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The Virgin Islands | of the United States THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES COCOANUT PALMS, ST. THOMAS f UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON, D. C. ----- - APRIL, 1932 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/virginislandsofuunit UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR RAY LYMAN WILBUR, Secretary GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES APRIL, 193: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON : 1932 For sale by the superintendent of documents, Washington, D. C. CONTENTS Page Chapter I .—A General Description of the Islands 1 Geographical Location 1 Physical Characteristics 3 Climate 6 Population 6 Education 7 Labor 7 Religion 8 Chapter 1 1 .—Government of the Virgin Islands 8 General Description 8 Political Status of Inhabitants 9 The Law 9 Taxation 10 Dhapter III.—Banking and Financial Condition 10 Chapter IV.—Agriculture, Summary 10 Chapter V.—Economic Conditions 13 General 13 St. Thomas 13 St. John 16 St. Croix 16 Chapter VI.—Living Conditions and Accommodations 19 Chapter VII.—Recreation 20 Sports and Amusements 20 Transportation 21 APPENDIXES V. Temperature and Rainfall 22 3. Rainfall (St. Thomas) 22 1 Rainfall (St. Croix) 22 0. Sugar Production and Exportation Statistics 23 5. Birth Rate and Death Rate 23 ?. Censuses of Virgin Islands 24 j. Bay Rum Statistics 24 1. Cattle Exports 25 '.. Acreage ( St. Croix) 25 \. Sugar Exports 25 I Types of Fish 26 L Mortality Statistics 27 VI. School Attendance 27 Q Department of Education 27 ). Bunker Coal and Fuel Oil Imports 28 3 . Ships Paying Pilotage ( St. Thomas) 28 ^. Arrivals of Ocean-going Ships 28 }. Trade with United States 29 5. Imports and Exports 29 T. Money Orders Issued and Paid J. Savings Deposits 7. Depositors' Balances (St. Croix) iV. Virgin Islands Official Directory 31 in VIRGIN ISLANDS JostVanDykel TORTOLA I °*r;---4Q.?'>AlK Tobago iA vw^» Cockroach j HansLollik Cay °< <3 ANEGADA Ruffling Pt Lit.Anegadal j£ Soldier Pt. East Pt I8°40 Mosquito I. Seal Dog; > Neckerl. Pajaros Pt . 6rt Camanoe \.^ n c£ | s ^ "Gual^ltVWl CAR Hams Bluff / B B E Salt River Pt A N cs Buck Southwest Pt C/ y £'' [ ST. CROIX I. 3 E A Figure 1 JV 2 *s •o o "A • — \ Suj KJv /> -o > , J a: r-^t_ Q.^ ) <u ^ %£'CMV <^pyon^d) \_s_^ or i— i -O ££ in ^ < CD \ \ ce • N \ wo z< (£) " \ OM ... o UJ.e '% 4 S. "«•* ^ > m Z o^ a. •< U) —1 c o i ^, ^ z O S £H ^^A)? 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They lie 40 miles 3ast of Porto Rico and 1,400 miles southeast of New York, and consist of ibout 50 islands and cays. Only half a dozen of these islands are inhabited ind only three have any size or importance. They are St. Thomas, St. John, ind St. Croix (Santa Cruz). St. John lies only a few miles east of St. Thomas, vhile St. Croix lies 40 miles to the south. The Atlantic washes the northern shores of St. Thomas and St. John, while the Caribbean laves their southern reaches and surrounds St. Croix. The total area of these three islands is less ;han 140 square miles, and St. Croix has nearly two-thirds of that. The seat of government and the center of commercial activity is at St. Thomas, whose larbor is one of the finest in the Caribbean. From that day in 1493 when Columbus discovered the Virgin Islands, and heir fierce Carib Indian inhabitants, on his second voyage to America, they lave always been in the center of the western world's life. The trail he blazed >ecame the Atlantic highway. Early voyagers found here the nearest New ^Vorld haven as they set out westward upon new discoveries. Here privateers md buccaneers found hidden harbors of refuge from which they scouted for the lea-born wealth of the Spanish main. Various nationals began settlements in he early seventeenth century and set up rivalries that resulted in constant varfare until the islands came under the rule of Denmark in 1671. For several senturies the rise and fall of the various nations that successively wrested parts >f the New World from each other kept the magnificent harbor of St. Thomas ull of activity and the towns of Charlotte Amalie (later renamed St. Thomas), I!hristiansted, and Frederiksted, full of intrigue and colorful life that has left ts permanent marks to charm the visitor to-day. When wars grew less frequent and the commerce of rapid colonization replaced hem, the harbor of St. Thomas became a port of great importance. Located it the crossroads of the seas, it became the point of transshipment for merchan- lise brought there for redistribution; and the heavy walled warehouses that o-day extend back to its main street three or four hundred feet from the water ront bear mute testimony to that golden age before scientific advancements md industrial developments began to steal away the commercial glory which he opening of a New World temporarily lent it. These islands were once the wholesale center of the American slave industry, ^hristiansted and Frederiksted on St. Croix were the American counterparts )f similar fortresses set up by Denmark in her African slaves' lands; and here he slaves were brought in shiploads to the market which supplied the islands o the west and the cotton and tobacco fields of the United States. Meanwhile hey cultivated these islands from sea to mountain top. Their own savagery 1 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS and the cruelty with which they were treated resulted in several bloody insui rections and the slaughter of many whites. Some of the slave markets sti stand in the cities, while in the country one sees the ruins of marvelous "grea houses," surrounded by the old slave quarters. The islands' three cities remain truly ancient. Time has to all appearance generously stayed its hand beyond adding a colorful antiquity to their build Blackbeard's Castle, St. Thomas ings. Their few paved streets and their movie houses afford only enough of modern contrast to frame and emphasize the ancient. While these and electric lights, up-to-date sanitation, hospitalization, and education have, of course, added their necessary benefits, they have not spoiled the picture. What changes have come have not destroyed the old architecture or the old feeling. It would be hard to tell whether the building you see is 20 years old or 200, save on close GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 6 examination. There is hardly a store window to be found in the islands. High arched doorways lead through thick walls into the buildings that crowd each other and front close upon the narrow walks and narrow streets. Merchandise in wide variety is displayed after its own fashion and needs usually to be hunted out; but the hunting will lead to interesting discoveries, one of which will be the comparatively low prices due to the fact that the Virgin Islands are prac- tically a "free port." As in a previous age, donkeys with loaded panniers jog or plod down the streets; and erect, dark-skinned Amazons deftly balance on their heads their baskets or trays of fruits or their cans of water. Bluebeard s Castle, St. Thomas NATURAL RESOURCES Physical characteristics.—Like their British and French sister Virgins to the east and south, the Virgin Islands of the United States are of ancient volcanic origin, with mountain ridges 1,000 to 1,500 feet high, running their lengths east to west. On St. Thomas and St. John these mountains slope sharply to the sea on all sides and leave only small pockets of cultivatable land in the ravines between projecting spurs. On St. Croix, however, the land slopes gradually south for 5 miles to the Caribbean and makes possible the agriculture which has supported that island with varying success for the centuries of its history. While traces of many minerals have been found on these islands, there are none known to exist in paying quantities, despite the glowing reports of early voyagers to the West Indies. Those reports of fabulous wealth have never found the slightest substantiation, though repeated expeditions have made diligent search and legend still persists. Scientific expeditions have, however, under the inspiration of Carib inscriptions found in various places, successfully undertaken archaeological research. On all three islands have been found the 104167°—32 2 4 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS evidence of a crude civilization that long antedated the discovery of America. Si one implements, earthen pottery, and interesting carvings have been disj o,n ered and may now be found in various museums in the United States. Local amateur archaeologists have, from time to time, made interesting