
was to be robbed by unjust commissions,
view which the later downfall of Hansen more
than justified.
More potent than all else in the prevention
of a sale, however, the attitude OF King
Christian TX. who having lost the provinces of
Slesvig and Holster during his reign. threw
his Influence against further disposal of Danish
territory.
The loss of these provinces in the war be-
tween Prussia. Austria and Denmark In 1864
and their final absorption by Prussia after the
defeat of France In 1870. still rankles in the
mind of Denmark to an extent to negative the
idea that the country would lend itself to the
direct or indirect sale Of st. Thomas to Ger
many
The whole matter is probably one Of those
problems In chess which international students
stage for their own amusement. Nothing is
quite so certain In the matter OF world title
deeds az that the Danish West Indies will re-
main under their present owner. until they
are acquired by the United States.
=