USVI Public Records

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2“1 CR-ROIIX 2 Vl= ing heavy rainfall and its subsequent use for irrigation; it is probable that the plantations may be subsequently able to pay a proporilionate shave of ‘his project. If these two contemplated important measures can be successtully effected thev will afford sure relief to the treasury of the islunl from sevicus difficulties of long standing. 111. This Council being fully coznizant that the needs of our people are great and the demands of the public service are urgent and pressing has always been anxious and willing to study all possible means and enact such legislation that will increase its revenues and resources, but obviously it ean- not be expected to increase taxation in such away or to such an extent as to strangle an:d check the growth of our industries or unduly hurden our commerce and business; it is therefere of the opinion that the statement that “‘the tax laws on this island are inadequate, inefficient and unjust” i~ unfounded and due to too hasty irvestigation of the subject. There isr land held on this island so far as this Council is aware of for uncarned inc :ment. The Con- gressional report of 1920 on this matter has no bearing in fact upon the island of St. Croix. We therefore request that this subject be thoroughly investicated and as a basis for our request we beg so submit the following data: SCHEDULE OF TAXATION on an estate in sugar cane cultivation. Assume the estate to be 400 acres. Land and Building Tax as per present Ordnance at 70:. per acre...§ 250.00 I'nmigration Tax as per present Urdinanc it 10c. per acre........ 40.00 Maintenance of Public Roads at circa 40c. per acre.............. 160.00 EXL)ort tax on sugar at the rate of SB.OO U. S. ('y. per ton of 2,000 Ibs. as provided for by the Organic Act of Congress March 3, 1917, boing in reality a tax on sugar cane land and amounting to about $7.00° per acre when an average crop nf about 300 tons of Slpar 1s reaped on an estate of 400 acres. ... .... ... ... ..., 280000 Bome and Carriape Tax approximately -.. ... ..., . i..iae 30.00. Total S S 0 This means an average tax per acre of $3,271. For comvparison we may advise the averaze tax per acre in Porto Rico was about $2.50 in the year 1919-1920. The staple industry should therefore receive the consideration necessary for its continuation and be brought more in conformity with the land taxes imposed in Porto Rico. IV. The Council also desires to emphasize agzain its focling in regard to prohitition forced upon this island against the wish and will of the inhabitants as being unfair and unequal in view of th2 liberty allowed the Phillipine Islands which is an anlogous territory, as well as the loss suffered by the plantations being prevented from making rum for export. The injustice of National Prohibition beinyr exteaded to this island is par- ticular emphasized, in view of the fact that this island had passad a Prohibi- tion Law suitable to the ‘island and rum was manufactared for export pue- poses; and further we endorse the petition to the Governor praving forthe right to manufacture rum for export only, submitted by the ram manufac- turers of this island. V. We would also recommend that Congress be urged to extend if pos- sible the Federal Farm Loan Bank system to this island to enable agriculture to secure foans vpon growing crops and to afford the necessary nssistance to small proprictors. to further enhance this project we would urge the estab- lishment of a loeal department of agriculture and labor to investizate and ad- (\Sisq on the fundamental problems of the entire agricultural industry in St. roix. ALL cane-deliverers to St.” Croix Suzarv £ Atpactory, Ine. are hereby invited t@ attend a Meeting at the Factory at Rich} mond (not tha town offize) on SATUR- DAY THE 2ist OF APRIL 1923 at & o’clock in the afiernoon precizeiy in or- der to discuss the Price for caner, ST. CROIX SUGAR FACTORY INC. X AL On Sunday, 22nd instant, the Rev, Anion B. Jensen, minister of the Luth- eran Cnurch in this town, wili preach nis farewell sermon, it being arranged that himself and family shouid return to tne Nictes via the s 8 Parina onor aboat Friday, 27ch. Daring the9 months Rev, Jensen has officiated in the parish he has gained the coodwiil and regard of the congregation throuzn his zealovs, anl earnest efforis. As a preacher lie hoids a high repute and as an organiser and live Ohbristiap worker the Lu nerun Churcih in Christiansted 1s losing one nuc easliy replace:l. Kev. Jensen and family go to Bedlingion, in the S:ate of Wushio - ton, where hie worked prior to eoming St. Croix. CUur best wishes foliow tnem. The Infant son of Mr and Mrs. H. Berg was buprizad by the Rev. H. 3. Pizott at St John's Boiseopal _huareh yesterday forenooa receiving lue names of Ernest Bu:ene. An agreeable gather- ing of family and tricrds in the evening formed the social part of this auaswvicious event, on whizh we add our hearty con- gratulations At the meeting of the Saint Croix Col- oniai Counzil on the 23rd instant, the following members wiil be retired: D. S. Armstrong, K. Henderson, and A. R. Me Intosh, appointed members; D. . Canegata, member for Christiansted town:; H. Jeszen and A. V. Nelthropp for Christiansied Country Discriet; I, Coul- ter membe: for Prederiksted town: I, Andersen acd G. B. viemingz, for Fred- eriksted Couniry District. New elections will be held on the 4th and sth proximo. We purpose having something to say in regard to thase forthcoming elections; see tomorrow issue. Assistant School Direetor and Mrs. Lindborg became t"e happy parents yes- tewday of a tine baby girl on which ocea- sion we offer our hearty econgratulations. Both mother and intfant are duing weil we are glad to warn., We have been asked te mention that the Industrial Band will give a corne-rt on ‘he wheirt onight, E—— ® Georzes Carpentier in the “Wonder Man’’, kept a large audience h%nly interested at the Christiansted Theatre last nizhi; it wis a fine show. Same will be repeated tomorrow evening g