collections, and the known middens still give up intriguing fragments to those who care to do a Little digging. No doubt important finds yet await the serious searcher. STEPS TO FRENCHMEN'S HILL, ST. THOMAS It has been generally supposed that the Virgin Islands were once covered with mahogany and other valuable cabinet woods and that dense forests of these trees were cut off in the early days and then again later to make place for cane when slave labor cultivated even the steep hillsides. The Bureau of Forestry, however, considers this extremely doubtful, and does not believe that these cabinet woods are indigenous to these islands. They do grow well there, but GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE YIRGIN ISLANDS 6 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS the specimens scattered sparsely throughout the islands or standing in clumps about old ruins and along the sides of many roads, are believed to have been imported. Little natural young growth of these trees is to be found, but thou- sands are now being set out, and seem to do well. Most of St. Thomas and St John and much of St. Croix is thickly covered with many different types oi trees, but these are not of accepted commercial value, nor of size or charactei to be considered forests. Where the land is not cleared for cultivation or grazing these scattered trees are interspersed with dense growths of underbrush and vines 11 Kit rapidly reclaim any land that is left uncared for for even a year or two Many of these trees afford food in the form of wild fruits, such as the mango, the soursop, etc.; but most of them are valuable only as wood for the burning of charcoal—the universal fuel of the Virgin Islands. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS Climate.—The climate of the Virgin Islands is semitropical, and records support the oft-repeated claim that they are one of the healthiest spots in the world. Tropical diseases are practically unknown and the quarantine station has not had a single occupant for years. Although there is much tropical insect life and the bed net is universally used, sanitation plus the tropical sun make flies and mosquitoes less bothersome than in the Middle Atlantic States. The temperature ranges from 69 degrees to 91 degrees with a difference of about 10 degrees between winter and summer averages. While midday is usually very warm and business is largely suspended from 12 to 2, there is generally a fine sea breeze blowing from the east, which tempers the tropical sun and keeps down the humidity. The rainfall (usually in the form of showers) varies somewhat from month to month, but there is no dry season and no wet season such as many places know, though the averages show about 45 per cent of the rain falling in the last four months of the year. Over a period of 10 years the average annual rainfall on St. Thomas has been about 45 inches, and on St. Croix about 40 inches—not quite enough for really secure agriculture, because of the porous soil and high evaporation. There are no permanent streams of any size on the islands. An increasing number of shallow wells provide water for cattle and occasionally for garden produce, but it is usually too brackish for human use. All water for domestic purposes (except flushing, for which the towns have salt water systems) is caught on the roofs or on the city's mountainside concrete catchments; but all cisterns must be kept screened, and for added security must contain the tiny "mosquito fish." To the surprise of all visitors, the drinking water is excellent, and health records attest its purity. The hurricanes which occasionally visit the West Indies correspond very closely to the Kansas cyclone in origin, action, severity, localization, and infrequency; but very seldom are there any lives lost. Warnings are given hours (or even days) ahead of their coming, affording ample time to seek safety within the thick-walled, heavily barred buildings. These hurricanes need deter no one from coming here to visit or to live. Many years usually intervene between destructive visitations, The hurricane season is officially from July 25 to October 25. INHABITANTS Population.—The population of the Virgin Islands has declined from 33,000 to 22,000 since 1900, largely through emigration to New York. Of these, about 2,000 are white, 3,000 are of mixed blood, and the remainder are negro descendants of the Africans brought to this wholesale slave market a century or two ago. The whites include a colony of French fishing stock that has for many generations kept itself strictly isolated from the rest of the inhabitants, and has maintained I); !' GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS / the purity of its race and language. Some of these have turned farmers and have set a fine example of industry and frugality. Because of male emigration, the female population of the islands exceeds the male by about 20 per cent, which adds to the social problem. Education.—The average intelligence of the people is fairly high. This is probably due in large measure to the generations of cosmopolitan contacts which the harbor has afforded; but it is also due to the compulsory education which was required under the old Danish laws and since continued under the American administration of the government. The schools carry through the twelfth grade, and are well enough organized and conducted to warrant most of the foreign resi- dents in sending their children to them. They are under the supervision of com- petent directors from the United States, while most of the teachers are natives educated in the islands. Children of the different races attend school together Loading Coal at St. Thomas is they do in the northern parts of continental United States, and those who later 50 elsewhere to continue their education attest to the satisfactory standards naintained. No small number have pursued their education abroad and made ine records throughout the world or returned to render their fellow islanders jxcellent service and fine examples. Some of these, and others, have also shown narked business ability, have accumulated considerable property, and have well sarned the respect that is accorded them by whites and colored alike. Despite Danish rule for centuries, the language of the islands is English—further evidence )f cosmopolitan influence. The native people are, as a whole, law-abiding and espectful of authority. They are notably hospitable, courteous, and friendly. Labor.—While labor would not be called efficient if measured by continental Jnited States standards, wages are correspondingly low. It must be remembered, lowever, that this is a tropical race still living in a tropical climate; that the iving scale is low, nature is extremely kind, and needs are few. The past has 8 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS not show n opportunities often enough, great enough, or general enough to stimu- late or warrant much general ambition or initiative; and necessity has not until now demanded it. Religion.—-The people as a whole are very religious, in that there are many churches of many denominations and most of the people are members of one or another, and attendants, too; but the primitive concept of religion remains. The following religious denominations maintain places of worship and organized work in the Virgin Islands: Moravian, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Wesleyan Methodist, Seventh-day Adventists, Pilgrim Holiness, African Metho- dist Episcopal, Christian Mission, and Orthodox Jewish. CHAPTER II GOVERNMENT OF THE ISLANDS General description.—The government of the Virgin Islands of the United States consists of a governor appointed by the President of the United States, a §r 1 ! Il 8 S . in m rtfm ™" $1 B ' jaBfc-w fcS?ffi'>£ '«-' _ -EtgflfflBMl ^SkiK^:''^' 'jSMW Government House, St. Thomas staff for central administration appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, two Colonial Councils established under Danish law, and municipal staffs appointed by the governor. The Colonial Council of St. Thomas and St. John consists of 11 elected members and 4 members appointed by the governor. The Colonial Council of St. Croix is made up of 13 elected and 5 appointed members. The Colonial Councils pass all laws governing the islands, but these are subject in whole and in part to the approval of the governor and of the President of the United States. The governor has authority to dissolve the councils, but not more than twice in two years. Only twice has this authority been exercised in 1922 and in 1925. The governor has also the right to issue executive orders which have all the effect of law. GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 9 Political status of inhabitants—Citizenship.