Evening star., 1935-05-05
VIRGIN ISLANDS POLITICAL
HURRICANE DUE FRIDAY,
Administration Solidly Behind Pearson
Despite Pressure and Probe Soon
at St. Thomas

Holstein preferred 10 back Davis. He
also chose to give financial assistance
to the newspaper which has been the
bitterest journalistic critic Of the Gov
ernor. And his importance as an
actor in the island drama has been
immeasurably enhanced In recent
months by his development Of an ac-
quaintance with Postmaster General
Farley and several leaders in Tam
many Hall.
Through his intercession, Halver
Berg, of Danish descent and o native
of the islands, once janitor Of q Har-
lem apartment house owned by him,
was named postmaster at Frederick
sted, st. Croix. Another of Holstein's
active aides is Arnold Golden, a mem
Der OF the Colonial Council and an
uncompromising foe Of the Pearson
doctrine of self-help.
Public Works Begun.
Meanwhile, in spite of recurrent
disturbances, Secretary Ickes initiated
comprehensive public works pro-
gram in the islands, starting October
Fl, 1888. Direct relief and food relief
likewise we're given. The necessities
Of the people admittedly were great.
and the President ordered commensu-
rate assistance. To see conditions for
himself Mr. Roosevelt visited the
islands in July, 1894. But no sooner
had he. departed than a new wave Of
trouble arose. Two administration
employees were charged with theft, and
the scandal of their alleged betrayal
OF trust created a tremendous dis
turbance.
But only one Of the graft indict-
ments had distinctive merit: the other
still is pending on appeal in the Cir
cult Court at Philadelphia. In both
cases the prosecution was at the be-
ginning in the hands Of Eli Baer,
Government attorney, and the pre-
siding magistrate was Judge T. Web
Der Wilson. justice of the district
court.
Mr.. Baer, Baltimore lawyer. NOM
mated by Senator Millard E. Tydinzs,
chairman Of the Insular Affairs Com.
mittee, was successful in the first in
stance-the defendant was convicted
OF appropriating some bags Of cement.
He prepared the evidence against the
second supposed offender, but fol-
lowing an investigation directed BY
Mr.. 1ckes was dismissed before the
trial commenced. His successor re-
fused to proceed in the matter. Judge
Wilson. former member of Con-
gress from Mississippi, then took
charge and rendered a judgment Of
conviction in the face Of the decision
Of three Department of Interior in
vestigators that the defendant was
innocent
The verdict. however, was popular
with the anti-Pearson faction, and
Judge Wilson has been assured of
backing should he wish to be Gov
ernor in the event Of DR.. Pearson's
resignation or removal-DaviS, Hol-
stein, Berg and Baer favor him for
the position.
A reported candidate for the ONCE
OF Lieutenant Governor is Paul Yates,
a Texas newspaper man who formerly
was administrative assistant and who
resigned just before receiving a tele-
gram of dismissal from Mr.. Ickes.
The Secretary of the Interior, pre-
sumably, is being guided In his policy
by Assistant Secretary Oscar L. Chap
man and Director of the Division of
/ Territories and Island Possessions En-
nest Henry Gruening. both Of whom
have made independent surveys Of
conditions and are friendly to the
Governors aims and purposes
Important advances. these oficials
insist. have been made under Dr..
Pearson's management. He has es-
tablished number of new industries.
the products Of which have ready
sale; built and is operating success
fully a government hotel; promoted
the shipping and tourist trade; re-
organized the rum industry: sponsored
, cattle and charcoal co-operatives, and
supervised a general homesteading
program. Notable gains likewise have
been accomplished under his direc-
tion in the fields of public health and
education.
The Governor still has the conf
dence Of President Roosevelt, who less
than fortnight ago refused to con-
slider his dismissal; lso OF the
Colonial Council of the islands and
of six of the eight newspapers printed
there. Present charges against him
are admittedly nebulous, and the Sen
ate inquiry Is being undertaken over
Mr.. IckeS' protest. The morale Of
the islanders, the Secretary believes.
Is bound to be deleteriously affected
by any such interference.