Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-04-04
WEST INDIES WOULD
| Be BURDEN TO j. S.
Race Problem Might Be Re-
opened by Possession of
Islands.
PEOPLE OPPOSE THE PLAN
Color Question Aroused by
Proposal Is Big
Item.
PEOPLE OPPOSE THE PLAl
by SIR SYDNEY OLIVIER,

LONDON. April 3--Looking only
at the map. It seems easy 10 make
out case for the union of the West
Indies with the United States. as has
just been suggested in America. There
are considerable trade relationships
which may seem TO justify the pro-
posa!.
But this leaves entirely out OF ac-
count the psychology and sociology
Of the Islands. II disregards alto
gcther the history OF the West Indies,
and the facts OF West Indian life.
And ! cannot help thinking tina. those
are matters .. profound Importance
matters which must he taken very
seriously into consideration.
Jamaica Strongly Britinh.
Take Jamaica. for instance II is a
small Island. but its population is
only a little less than that of New
Zealand. 1t has long history which
Is well known to its people. and la
cherished by them. They have to a
very large degree the national ecnse.
They look upon themselves in no ua-
certain fashion both as "Jamaicans''
and as mcmbere of State OF the
British empire. They have a great
loyalty TO the british throne
This is perhaps even more the case
with barbados. That loyalty was
demonstrated beyond any possibility
or argument during the war Nearly
1000 West Indians lost their lives
during the war. and many more sut-
fcred from sickness or wounds. That
contribution In men was entirely vol
untar:. and came from all the islands
What they think Of the propose!
was quite plainly shown by their at
titude when the suggestion to sell
their islands TO America was first
made by Lord Rothermcrc. There
was Immediately a storm Of indignant
protest. or course. IL was plain, and
the fact vas "A: once pointed out that
tho idea was merely tina; of a private
person. and that II had no govern
ment sanction.
Emphatically the West Indians do
not wish to be united with any other
nation.
The different islands have their own
national sense. and do not see why.
with wise statesmansh,p to guide tho
derelopment. IL should not pass into
n West Indian national sense, SO that
all the islands would become paris
OF one national nation which
might possibly include British Guiana
as wen. And surely the emotions.
Instincts and happiness of those com
mun!tics are of more importance TO
the British system of nations than
n rev million pounds?
Color Question Importnnt.
Then there is another aspcct-thc
Color question. In the West Indies
mere was at one time color prob
lem. just as there has been wherever
white and black have lived side by
side- But in the course o. years that
problem has been substantially elimi.
mated. In Jamaica. white and black
I'VE under conditions of practical
equality The law does not discrim-
mate between them. and they are on
terms OF amity with one another.
And. OF course, America is not al.
.osetner happy over the color ques-
ZION at present. That is not n matter
on which one cares to say much, bnt
everybody knows that the color prob.
lem Is very real one in the States
Just now And it is at least possible
that II the West Indies were handed
over to the States. the antaronisr
misht revive in them. and the fruit OF
years o. patient work would be loet