—On February 25, 1927, nearly 10 years after the transfer of the Virgin Islands to the United States, the Presi- dent approved an act of Congress granting United States citizenship to certain inhabitants of the Virgin Islands. The following classes of persons were granted full United States citizenship by this act: (a) All former Danes who were residing in the Virgin Islands of the United States on January 17, 1917, and in the Virgin Islands, continental United States, or Porto Rico on February 25, 1927. (b) All natives of the Virgin Islands who were residing in the Virgin Islands of the United States on January 17, 1917, and in the Virgin Islands, continental United States, or Porto Rico on Februarv 25, 1927. Government House, Christiansted, St. Croix (c) All natives of the Virgin Islands who were residing in continental United States on January 17, 1917, but in the Virgin Islands on February 25, 1927. Natives of the Virgin Islands who were residing in the United States on Jan- uary 17, 1917, and on February 25, 1927, were given the privilege of naturaliza- tion within one year on petition, without the necessity of making a declaration of intention. This privilege was also accorded to all aliens who were residing in the Virgin Islands on both dates named above. This act also conferred upon the district court of the Virgin Islands the power to naturalize aliens in the Virgin Islands. Under local law the franchise is extended only to such males of 25 years of age or over as have a total income of at least $300 a year or a property income of $60 a year in St. Croix, or of $140 a year in St. Thomas. The economic status of the people will be seen from the fact that less than 10 per cent of the 22,000 people were qualified to vote at the last elections. Some council members are elected by less than a score of voters. The law.—The act of Congress of March 3, 1917, specifically continued in effect all local laws in effect at the time of the transfer of the islands from Den- mark to the United States, and not incompatible with the changed sovereignty. 10 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Taxation. Import taxes range from 6 per rent in St. Thomas to 15 per ( . r|] , J,, St. Croix. This obviously makes it necessary for all shipments to the I Qited States from the islands be considered as from a foreign port unless it be established thai such shipments are of Virgin Islands origin or that not over 20 per cenl of foreign goods enters into their fabricated value. CHAPTER III BANKING Banking and financial condition.—Except for a small savings bank in St. Croix, the banking operations of the Virgin Islands are conducted entirely by the National Bank of the Danish West Indies, which was established in the islands in 1904, and which holds an exclusive charter for the right to issue cur- rency until 1934. This local currency is based on francs and bits. One hun- dred bits equals 1 franc, and 5 francs are equivalent to $1.04 United States cur- rency. The total deposits of the National Bank of the Danish West Indies as of September 30, 1931, were Frcs. 6,573,576, of which Frcs. 4,276,193 were sav- ings deposits, Frcs. 1,457,822 were checking accounts, and Frcs. 829,561 were time deposits. For the transfer of funds to and from the United States and Europe, the local post office is a considerable factor. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1931, the local post office issued 19,213 money orders to a total value of $318,037.13, and this post office also cashed 4,393 money orders to a total value of $62,819.13. On the 30th of June, 1931, the National Bank of the Danish West Indies had out in loans against mortgages in real estate $111,507 and against personal and other securities $121,628. The municipality of St. Croix had out real estate and crop loans to the amount of $196,335 while the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John had out similar loans to the value of $62,776. The total taxes assessed during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1931, amounted to $206,814 plus harbor charges of $30,045. It is of importance to note that out of 22,000 inhabitants only 102 have sufficient income to require the payment of Federal income tax and that such total taxes for the calendar year 1930 amounted to $23,894.35. No word on the financial condition of the islands is complete without the em- phasis of two factors. The first is that mortgages and loans, bank and municipal, are somewhat frozen by the steady economic decline during the past years and the consequent reduction of incomes, property values, and opportunities for sale. The second is that the National Bank of the Danish West Indies, which has well served the islands for many years, has, of right and necessity, during recent years, been compelled to gradually limit its scope and character of operations in anticipa- tion of its withdrawal in 1934. In consequence of these two factors moneys avail- able for commercial and mortgage loans are very limited, and the securities avail- able for such loans are greatly reduced. CHAPTER IV AGRICULTURE Summary.—The agricultural conditions and problems are discussed in detail in a subsequent chapter devoted to the economic conditions prevailing in each island, but a general summary of agriculture is presented here. The ruggedness of St. Thomas and St. John, together with the fact that St. Thomas had for centuries been supported by its harbor, have until now discour- aged horticultural development and obviated any great need for it. There are many lands, however, less suited for agriculture that are being extensively and GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 11 104167°—32 3 12 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS profitably cultivated. Because of topography, commercial cultivation of citrus and other tropical fruits is not practical, but any or all of them can be grown and the most of ihcm are grown. At the present time, however, most fruits can be imported from the commercial producers in Porto Rico for less than the price charged by local growers. That extreme condition, however, is only temporary. Approximately the same situation to a lesser extent exists also with regard to vegetables. The sun's direct rays in the summer, the low rainfall, the lack of streams, and the scarcity of wells make it difficult to grow vegetables to advan- tage in the summer time, but during the fall and winter months there is an ample supply. Experimental shipments of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and eggplant have been made from all three islands with the varying success that always at- tends long-distance shipments of perishable goods to a big market without having direct contact with the ultimate consumer. an inner Court, St. Thomas On St. Croix there are thousands of acres of level rolling land wonderfully suited for fruits and vegetables except for the uncertainty of water, and there is hope of overcoming that handicap if recent successes with the driving of shallow wells continue. As on the other islands, however, there has been no extensive cultiva- tion of fruits or vegetables beyond that required for local consumption. Condi- tions as a whole have been so much more favorable for cane and cattle that the land and the money have been applied in those directions. Vegetable growing and fruit growing are, however, on the increase, and the homesteading about to be inaugurated will further stimulate their cultivation. The growing season for vegetables in the Virgin Islands begins in September and green produce can be started into the New York market by the middle of December. With direct boats making a trip north in five days it is reasonable expectation for a cooperative organization to grow produce for the northern winter market and successfully compete. The large landowners' lack of interest and the small farmers' and squatters' lack of money and inability to take the risk are paramount factors in this situation. GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 13 CHAPTER V ECONOMIC CONDITIONS General.—The economic problems of the islands and their people are serious and difficult of solution. The mainstays—cane and commerce—have been hard hit by the purely natural course of events. Cattle grazing has advanced but employs almost no labor. Soil, unreliable rainfall, high evaporation, and topog- raphy make horticulture difficult and uncertain; and distance from markets adds to its handicaps. Industries that must meet the competition of mass machine production are largely impractical in the Virgin Islands, but some of them—em- broidery, sewing, etc.