USVI Public Records

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The s. s. “‘Katahdin’’ is expected to | arrive at Christiansted at 6 o’clock to- ! morrow morning with 165 tons of cargo. Correspondence. | s e el | Editor St. Croix Avis. ‘ Dear Sir:- [am not a theologian. It may be fortunate tor all, except myself, that I am not. 1 have due regard for the clergy. On this drink question, it is no part of their officlal duty to make their congregation good by legislation. We believe that the people of St. Croix can govern themselves, and think for them- selves, without the assistance of any supernataral power. (1. e. the clergy.) We believe that the (lolonial® Council is the rightful source of authority. This legislative body have determined what is politically right, and their legally ex- pressed will 1s the supreme law. This leaves no room for special privileges to people who are’'members of religious so- cieties, or supernatural beings. This matter is outside of, and beyond the horizon of their authority. There is no- thing in the Constitution of the United States to justify this religious imperti- nence. What the ciergy ougnt to du, is o get back of all their old-rum-soaked drunk- ards andre orm them. The clergy cannot make their people good by legislation. The law can punish them for being bad. When the people learn that the clergy men are * the '‘blessed ones’’ that prevented them having their “‘booze’’, they the people will retaliate by not attending the Churches; and next we will have legislation to en- force the people to attend churches? Then there woald be laws against blas- vhemy, laws against the publication of letters and articles like this fcr instance. Our little St. Croix would be filled with theological spies, with religious evesdrop- pers, and all the snakes and reptiles of the lowest natures in this moonshine of religious authori:iy would uncoil and crawl. No man has a right to set himself up as the mcral standard of all the commu- nity, or of any part of the commun ty except himself. As far as this ‘‘drink question’’ go, every man so far as per- sonal acts that do not include any acts of lawlessness are concerned, should be the guardian of his own morals. It was never intended that the law should lay down the rules that should constitute a good man, and say that all men should live up to those rules. That never was the intention of lawmakers. But with the ''Prohibition law’’ the Ul- tra Theologian have abandoned that kind of legislation. It was the legislation that resulted in whipping people at the tail of the cart, placing them in stocks, brand- ing them upon the hands ete. That was the kivd of legislation under which some Sl. Chbb il B % L 3 : person or coteric of persons undertook to set themselves up as the e2nsors of the morals of the people. 1 thought that age had passed 1 suppose every year. ac- cording to the temper of nations, we shall see new prohibitions and vestric- tions. The ultra theologian loves these laws, he wishes to destroy the liberty of the people,—he wishes that he should be recognized as the source of authority, to the end that the Chureh may become the supreme power. Respectfully BACCHUS. Christiansted, St. Croix 28 July 1920. You are invited to attend the rugular ‘‘jazz concert’’ that the Navy Band. ren: ders tonight. The pileces are lively marches, rags, trots, blues, and the fa- vorite comic novelty, Laughing Rondo. After the concert, the sand will give you a tramp home in the glow of the moon- light.—Communicated. Frederiksted, July 29th. 1920. CELEBRATION BY THE “‘FREDER: (KSTED CENTURY BRASs RAND” OF THE LIQUIDATION OF THEIR IN- DEBTEDNESS TO THE BANK. AlA ) I e A day of sunshine followed hy an eve- ning with ‘‘Luna’’ gleam.ng in all her glory, yesterday, July 28th. marked the celebration of the liquidation of the in- debtedness to the bank of the “Century Brass Band’’. As they appro ch the 'hird vear of their labor and service to the publie, let us cast a retrospective glance on the con- dition of the band at that time. We find a few ambitious men and boys gathered toge.her, ‘with practically no means and srill worse no encouragement, soring ap institution for the entertain- ment of the general publiec. At this time we find Frederiksted with- out any organization of this kind., At- tempts had several times been made, but failure followed each. Lack of interest in the very ones who volunteered to help continually showing itself was the cause of these sad breakdowns. In those days the brass bands of Christiansted visited our little town ard spread musical cheer among the otherwise dull folks, but their vis- its were costly and were consequent- ly few and far between. The need of our own became apparent and the little band realised the fact that to depend on the help of others was but to die. They desired contributions of the community, so as to be zble 1o procure instruments: . ) The cost of them however, exceed- ed by far the amount contributed and ended in the band becoming indebted to the bank for the sum of several hun- dred dollars. By entertainments ete., but especially by subscription lists, the band struggled along paying its installments as they became due. During the lost year the Government granted a subsidy which has helred immeasurably toward the defraying of incidentai expenses. The last instaliment becoming due. the officers of the band effected the raising of the necessary cash by the issuance of subsecription fists and sales at the gala event. : The programme was carried out as advertised. The “‘Oval’”’ was streamed with friends and well-wishers. One can- not help remarking the feeling of min- gled joy and sorrow, when the '‘Oval”’, the place where indulgence in ontdoor -sporte of all kinds were formerly more frequent was again made the scene of jollification.. Let us try and keep it up! The speakers made short and interest- ing stalks amid unrestrained applause. “{t is with pleasure we hear of the over- subseription to this most worthy cause. We congratulate the officers and mem- bers and wish for them eontinued surccess and would urge them to stick to it, so they may sail along over the rough and stormy seas of hardship and ecriticism. St. Thomas News. We learn that Bank Director Hoist has boug. t estate ‘‘Peawl’ where he intends to establish a branch of his apiary at-**Bo- tany Bay.’’ Director Holst has always been a strong advocate of bee-keeping in the West Indies; but believes that mudern methods will be necessary in order to achieve success. In his opinion three things are conditions sine qua non: first the introduction of the Italian bee, which is able to resist the ravages of the bee- moth; secondly, the use of full sheets of comb foundations, to control the raising of unnecessary drones; and thirdly, to be prepared in time; which latier condition 1s absolutely indispensable in our island, where the honey flow comes on in sudden bursts. Director Holst is always giad to welecome visitors, interested in bee- keeping, at Botany Bay, where is found the various kinds of the Italian bee, say® the three banded, the leather-coloured, and the golden Italian bee, the latter be- ing his favorite. St. Thamas Mail Notes, July 23rd. The following clipping will prove of great interest to our readers, moreso as, if successftu!, the fair will in a’l proba- bility visit this port : : ROME, June 14. A floating fair has been erganized by the Italian Government and will visit Tunis, Aigeirs, Tangier. Lisbon, Barce- lona. Marsailles and Genoa. It will car- ry samples of all the produets Italy can export and will remain from four to sev- en days ar each port. Orders will be