Resolution by the West Indian Committee (adopted by 22 members of
the committee):
During the last thirty years conditions in the West
Indian Islands have steadily grown worse. The decrease
in the number of inhabitants furnishes sufficient
evidence of this fact. Various theories may be advanced
to account for this regrettable state of affairs. One of
the main reasons, however, would seem to be the rapid
development of the sugar beet industry in other parts of
the world, which has caused a drop in the price of cane
sugar. The changed shipping and trading conditions in
the West ladies, during this period, have also had a
disastrous effect on the islands,
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We have arrived at the conclusion that the islands have
not been administered in the proper manner. Many things
have been omitted and neglected, and in cases where
improvements have been begun, they generally have
stranded on account of lack of experience. The fact is
that Denmark has never possessed the means of supplying
a staff, which could properly undertake to carry on an
administration among the colored population.
We desire to state that, even if plans for the bringing
under artificial cultivation of certain areas on St.
Croix are carried out, and if other contemplated
arrangements are completed, we do not believe the
inhabitants would experience any improvement in economic
conditions in the future. The idea seems to prevail in
the islands that the only thing which might improve
economic conditions on St. Croix would be accessibility
to the American market, and exemption from duty. From
the hearing, the Committee has come to the conclusion,
that in the case the islands are sold, every facility
will be granted for the carrying out of the
above-mentioned plans.
The fact that the large majority of the population do not
in any way feel bound to Denmark, but through their
language and interests have always been drawn towards
the United States, has played an important part in
connection with the sentiment which now prevails in
favor of the sale.
Under the circumstances it seems to us that the Danish
Rigsdag and the population of Denmark ought to give
their consent to the ratification of the treaty. To
reject the treaty now, in spite of the firm desire
evidenced by practically the whole West Indian
population, would no doubt create difficulties for
Denmark in the future; not only in the islands proper,
but internationally. The fact that the West Indian
population is so much in favor of the sale has been the
main reason for our conclusion.
Resolution by the minority (adopted by 7 members of the
committee):
The treaty should be rejected for the following reasons:
We refuse to believe that the possession of the West
Indian Islands will constitute an international danger
for Denmark in the future.
It will be possible for Denmark, without any excessive
expenditures, to establish prosperous industrial
conditions in the islands. The opening of the Panama
Canal will be of great assistance in this connection.
The possession of these islands will be of considerable
value to Danish shipping and trade in these remote parts
of the world. It seems to us that it is necessary for
Denmark to possess these islands, if the increasing
population is not to be compelled to lower its standard
of living.
The fact that the islands are situated on what will be
one of the international highways of the future seems to
us to be sufficient to substantiate our assertion that
the islands will play a most important part in time to
come and will also make it possible for Denmark to
render what is necessary in order to enable the islands
to take care of themselves.
If, on the contrary, the sale takes place it will be an
indication of Denmark’s desire to escape the
inconveniences and expenditures connected with the
problem. Such a step would not only give rise to
thoughts of weakness in the Danish nation, but would at
the same time encourage other parts of the kingdom,
which differ from Denmark in race and speech, in their
desire to separate from the mother country.
One member of the Conservative Party offered a resolution
in which he reluctantly stated that the present state of
affairs convinced him of the necessity of selling the
islands.