—look promising. So also does the preparation of certain canned specialties and the manufacture of certain novelties for special class mar- West from Bluebeard castle, St. Thomas kets. Developments will, however, be retarded by many handicaps and peculiar inhibitions that need not here be enumerated. The problems of the three larger islands are all difficult and entirely different in character. The other 50 islands, more or less, have no problems since they are merely uncultivatable and un- inhabited volcanic cays jutting up here and there from the sea. The economic picture of each island shown separately may be interesting. St. Thomas.—This island, second in size, is about 14 miles long and 2 miles wide, and about 7,500 of its 10,000 population is centered in the town of St. Thomas (formerly called Charlotte Amalie), terraced on the hillsides that rise sharply from its excellent bay to buttress the mountain behind them. This bay is the key to the past and present economic position of St. Thomas. Through the days of discovery, exploration, conquest, colonization, buccaneering, slavery, and commercial development, this harbor was for centuries the natural port of call for sailers and later steamers. Here shipping lanes crossed. Here ships later 14 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS found cable connections with all parts of the world, and coal, food, and water for replenishment. Here they unloaded cargoes for transshipment in every direction and picked up others in exchange. But with the passage of time large ships have replaced smaller ones; and coal and <»il have supplanted sail. Refrigeration has largely eliminated the food problems of ships, while condensers now afford fresh water from salt. The win less gives ships their constant contacts with the world wherever they may be. Foreign countries have developed other West Indian island ports and support them by patronage and subsidies. The former great need for St. Thomas has, therefore, been materially lessened by science and commercial competition, and nothing has come to take the place of the shipping that gave it birth, life, and prosperity, though its service is as available as ever, and better. This decline has been progressing steadily for many years. Villa Olga, St. Thomas The West India Co. (Ltd.) has here a deep-water dock 3,000 feet long, with warehouses, oil and water tanks, coal cranes, machine shops, and every facility except a dry dock for the servicing of ships. This company employs most of the employed labor of St. Thomas, and has done so for years. The bay-rum industry, for which St. Thomas is most widely known, has spread its name throughout the world with much resultant good will. An annual average of 32,000 gallons of bay rum were exported during the 10 years 1910-1919; an annual average of 82,000 gallons for the 10 years 1920-1929, and 138,000 gallons for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1931. This industry employs about 100 people in the process from bay tree to packing case. Any industrial expectation or any industrial development must take into account the location, the topography, the climate, and the soil of the islands, together with the background and character of its inhabitants and the small! scattered population of the islands. St. Thomas affords no large cultivatableij areas, and neither fruits nor vegetables can be produced and shipped to compete with quantity production of larger and better adapted areas; but jellies, jams, GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 15 and tropical preserves of highly specialized character, afford a definite oppor- tunity that is being gradually developed. Most of the area of St. Thomas is given over to cattle grazing for the local meat and dairy market and for export to Porto Rico. Though the seas abound in fish there are no great schools or fishing banks, the fish are migratory and of widely varied character. Lobsters Charcoal Boats at Fortola Wharf, st. Thomas (langustae) are being supplied to the ships that call at St. Thomas. Live turtles are shipped to the States and a canning plant is producing and shipping to the United States and the surrounding islands an excellent and inexpensive grade of turtle soup, which will soon be supplemented with other related products. Nat i ve women do excellent handwork, embroidery, lace making, and basketry, and there is prospect of the early establishment of specialized industries along that line. 16 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Everything musl be planned from a specialized standpoint both in production and marketing, since mass production and mass marketing are out of the question. St. John.— This island, which is nearly as large as St. Thomas and located only 3 miles east across Pillsbury Sound, is truly virgin. Strange to say it has qo urgenl economic problem. There is not a wagon road on it, and only horse- luck 1 rails wind <»ver its mountains, along its shores, and through its small, deep densely forested valleys. The spurs of its steep mountains jut into the turquoise sea, Leaving innumerable bays edged with beautiful white beaches that are inva- riably fringed with tropical trees. The intense and varied colors of the water surrounding all of the islands seem most beautiful here. Two little settlements, Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, mark the western and eastern ends of St. .John and account for about 100 of its 750 inhabitants, only 6 of whom are while. On this island, once widely cultivated by slaves, the natives now eke out their living on little garden plots amid the forests, and by picking bay Leaves, burning charcoal to sell in St. Thomas, and by catching a few fish. Having less than the people of the other islands and living still more primitively, these people are, however, happier because they are more independent and are largely isolated from the causes of discontent. St. John is unquestionably the gem of the Virgin Islands, yet few people have ever seen it. Some day its ruined estates will be restored; some day St. John will be discovered by a few men who want to find unspoiled beauty and true isolation only five days from New York, but yet a million miles removed from its noise, its mad whirl, and its futile pressure. Here sport fishing is at its best; for motor boat or sail, it is ideal; for beautiful saddle trails it is unexcelled. St. Croix (Santa Cruz).—This island may be seen to the south from St. Thomas most any day across 40 miles of rough Caribbean blue. This, the largest of the Virgins, is latticed with fair roads throughout its 20-mile length and 5-mile width. A new highway is being reconstructed between the towns of Frederiksted (2,000 population) on the west coast and Christiansted (3,000 population), which lies on a beautiful coral-bound bay on the north shore, 15 miles to the east. From the mountains that rise abruptly along its northern shore to the low-lying coast on the south, throughout its length may be seen the old ruins of former prosperous sugar estates, topping each rolling hill. Around many of these the luxuriant cane still grows, for this island still depends for its life upon sugar; but less than 5,000 cane acres now remain of the 18,000 once given over to its cultivation, and only one mill of 250 tons capacity now remains of the three that ground 1,100 tons daily but a few years ago. The tremendous increase in the world's cane and beet acreage, and the consequent low r price of sugar, have made it difficult, though not impossible, to continue profitable production of sugar on St. Croix, with its uncertain rainfall and its low acre yield. Long-staple cotton was once grown extensively and very profitably on St. Croix, but the ravages of the pink boll worm destroyed this industry for which soil and climate are unusually well suited, and to which its labor is well adapted. After many years of no cultivation a survey during the past year (1931) dis- closed that the pest still survives in the few wild cotton plants that have persisted through from the time of cultivation. A thorough clean-up of all wild cotton and other latent host plants has been completed and will be repeated during the coming year, with the expectation of resuming cotton planting in 1933 under a program of "clean culture" and control methods prescribed and super- vised by the Department of Agriculture. But here again comes the matter of money, and outside interests will doubtless acquire much of the land while the municipality will have to finance the planting of most of the cotton. Of the 51,000 acres of land on St. Croix, 41,000 are now given over to cattle grazing as the least costly and least hazardous use to which it can be put. These GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 17 18 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS acres suppori about 15,000 animals, chiefly cattle. Some dairy stock is raised, bul the Local market for dairy products is limited by the community's size and income, while production does not allow export competition. Cattle, there- for.