New-York tribune., 1916-07-26
Checkmate to Germany in
Purchase of Western
Island Group.
WILL SIGN PACT
WITHIN FEW DAYS
New Territory Regarded as OF
Little Strategic Value to
This Government.
fFrom The Tribune Bureau.I

Washington, July 25.-The reports OF
treaty with Denmark for the pur-
chase Of the Danish West Indies, the
first step in American expansion since
the annexation Of the Philippines, IN
1893, were confirmed at the "hite
House to-day.
For 100000 the United States is TO
acquire three islands, of l42 square miles
and which commercially have not been
profitable for $50 years. Compared with
the Panama Canal Zone, which cost
only $I0,OO0,00O, IL Is probably the
most expensive territory every .pur,
chased By a nation. 1t IS considered
worth the price.
The treaty will be signed within the
next few days and presented to the
Senate for immediate ratification. 10
opposition is expected, either mere or
in the Danish Parliament.
The chief strategic value OF the pan
ish West Indies, according to navy ON
GERS here, lies not so much IN Ineir
use to the United States as IN pre-
venting their acquisition by some TOT,
eign power. So long as they were neld
by Denmark and were practically uh,
fortified the American government ala
not regard them as menace.
Canal Changes Situation.
With the opening Of the Panama
Canal. however, the islands took on an
Importance they had not previously en-
loved. The Hamburg-Amerlcan Line
under agreement with the Danish gov
ernment, began pouring money into the
DEVELOPMENT of port on the island OF
ST Thomas. From lands Of decaying
sugar plantations the islands became
suddenly rich with commercial posi-
bilities.
The German plans were followed
with the closest attention by the Amer
lean government. While nominally the
steamship company proposed TO make
the port a great clearing centre Tor
Germany's South and Central American
trade. officials were not entirely satls-
fed with that explanation. The sudden
conversion of the harbor into Ger
man coaling station or naval base was
feared as TOO easy a possibility. Re.
ports of floating drydock, capable or
taking care of large warships being con-
structed for use in the islands also
lent an unfavorable Interpretation to
German activity. The war, however,
finally prevented any realization OF
whatever plans were on foot.
Aside from their value 70 foreign
power in securing base near the ran
anna Canal, the islands have little
strategic importance, navy men de-
clare. II is unlikely, they assert, that
the United States will try TO convert
them into a naval base or fortify them
extensively.
Little Defensive Value.
With Guantanamo Bay nearly seven
hundred miles nearer the Panama
Canal. the Danish islands play only
a secondary part in the defence OF the
isthmus or the Caribbean. They lie
10 the east of the Mona and Windward
passages, the main entrances 70 the
sea, and hence are not situated so as
to command them.
Only in one event, navy officers point
out. would the islands be of military
value. In case Of war with Great
Britain they offer free access to the
sea than Guantanamo, which Is hanked
on the Panama side by the British ISL
and Of Jamaica. less than 200 miles
away. They would also be protected
by their proximity to Porto Rico. while
Guantanamo, though on Cuban soil, IS
vulnerable TO an attack from the land
side.
Negotiations for the purchase of the
islands have been in progress for more
than a year The Danish Minister was
in constant consultation with Secre-
tary Lansing last spring, and, in spite
Of official denial, il was then prac-
tically certain that the sale had been
arranged.
Three Previous Efforts.
Three times previously the United
States has sought to purchase the ISL
ands.
Secretary Seward tried TO buy them
in 1895, but the Senate failed to rstify
the treaty. President Harrison under
took their acquisition, but before the
negotiations were completed his ad-
ministration retired. President Roose-
Welt and Secretary Hay neNt tried to
buy the islands in 1902, but this time
the upper House of the Danish Parlia-
ment, through German influence, 1t is
charged, refused 70 part with them.
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