Evening star., 1916-08-22
DANISH WEST INDIES
DIVIDED IN OPINION
Foreign Interests Oppose Transfer to
United States and Inhabitants
Doubtful Of Benefits.
Of the Associated Press.

Correspondence Of the Associated Prsss.
ST. THOMAS. Danish West Indies,
August 11.-Opinion on the Island Of St
Thomas is divided as to the desirability
Of the transfer Of the Danish West In
dies to the United States a. proposed
in the pending treaty between the
United States and Denmark.
That the chief foreign interests on
the island are opposed to the change in
sovereignty there seems no doubt
There Is by no means unanimity Of
opinion among the inhabitants them
selves, largely. 1t appears, because of
the uncertainty as to what use the
harbor of st. Thomas, the islands chief
asset. would be put to under the pro-
posed new ownership.
Some Causes in Question.
Uneasiness among the people as to
the changes the transfer would neces-
state has to do with the new laws, the
system Of taxation and the introduction
Of foreign capital that would follow,
but most Of all with the status Of the
splendid harbor. with the possibilities
and development of which the life and
welfare of the inhabitants are linked.
The fear is widely expressed that II
the harbor were turned into a fortified
base in connection with the Panama
canal defenses, the development of st.
Thomas as commercial port might be
interfered with or stopped. Should this
condition result, it is unquestionable
that the responsible section of the COM
mun1ty would prefer the islands to re-
main Danish.
But recently fine pier 1000 feet long,
rpn ralo
water supply and large stocks Of coal
and oil fuel and other facilities for
shipping. has been constructed by
Danlsh capital at cost of more than
Sl,oo0,0o0. These and other improve
ments had been effected in the hope Of
attracting the shipping which, it was
expected, would be using the Panama
canal. especially that employed in the
european trade, the island lying in
that direct route.
Future Of Foreign Interests.
The Royal Mail Steam Packet Com
pany of London maintains a floating
dock and repair shop. The West India
and Panama Telegraph Company of
London is another large foreign inter-
est. ST. Thomas is the West Indian head
quarters of the Hamburg American
line. Their ships call here regularly.
giving employment to a large number
of 1aborers and others.
With the transfer of the island to the
Americans it is thought that facilities
given to the line by the present admin
istration might be curtailed or perhaps
abolished. 1t is even asserted that the
officials of the Hamburg-American line
have expressed the opinion that under
these conditions. if the transfer Is con-
summated, their headquarters may be
removed to the Dutch Island of Cura-
Gao.
There are many who think there are
great possibilities for improved condi-
tions for st. Thomas. basing their
opinion on the reliance that, should the
transfer occur, American foresight.
pride and business methods would re-
deem the declining island, benefiting it
just as Porto Rico has been benefited
They believe that the United States,
possessed of the essentials that make
for progress, will not rashly change
the existing conditions, but study the
problem carefully and do its utmost
for the island, especially Its harbor,
and that it will consider also the pos
sibility of introducing and promoting
agriculture.