-, arc bred largely for the beef market or cane fields of Porto Rico, where St. Croix working bulls bring a premium and can be readily spotted among the oxen that make cane production possible. Withal, the reasonably successful cattle industry of St. Croix does little to lessen its economic problem, for it uses 80 per cent of the land of the island and employs only 3 per cent of its labor. Further, grazing land pays only one-third the acre tax that is imposed upon cane land, while sugar pays an additional tax (export) of $6 a ton. There is a definite penalty put upon the cultivation of land, which may have been proper during the days of sugar's great prosperity, but not now. It is also of economic import Modern Market, Bank in background, St. Thomas that 80 per cent of the land in cattle is owned by about a score of men, while a dozen more at most own practically all the rest of the land, outside of the two small towns. Recognizing this situation, a rehabilitation plan formulated by the United States Bureau of Efficiency and approved by the Congress of the United States provided for the inauguration of a homesteading program to settle some hun- dreds of families upon good fertile land that they might acquire by purchase upon demonstration of their willingness and ability to make proper use of it. The appropriation also makes funds available for cooperation in the purchase of equipment. Several years ago an industrial alcohol plant was started near Frederiksted, St. Croix, under Government license and supervision. In addition to industrial alcohol it produces extracts, insecticides, bay rum, etc. This industry has possibilities of definite expansion. GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 19 Fishing on St. Croix, as on St. Thomas and St. John, is not an industry in the ordinary sense of the word, because it is not centralized either in operation or in marketing. The surrounding seas abound in fish of many varieties, yet fishing is carried on only for personal or local consumption. CHAPTER VI LIVING CONDITIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS Previous reference has been made to climate, temperature, and sanitation, and that will not be repeated except to emphasize that they are all that could be desired. Climate has such a definite relationship to clothing that it need only be pointed out that tropical garments are essential to comfort—light summer fabrics (chiefly cotton) for women and cotton and linen suits for men. White canvas shoes with leather soles are preferable for both men and women. Social life is of a moderate and simple character. A Fisherman's Home, St. Thomas On St. Thomas and St. Croix there are several well-run, clean, and comfortable boarding houses of the "pension" type, but the only hotel is the Grand Hotel at St. Thomas, built a number of years ago, and just recently very much improved. This hotel is separated from the bay only by a small park, and its second-story dining balcony commands a beautiful view out over both. Its rooms are large, high ceilinged, airy, and simply furnished. There are also available a good selec- tion of semifinished houses and bungalows at reasonable rates. " Semifurnished" houses means, in the Virgin Islands, that the house has what furniture is re- quired (many have more), but no linen or silver. However, these latter items may be arranged for. The St. Thomas Improvement Association has set up a service bureau to find suitable living quarters for those interested, and the Department of Industry, a government bureau, at St. Thomas, is also ready to assist in any practical way. The stores, particularly in St. Thomas, carry extensive stocks of merchandise that will meet all normal requirements. Each of the three cities in the Virgin Islands has its government hospital, staffed by highly trained medical men and women, and the facilities and methods are modern in every respect. Good dentists, trained in northern colleges, are available; also an experienced optician. 20 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CHAPTER VII RECREATION Sports and amusements.—Except for the talkies twice a week and an occasional dance a1 the hotel or the tennis club, the recreations of the Virgin Islands are all outdoors. On St. Croix there is wide use for a motor car; on St. John there is none; and on St. Thomas the need is constant though the range of travel is limited. Taxi service is available at about the price prevailing in New York, and cars may be rented for whatever term is desired. The cars are nearly all small ones, mostly of one popular make. They can be rented for a couple of months for much less than the cost of transporting a car from the States. Horseback riding holds endless opportunities not only for the natural thrill of that sport but also for exploring the islands where the motor car can not go and Fort Christian, St. Thomas (Built in 1671) where natural and primitive conditions are most interesting. This is particularly true of St. Thomas and St. John, which are decidedly rugged and where roads are few on the one and nonexistent on the other. Your horse will take you into deep, dense valleys, to beaches not otherwise to be reached, and to mountain tops where you may look down upon the Atlantic and the Caribbean, dotted in every direc- tion with rugged islands upon which the sea breaks eternally. St. Croix holds just as much opportunity for horseback riding, but most of the island can be reached by motor car. Swimming is, as everywhere, the most popular form of recreation and exercise. The beaches are not developed by concessionaires, nor bordered by pavilions; but the warm, buoyant blue water rolls in gently onto white sand just as it must have done in the time of Columbus. The only changes are the diving floats and the bathhouses which the beach clubs of St. Thomas and Frederiksted have set GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 21 in among the palm trees. Bathing is the regular afternoon function of the local colonies the year round, and it is a marked part also of the native life. The golfer will find a picturesque nine-hole course in St. Thomas laid out in a small valley between the mountains and the sea, with both in full view. The course looks easy but is not. It is well kept and only 2 miles from town. As on most southern courses, the "greens" are brown sand. The standard charge for caddies is 20 cents for nine holes, and fees are 50 cents a day or $5 a month. Both St. Thomas and St. Croix have their tennis clubs, where courts and "ball boys" are at your service for a very small fee. Sport fishing has not been pursued here sufficiently to develop the art and business of "guiding" or the special fishing boat such as is found in Florida, but there are a hundred skilled market fishermen, scores of sail boats and a few power boats, and an untold quantity and variety of fish throughout the Virgin Islands' waters; and over on St. John is a fishing club which sees many week-end fishing parties, for there are many Waltonians. Visiting fishermen will find ample facilities for enjoyment of the sport. The most commonly caught fish on troll is the barracuda, which in these waters so abound as to be a nuisance at times, for they too frequently cut off other fish that have been hooked. Their average weight is perhaps 15 pounds, but are occasionally caught up to 40 and 50 pounds. Tarpon, locally called bass, are taken occasionally. Kingfish running from 10 to 30 pounds are fairly plentiful at seasons, while the various members of the carang family and the bonito are the most common next to the barracuda. Those who prefer stillfishing may collect a veritable bouquet of colorful fish—yellowtail, Spanish angel, grunt, butterfish, olewives, snapper, etc.