THE DANISH ISLAND OF ST. THOMAS.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 98, 25 January 1868, Page 5

THE DANISH ISLAND OF ST. THOMAS.

The little island of St. Thomas has earned for itself an enviable notoriety, just at the very time when negociations were said to be on foot to purchase it by the Government of the United States. Mr. Seward, Uncle Sam’s real estate agent, has been after this little property for some time arid made pretty good offers, but all along without success. Almost simultaneously with the occurrence of the late fearful cyclone that swept the island and the bay with such destructive violence, the negociations for its purchase by the United States were renewed, and it is even said, brought to a close. Fourteen million dollars in gold coiswas stated to be the sum for which Denmark would surrender the island. For this sum the United States was to receive a piece of territory with an area of 24 square miles. If the acres are few, there is, however, a fair population, between 12,000 and 13,000; but the great consideration' which makes its possession desirable is its central and easily-accessible position. It is computed that over 3,000 vessels visit this port every year, and as a calling place for the commercial marine and a rendezvous for the navy of the United States, this place is looked upon by Seward and Co. as of greatservice. In time of war, with either England, France, Spain, or Portugal, St. Thomas would have a greater strategical value than any other island in the West Indies which the Government of the United States can acquire.

St. Thomas and Havana are the only ports for repair in the West Indies, and the former is resorted to by vessels from all quarters in the Windward Islands, even from the coast of Yenezuela. At present St. Thomas is important only as a station for the repairing of ships and the famishing of marine supplies. It isa fiee port, and does a considerable trade with the neighbouring islands, though that trade has much declined since direct communication with the mother countries has become so common with many of the islands in the West Indies. Its geographical position makes it the most convenient stoppingplace for the several lines of steamers running between Europe and the West Indies, as well as for the Americo-Brazilian steamships. It is also much resorted to by ships of war, and it must always be an important point as a naval station, whether for repairs or supplies. Negociations have been on foot between the United States and the Danish Government touching the cession of the island to the former power; but I was informed in St. Thomas that Denmark was unwilling to part with it, without at the same time selling Santa Cruz apd St. John, which latter islands would be a burden on the hands of the Danish Government, without St. Thomas. The acquisition of so central and valuable a part of the West Indies by the United States would be very important. Santa Cruz is a much huger island, and is noted Tor its fertility . Of St. John I know nothing. There is a little island belonging to the English, and called. St. Peters, which lies about ten miles eastward of St. Thomas, and is Used by the ■ English as a cbaling station .^Stov&oeraM,

[The folloivimj appeared in an Extra issued on Wednesday last. ]