—and there are places on projecting rocks where fish may be seen by the hundreds and where one has to be fast to get his fish out before a larger one tears him off. Except for hand-line fishing and metal spoons, proper tackle is not obtainable here. Rods, reels, fine lines (up to 18 thread), leaders, etc., should be brought along. Do not rely on ordinary piano wire, for it rusts and breaks too quickly. Stainless-steel spring wire seems to be best. For the artist there is in the Virgin Islands an endless world of beautiful scenes and wonderful character studies. One who has never before painted in the Tropics will find here new lights, new colors, and new compositions; and if he specializes on portraits he will not want for a variety of models for pictures that will stand out in any exhibition. A noted academician leaving here with more than 50 canvasses declared that he must return for some of the hundreds of pictures he had missed. Transportation.—The Furness Withy Co. runs one steamer a month direct to St. Thomas and St. Croix during eight months of the year, and two steamers a month during the winter season. The Munson Line does the same, and their schedules alternate. The Bull-Insular steamer Catherine connects for St. Thomas at San Juan, Porto Rico, with other boats of her line to Baltimore and New York, and with the weekly service of the New York-Porto Rico Line. The direct route requires only five days and the indirect route takes eight days, including a 3-day stop-over in San Juan, Porto Rico. 22 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Appendix A Temperature and rainfall The year January February March April May June July August September October N'ovcmber December St. Croix (Chris- tiansted) A verage tempera- ture for 28 years (°F.) re. 3 76.6 76.3 76.8 78.3 79.9 81.0 81.5 82.0 81.7 80.8 79.3 77.5 A verage rainfall for 28 years (inches) 47. 56 2.32 1.93 1.22 2.91 4.49 4.61 3.94 4.49 5.75 6.02 5.71 4.17 St. Thomas Average tempera- ture for 3 years (°F.) M.O 80.2 78.4 78.0 79.5 79.5 80.6 82.9 83.3 83.8 84.0 83.3 81.9 Average rainfall for 10 years (inches) 38. 23 2.87 2.24 .75 2.56 1.50 2. 3.35 2.32 2. 5. 6.42 4.41 Appendix B Rainfall (St. Thomas) Fiscal year Inches Fiscal year Inches Fiscal year Inches 1917-18 - 38. 85 42. 50 51.77 47.41 41.91 1922-23 33.99 41.35 51.59 40.98 48.47 1927-28 1928-29 53.71 1918-19 1923-24 60.49 1919-20 1924-25 1929-30 34.50 1920-21 1925-26 1930-31 53.91 1921-22 1926-27 Appendix C Rainfall (St. Croix) Year Inches Year Inches Year Inches 1900 45H 67 61 45 37 53 56 38 45 52 43 1911 45H 37 39 37H 65 Vi 59 39 46 51 V2 34 H> 30 1922 . 26}4 33 1901- 1912 1913 1914 1915.. 1923.. 1902 1924 39H 1903 1925 52 1904... 1926 39 1905 1916... 1927 48^i 1906-. 1917 1918 1928 1929 43 1907... 60 1908 1919 1920. . 1930 39 1909... 1931 49 1910 1921 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Appendix D Sugar production and exportation statistics 23 Fiscal year 1900. 1901. 1902. 1903- 1904-_ 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 estimated at close- Acres taxed for cane 16, 298 16, 441 16, 428 15, 820 15, 704 15, 194 15, 068 13, 986 13, 550 14, 007 13, 901 13,710 13, 397 12, 744 11, 898 12, 474 12, 220 12, 627 12, 718 12, 498 12, 847 11,854 9,662 9,014 9,208 9,585 9,196 9,250 8,240 8, 135 Rainfall (inches) 45.1 , 67 (SI 45 37 53 56 38 45 52 43 45} 2 37 39 37? 2 65} 2 59 39 46 5VA 34} 2 30 26M 33 39} 52 39 4N=< 43 60 39 49 Total sugar crop (short tons) 8,614 15, 111 15, 937 9,419 11, 231 4,978 8,541 7,940 4,859 6,444 7,516 7,209 4,831 4,203 3,653 3,037 15, 334 7,725 5,841 9,723 13, 329 C 1 ) 6,345 1,948 2,385 10, 653 6,343 6,860 11, 275 2,825 1, 800 Total value of crop Total sugar exported (short tons) $395, 553, 357, 712, 1, 108, 533, 809, 600, 375, 500, 773, 681, 372, 308, 299, 280, 1,901, 1, 054, 1, 429, 4, 086, 2 1, 791, 2 549, 2 618, 2 191, 2 464, 2 942, 2 462, 1, 007, 258, 543. 00 639. 00 850. 00 057.00 524.00 177.00 836. 00 301.00 326. 00 734. 00 383. 00 227. 00 884. 00 903. 00 154. 00 817.00 121.00 428. 00 105. 00 244. 00 671.00 549. 65 833. 76 781.00 187. 97 544. 78 281. 97 862. 82 579. 58 086. 53 118,000.00 8,184 14, 520 14, 624 17, 354 11,665 13, 856 6,281 12, 190 5,834 2,010 5,505 5,332 5, 016 3,032 6,432 5,293 15, 000 6,000 5, 400 9,000 12,000 4,700 6,275 5,940 1,466 4,763 11, 228 5,166 8,497 8,004 5,372 4,643 1 Not available. 2 Total value of crop for these years not available. Figures given represent the value of sugar exported. It will be noted that in some years the amount exported is greater than the amount produced. This is on account of the fact that the fiscal year ends June 30, whereas the sugar crop for one year may not be sold until the next fiscal year; i. e., after June 30. Because of this the figures vary somewhat, in certain years, between the crop produced and the sugar exported. Appendix E Birth rate and death rate, Virgin Islands Year Birth rate Death rate Year Birth rate Death rate Year Birth rate Death rate 1910 32.4 28.9 28.3 29.5 29.6 26.1 26.9 34.7 36.2 37.3 36.7 36.2 31.0 29.0 1917 24.6 26.1 29.1 29.9 27.9 28.0 24.8 41.5 28.4 20.7 25.0 25.4 25.3 24.5 1924 25.4 24.3 23.5 21.2 21.7 19.0 26.9 23.1 1911 1918 1919 1920 1921 - 1925 19.2 1912 1926 19.1 1913 1927 22.8 1914._ 1928 25.1 1915 1922 1929 20.5 1916 1923 1930 22.0 24 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Appendix F Censuses of Virgin Islands St. Thomas St. Croix St. John Year Males Females Total Males Females Total Males Females Total 1835 5,895 5,181 5,280 5, 536 5, 091 5,439 8,127 7,595 7,793 8, 130 7, 469 8,024 14, 022 12, 776 13, 073 13,666 12, 560 13, 463 14, 007 14, 389 12, 019 11,012 10, 678 10, 191 8,826 9,834 12, 365 11,713 10, 932 10, 834 10, 229 10, 485 14, 316 13, 911 13, 133 12,886 12, 633 12, 709 26,681 25, 624 24,065 23, 720 22, 862 23, 194 22, 760 18, 430 19, 783 18, 590 15, 467 14, 901 11,118 11,413 1,220 1,274 1, 184 1, 079 814 760 1,255 1,281 1,266 1,149 901 814 2, 475 1 1841 2, 555 IMr, 2, 450 1850 2, 228 1855 1,7151 1860 1, 574 1 |S7(! 1,054 ISM) 944fl 1890- 4, 627 4, 339 4,495 4,357 7,392 6,673 6,183 5,834 9,535 9,258 7,563 7,133 10,248 9, 332 7, 904 7,768 517 445 450 509 467 480 491 450 984 1901 925| I'.'l i '.Ml 1917 <)59 1927 i 7841 1930 765 Total. Virgin Islands Year Males Females Total Year Males Females Total 1835 19, 480 18, 168 17, 396 17,449 16, 134 16, 684 17, 284 23, 698 22, 787 22, 192 22, 165 21, 003 21,547 20, 537 43, 178 40, 955 39, 588 39, 614 37, 137 38, 231 37, 821 1880- 14, 889 14, 679 14,042 12, 508 11, 999 18, 874 18, 107 16, 485 14, 578 14, 052 33,763 32, 786 30, 527 27, 086 26, 051 20,728 22, 012 IMI 1890 1901.-- 1846 1850 1911 1917 1927 i 1 S55 |S<i() 1870 1930 i The figures for the year 1927 represent the result of an informal house-to-house enumeration of the inhab- itants of the Virgin Islands. Appendix G Bay rum Fiscal year Gallons sold and exported Fiscal year Gallons sold and exported Fiscal year Gallons sold and exported 1909-10 15, 866 19, 975 8,068 13, 650 15, 399 14, 107 32, 839 47, 208 1917-18 1918-19 1919-20 28, 719 52, 519 89, 105 79, 415 73, 859 65, 524 74, 574 79, 730 1925-26 1926-27 1927-28 85,148 74, 277 91,628 91,112 108, 182 138, 065 1910-11 1911-12 1912-13 1920-21 1928-29 1913-14 1921-22 1929-30 1914-15 1922-23 1930-31 . 1915-16 1923-24 1916-17 1924-25 - GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 25 Appendix H Cattle exported from the Virgin Islands Year St. Thomas St. Croix Total Number Value Number Value Number Value 1920 _______ - - _ 75 77 263 953 486 205 673 746 516 430 588 $2, 010 4,821 5,941 20, 381 10,411 10, 995 27, 823 11,211 23, 543 29, 425 23, 882 1,298 440 1,302 1,166 868 341 1,099 1,263 1,145 919 1,225 $66, 847 17, 586 73, 529 72, 743 32, 029 19, 986 44, 539 53, 006 56, 270 56, 531 61, 175 1,373 517 1,565 2,119 1, 354 546 1,772 2,009 1,661 1,349 1, 813 $68, 857 22, 407 1921 1922 79, 470 93, 124 42, 440 1923 1924 1925 30, 981 72, 362 1926 1927 64, 217 1928 79, 813 1929 85, 956 1930 85, 057 Appendix I Acreage of all lands in St. Croix Year Cane acreage Cotton acreage Pasture acreage Useless- land acreage Total 1909 14, 007 13, 901 13, 710 13, 398 12,744 11, 898 12, 474 12, 220 12, 627 12, 718 12, 498 12, 847 11,854 9,662 9,014 9,208 9,586 9,196 9,250 9,148 8, 135 5,500 1,421 1,705 1,662 1,999 2,147 1,439 408 55 62 182 177 450 14 31, 255 31. 098 31, 362 31,351 31,867 33, 423 33, 878 34, 484 34, 072 33, 973 34, 269 33, 648 35, 052 37, 258 37, 737 37, 687 37, 401 37, 789 37, 737 37, 950 38, 896 41, 500 4,744 4, 724 4,693 4,679 4,669 4,667 4,667 4,668 4,666 4,554 4,483 4,483 4, 508 4,508 4,508 4,447 4,447 4,447 4,447 4,337 4,397 4,500 51, 427 1910 51 428 1911 -.-. 51, 427 1912 51, 427 1913 1914 1915 51, 427 51, 427 51 427 1916 51, 427 51, 427 1917 1918 51 427 1919 51, 427 51, 428 51 428 1920 1921 1922 51, 428 1923 169 100 2 27 25 51, 428 1924 51 442 1925 51, 436 1926 51 459 1927 . 51 459 1928 51, 435 51 428 1929- . 1931 (about)... 51, 500 Note.— 1927 figures are estimated. Appendix J Sugar exported from St. Croix Fiscal year Frederiksted Christian- sted Total United States tons (short) Export duty (gross) 1917-18 Pounds 14,913,285 11,947,926 16, 512, 087 6, 126, 700 12, 389, 080 9, 227, 420 2, 538, 120 8, 436, 983 16, 824, 293 8, 830, 500 14, 373, 142 16, 008, 175 10, 655, 000 9, 287, 000 Pounds 4, 266, 187 3, 609, 250 4, 588, 227 3, 662, 360 160, 760 2, 740, 260 393, 760 1, 088, 500 5, 631, 750 1, 502, 250 2, 670, 250 Pounds 19, 179, 472 15, 557, 176 21, 100, 314 9, 789, 060 12, 549, 840 11,967,680 2, 931, 880 9, 525, 483 22, 456, 043 10, 332, 750 16, 993, 392 16, 008, 175 10, 655, 000 9, 287, 000 9, 589. 74 7, 778. 59 10, 500. 16 4, 894. 53 6, 274. 92 5, 983. 84 1, 465. 94 4, 762. 74 11,228.02 5, 166. 37 8, 496. 69 8, 004. 09 5, 372. 50 4, 643. 50 $76, 717. 92 1918-19 62, 228. 72 1919-20 84,001.28 1920-21 39, 156. 24 1921-22 50, 199. 36 1922-23 47, 870. 72 1923-24 11,727.52 1924-25 38,101.92 1925-26 89,824. L6 1926-27 37,301. 19 1927-28 53,019.38 1928-29 49, 944. 36 1929-30 33, 524. 40 1930-31 28, 975. 44 26 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Appendix K Types of fish caught in Virgin Island waters {according to local terminology) OCEAN OK DEEP SEA FISH THAT ARE FOUND ON THE SURFACE Ocean gar. Barracuda. Hone fish. ( '.runt. Cutlass gar. Abrecca. Bass (tarpon). Snooks. Kingfish. Dolphin. Chub. Ballahou. Spanish mackerel. Salmon. Sanite. Grass fish. NET OR SEINING FISH Karang. Sand cuvalley. Alewives. Sprat. Frys. Sweet fry. Queen mullet. Norse eyed. Leather coat. Mulatto cuvalley. Ballahou. Bonito. Spark head fry. Jacks. Hard nose. Black jack. Schuballys. Pinchers. Yellow tail. Laggerhead fry. Anchovey. Green back. Herrings. High head cuvalley Cobbler cuvalley. Amber cuvalley. Nav cuvalley. Mullet. FISH CAUGHT IN POTS Dog teeth snapper. Mutton grouper. Gremanic grouper. Yellow hinds. Yellow grunt. Margate. White margate. Sheephead shellfish. Red guttu. Mackaw guttu. Sling parrot guttu. Black doctor fish. Bastard angel fish. Goat fish. Tacks-tacks. Gold lace fish. Red blare eved. Cat fish. Sting ray. Jew fish. Hairy gut shellfish. Spanish hog fish. Mange snapper. Pet snapper. Burnt tail snapper. Red snapper. Hog fish. Red mouth margate. Honey shellfish. Bastard hog fish. Blue guttu. Black knight guttu. Doctor fish. Angel fish. Pig fish. Redman fish. Wipsters. Yellow tail. Flat blare eyed. Suck fish. Plate fish. Whitening fish. Guinea bird shellfish. Rock fish grouper. Rock hinds. White grunt. Ivory grunt. Spanish hog fish. Nugent porge. Roundhead shellfish. Rainbow guttu. White guttu. Sago guttu. Blue doctor fish. Swede angel fish. Shoemaker old wife. Wenchman fish. Red silk fish. Bon kanaps. Round robbins. Sun fish. Silver fish. Butter fish. GENERAL INFORMATION" REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 27 Appendix L Number of deaths and death rates from all causes (exclusive of stillbirths) per 1,000 population in the Virgin Islands and each island Calendar year Annual average 1911-1917. 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1918-1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 Virgin Islands Num- ber of deaths Din 744 ;,Ki 652 r,r, i 658 651 639 601 .-,01 I! 19 594 654 533 1M Death rate 35.4 28.4 20.7 25 25.4 25.3 25 24.5 23.1 19.2 19.1 22.8 25.1 20.5 22 St. Croix Num- ber of deaths 581. 477 352 459 422 418 425. 387 361 270 303 354 396 320 298 Death rate 38.3 32 23.6 30.8 28.3 28.1 28.6 26 24.2 18.1 20.3 23.8 26.6 21.5 26.1 St. Thomas Num- ber of deaths 338.7 248 176 185 220 223 210.4 240 221 224 186 236 251 205 180 Death rate 32.5 24.3 17.3 18.2 21.6 21.9 20.7 23.6 21.7 22 18.3 23.2 24.6 20.1 18.3 St. John Num- ber of deaths Death rate 19.7 19.8 12.5 8.3 19.8 17.7 15.6 12.5 19.8 7.3 10.4 4.2 7.3 8.3 7.8 Appendix M School attendance in the Virgin Islands Fiscal year 1917-18. , 1922-23. 1923-24. 1924-25. St. Thomas 2, 136 1,817 1,918 1,371 St. John 253 201 207 190 St. Croix 2, 502 2,044 2,024 1,454 Total 4,891 4, 062 4,149 3. 015 Fiscal year 1925-26 1926-27 1930-31 St. St. St. Thomas John Croix 1,423 182 1,459 1,400 196 1,487 1,596 153 1,383 Total 3, 064 3,083 3, 132 Appendix N Department of education budgets [In Danish West Indian dollars] Year Salaries Equipment Mainte- nance Total 1910-11 18, 100. 00 1911-12 15,637.00 1912-13 17, 756. 00 1913-14 .. 17, 109. 60 1914-15 17, 379. 20 1915-16 17, 161.20 1916-17 16,932.00 1917-18 .. 19, 506. 00 1918-19 39, 600. 00 43, 040. 00 48, 620. 00 77, 750. 00 77,180.00 82,192.00 77, 259. 33 71, 727. 03 71,862.40 42, 095. 20 43, 955. 20 44, 755. 20 49, 913. 20 2, 025. 00 8, 960. 00 12,620.00 13, 000. 00 1, 250. 00 800. 00 927. 72 3,441.00 634. 82 1, 000. 00 600. 00 300. 00 300. 00 12,342.00 11,000.00 12,300.00 11,740.00 16, 230. 00 21, 290. 00 15,463.32 14, 992. 80 11,221.14 8, 803. 00 10,603.00 10,603.00 10, 603. 00 53, 967. 00 1919-20 63, 000. 00 1920-21 1921-22 73.510.(11) 102, 490. 00 1922-23 94,660.00 1923-24 104, 282. 00 1924-25 93, 650. 37 1925-26 90, 160.83 1926-27 83,718.36 1928-29 51, ViV 20 1929-30 . :<:<, L58. 20 1930-31 :,:,, i\:,^ 20 1931-32 60,816.20 28 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Appendix O Bunker-coal imports ST. TIIOM \S 5fear Tons Value Year Tons Value 21,579 15,346 12,531 23. 720 16, 166 4, 970 61,325 $133,037 105, 162 402, 973 131,897 84, 873 279, 872 295, 441 1925 44, 019 .. 85,181 $199, 140 1926 - ; 511.390 1927 __ 98,811 625, 285 1928 148. 995 143, 900 92,200 643, 743 1929 633. 160 1930 396, 191 L924 - Fuel-oil imports ST. THOMAS year 19 IS 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 Gallons 17,534 7, 076, 932 26,335,910 6, 525, 440 5, 726, 729 4. 700. 000 2.051.374 Value $2, 182 208, 647 1,008,644 400, 225 256, 790 84, 600 149, 993 Year 1925. 1926_ 1927 _ 1928 _ 1929. 1930. Gallons 6, 933, 327 10, 574, 441 4, 338, 179 5, 272, 504 4, 984, 283 Value $211,571 465, 938 181, 981 191,971 191,009 Appendix P Table of ships entering the harbor of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands (only those paying pilotage), during the fiscal years 1909 to 1930, inclusive Fiscal year P. IO-. I 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 19 IS 1919 Number of ships 409 143 524 455 577 261 268 299 226 303 438 Pilotage paid $6, 652. 20 7, 404. 80 8, 830. 20 7, 580. 80 6, 313. 20 4, 087. 90 4, 276. 70 4, 638. 80 4,021.50 7, 820. 91 14,804.38 Fiscal year 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 192S. 1929 Number of ships 281 175 302 351 297 299 309 479 523 455 Pilotage paid $20, 343. 24 11,295.25 5, 718. 60 9, 895. 45 11,695.00 9, 639. 75 10, 008. 00 9, 703. 00 15, 687. 50 16, 842. 25 14, 039. 25 Appendix Q Arrivals of ocean-going ships, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands of the United States Fiscal year Warships American mer- chant ships Foreign mer- chant ships Total Num- ber Tonnage Num- ber Tonnage Num- ber Tonnage Num- ber Tonnage 1920 32 27 63 41 85 30 22 18 20 27 41 26 108,350 112,819 184,633 199,397 273, 460 84,192 64, 858 47, 942 107, 925 63, 268 129,862 87, 829 297 412 159 210 188 171 149 159 154 167 193 197 1,171,465 1, 783, 698 467, 037 608, 548 553, 641 480, 581 388, 740 453, 329 384, 949 455, 333 558, 377 569, 831 147 170 162 198 276 227 261 252 427 461 358 304 407, 599 514, 296 516,271 665, 075 986, 926 907, 469 1,203,615 1,209,892 2, 043, 855 2, 132, 796 1,715,181 1,658,330 476 609 384 449 549 428 432 429 601 655 595 527 1,68/', 414 1921 2, 410, 813 1,167,941 1,473,020 1,814,027 1 472 242 1922 ... 1923 1924. . 1925... 1926 1927 1,657,213 1928... 1929... 2,651,397 2, 403, 420 2,315,990 1930 1931.. GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Appendix R 29 Trade of the Danish West Indies and the United States Virgin Islands with the United States Exports Imports Total trade with United States Fiscal year ending June 30: 1900 $568, 935 478, 262 394, 948 734, 020 422, 307 400, 994 366, 361 440, 855 592, 292 221, 457 405, 926 135, 117 489, 689 48, 031 29, 374 350, 822 63, 496 1, 259, 607 1, 542, 222 302, 085 1, 593, 120 4, 540, 386 734, 674 734, 476 657, 501 394, 000 1, 062, 534 745, 301 1, 069, 337 1, 164, 979 $624, 524 692, 150 704, 259 646, 206 649, 960 699, 569 726, 810 777, 577 727, 193 693, 681 749, 174 810, 537 924, 700 894, 087 890, 966 703, 354 850, 377 1, 438, 904 1, 807, 344 817, 942 1,804,117 3, 993, 478 2, 622, 396 1, 647, 353 1, 617, 625 1, 668, 000 1,661,417 2, 034, 083 2, 175, 489 2, 430, 309 $1, 193,459 1901 1, 170, 412 1, 099, 207 1, 380, 226 1, 072, 267 1, 100,563 1902 1903 1904 1905 1903 1, 093, 171 1907 - 1, 218, 432 1, 319, 485 1908 1909 915, 138 1, 155, 100 1910 1911 945, 654 1, 414, 389 1912 1913 942 118 1914 920, 340 1915 1,054 176 1916 913, 873 1917 .: 2,698,511 1918 3, 349, 566 1, 120,027 1918 (July-December). . . Calendar year: 1919 3, 397, 237 1920 8, 533, 864 1921 3, 357, 070 1922 2,381,829 1923 2, 275, 126 1924 . 2, 062, 000 1925 2, 723, 951 1926 2, 779, 384 1927 3, 244, 826 1928 3, 595, 288 Appendix S Imports and exports of the Danish West Indies and the Virgin Islands of the United States Imports Exports Fiscal year St. Thomas- St. John St. Croix Total St. Thomas- St. John St. Croix Total 1900 $733, 000 832,000 726, 000 772, 000 983, 000 907, 000 834,000 774, 000 1, 083, 510 872, 387 909, 883 1, 104, 153 955, 350 976, 387 980, 440 762, 350 707, 345 $931, 000 814, 000 742, 000 652. 000 684, 000 886, 000 781, 000 699,000 796, 413 638, 811 386, 891 620, 688 727, 803 671, 061 721, 663 556, 419 515, 264 $1, 664, 000 1, 646, 000 1, 468, 000 1, 424, 000 1, 667. 000 1, 793, 000 1, 615, 000 1, 473, 000 1, 879, 923 1,511,198 1, 296, 774 1,724,841 1, 683, 153 1, 647, 448 1, 702, 103 1, 318, 769 1, 222, 609 1, 892, 429 2, 276, 512 2, 923, 660 4, 529, 685 2, 277, 662 1, 670, 529 2, 070, 358 $629, 000 446, 000 495, 000 507, 000 365, 000 488, 000 212, 000 394, 000 430. 415 256, 239 469, 908 543, 488 584, 983 282, 164 331, 188 378, 859 260, 045 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1918 $1, 249, 346 1919 1,919,525 1920. . 1, 662, 296 2, 851, 078 1, 406, 366 1, 093, 912 1, 465, 013 1, 261, 364 1, 678, 607 871, 296 576, 617 605, 345 $346, 705 264, 099 203, 695 155, 234 155, 310 2, 946, 426 2,011, L65 666, 710 733, 662 244, 842 3, 293, 131 1921 2, 275, 264 1922. 870, 405 1923.. SSS, S96 1924 400, 152 30 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS I in ports and exports of the Danish West Indies and the Virgin Islands of the United States—Continued Imports Exports Fiscal dear st.Thomas- St. John St. Croix Total St.Thomas- St. .lohn St. Croix Total 1925 $1, 166,633 $720, 829 813,884 688, 636 976, 842 1, 080, 835 822, 840 $1, 887, 462 2, 531, 404 2,326.717 2, 917, 165 2, 771, 819 2, 312, 465 $157,557 86, 520 210, 429 197, 230 180, 289 183, 382 $532, 134 1, 033, 186 620, 034 1, 043, 862 817, 345 611,004 $689, 691 1926 1.717,520 1, 638, 081 1, 940. 323 1, 690, 984 1, 489, 625 1,119,706 1927 830, 463 1928. 1, 241, 092 1929. . 997, 634 1930 794, 386 Appendix T Domestic and international money orders issued by post offices of the Virgin Islands < ' ilendar year Si. Thomas Domestic Interna- tional St. Croix Christiansted Domestic Interna- tional Frederiksted Domestic Interna- tional King's Hill, do- mestic Total 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930^ fiscal) i285. 951. 286, 039. 257, 623. 318, 231. 292, 333. 308, 061. 330, 090. 352, 208. 327, 077. 314, 156. 617. 20 588, 66 672. 1 1 058. 63 748. 97 690^ 39 159. 68 329. 13 SSI. 00 $90,631.59 83, 660. 49 65, 628. 80 71, 897. 10 77, 045. 93 77, 741. 35 79, 776. 04 86, 160. 45 96, 407. 97 $8, 933. 01 3, 969. 89 1, 656. 69 1, 126. 36 2, 404. 60 1, 545. 47 819. 11 1, 186. 93 2, 119. 14 $74, 589. 20 44, 955. 41 36, 189. 54 49, 626. 21 48, 125. 72 46, 173. 85 43, 962. 94 50, 471. 89 48, 180. 63 $3. 523. 36 3. 101. 33 3, 371. 14 3, 936. 71 2, 150. 88 2. 988. 72 1, 500. 03 1, 942. 14 1, 847. 70 i $493. 93 6, 225. 64 14,119.93 11,736.20 10, 933. 04 16, 383. 49 12, 186. 51 $467. 423, 367, 454, 437, 451, 469. 510, 490, 245. 48 315.68 635. 31 102. 40 929. 03 046. 21 772. 29 513. 42 148. 90 November and December, 1923. Domestic and international money orders paid by post offices of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas St. Croix Calendar year Domestic Interna- tional Christiansted Frederiksted King's Hill, do- mestic Total Domestic Interna- tional Domestic Interna- tional 1921 1922 $35, 235. 53 40, 954. 94 54. 090. 93 57, 871. 86 60, 879. 55 63, 948. 04 68, 698. 69 70, 835. 23 68, 784. 70 62, 306. 21 $1, 227. 36 70.79 113.68 165. 23 213. 17 435. 86 513.01 381. 82 255. 66 512. 92 $17, 084. 38 15, 831. 97 22, 695. 64 23, 327. 40 27, 643. 69 29, 426. 69 33, 864. 74 35, 637. 28 36, 390. 83 $136. 27 81.48 84.02 44.72 31.94 139. 23 256. 90 229. 39 135. 28 $11, 772. 10 17,787.31 20, 740. 52 15, 537. 84 15, 488. 52 27, 737. 81 23, 716. 23 19 431 23 $202. 93 159. 03 277. 49 468. 20 184. 80 312. 27 273. 64 $65, 658. 57 74, 885. 52 1923 98, 002. 28 1924 1925 1926-.. $273. 39 717. 21 860. 90 946. 72 1, 747. 50 1. 220. 95 97, 688. 64 105, 158. 88 1927-.. 1928- __ 128 759 25 1929 1930-31 (fiscal)... . 21, 946. 00 260^ 22 128, 993. 64 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 31 Appendix U Savings deposits in the National Bank of the Danish West Indies at St. Thomas, Christiansted, and Frederiksted Calendar year St. Thomas Christian- sted Frederik- sted Total Number of ac- counts 1909 . - $115,646.78 126, 924. 09 144, 319. 89 165, 343. 22 180, 490. 02 198, 002. 43 196, 371. 80 224, 415. 46 226, 895. 87 276, 119. 24 319, 573. 14 380, 284. 58 364, 567. 55 330, 215. 18 352, 028. 47 375, 806. 02 377, 743. 52 406, 936. 24 409, 252. 72 454, 071. 71 463, 429. 20 $32, 838. 89 30, 321. 32 33, 544. 88 37, 770. 32 39, 482. 02 44, 522. 83 50, 819. 44 56, 931. 33 79, 210. 32 77, 475. 67 103, 372. 40 238, 764. 89 190, 935. 95 174, 240. 46 192, 235. 65 210, 884. 94 176, 855. 23 198, 681. 67 190, 549. 75 288, 220. 52 199, 100. 25 $28, 789. 94 25, 013. 03 30, 170. 75 30, 656. 16 36,412.04 34, 526. 25 55, 961. 30 76, 420. 57 76, 055. 94 78, 456. 27 119,679.99 188, 691. 80 180, 464. 21 167, 460. 62 145, 528. 41 159, 607. 53 182, 814. 57 176,342.44 199, 944. 35 263, 572. 88 222, 099. 91 $177, 275. 61 182, 258. 44 208, 035. 52 233, 769. 70 256, 384. 08 277, 051. 51 303, 152. 54 357, 767. 36 382, 162. 13 432, 051. 18 542, 625. 53 807, 741. 27 735, 967. 71 671, 916. 26 689, 792. 53 746, 298. 49 737, 413. 32 781, 960. 35 799, 746. 82 1,005,865.11 884, 629. 36 907, 619. 00 915, 779. 00 1910 - - - 1911 ______ 1912 _ _ -__ 3,273 1913 _ - 3, 508 1914 3,757 1915 _ 3,873 1916 _ -__ _ .. 4,001 1917 4,182 1918 ... 4,333 1919 _ _ _ __ -_ 5,236 1920 6,468 1921 6,602 1922 -_ - -- -- 6,907 1923 -_ _- _ _ _ _ __ 6,962 1924 7,290 1925 7,680 1926 8,167 1927 8,434 1929 - -_———— . 1930 1931 Note.—In addition to the above, which represent "savings deposits" only, it is noted that the national bank carries two other forms of deposits, i. e., "checking accounts" and "time deposits." In these two accounts, the following funds were on deposit at the end of the year 1927: Checking accounts $232,550.71 Time deposits 379,278.83 Appendix V Statement of depositors 7 balances in the new St. Croix Savings Bank on the last day of each fiscal year from 1901 to 1929 Fiscal year Balance Fiscal year Balance Fiscal year Balance 1901 $63, 388. 38 60, 905. 69 65, 541. 73 74, 725. 10 97, 475. 42 G) 75, 035. 75 64, 812. 89 50,118.01 47, 189. 62 1911 1912 $47, 399. 49 51, 070. 33 53, 164. 70 59, 885. 83 59, 480. 88 63, 344. 11 69, 231. 36 70, 535. 77 69, 470. 25 77, 064. 40 1921 $96, 120. 85 1902 1922 88, 436 45 1903— 1913 1923 1924 ._ 76, 012. 28 1904 1914. 68, 639 73 1905 . 1915.. 1925— 53, 355. 64 1906- . 1916 1926 64, 785. 22 1907 1917 1918— 1927 64, 843. 75 1908- 1928. . 67, 571. 22 1909- . 1919 1929... 72, 190. 39 1910 1920 i Mining. Appendix W VIRGIN ISLANDS REGISTER AND DIRECTORY EXECUTIVE Paul M. Pearson, governor. Boyd J. Brown, government secretary and commissioner of finance- Lawrence W. Cramer, lieutenant governor of St. Croix. Morris F. de Castro, assistant government secretary and assistant commis- sioner of finance. W. N. Denny, head of finance of St. Croix. A. A. Richardson, dispatching secretary of St. John. Charles H. Gibson, government attorney. R. B. Stafford, M. D., commissioner of public health. James C. Tily, commissioner of public works. Harry E. Taylor, commissioner of industry. George H. Ivins, director of education. 32 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Knud Knud-Hansen, M. D., F. A. C. S., chief municipal physician, St. Thomas and St. John. .lames Knoll, M. D., chief municipal physician, St. Croix. Lucy Gillette, commissioner of welfare. Michael J. Nolan, director of police, St. Thomas and St. John. Douglas S. Armstrong, director of police, St. Croix. John Leroy Nolte, director of prohibition. Donald S. Boreham, assistant commissioner of public works and head of fire department of St. Thomas. C. Espersen, head of fire department, Christiansted, St. Croix. Frank Smith, head of fire department, Frederiksted, St. Croix. Engle L. Simmons, harbor master, St. Thomas. Edith C. Moon, supervising librarian. Dr. V. A. Christensen, municipal physician, St. Thomas and St. John. D. C. Canegata, municipal physician, St. Croix. George M. Hughes, municipal physician, St. Croix. Stanley I. Winde, assistant for public works. Rudolph C. Miller, tax assessor, St. Thomas and St. John. Alice Atkinson, chief nurse, St. Thomas. Winifred Nichols, chief nurse, St. Croix. Catherine A. Flynn, district nurse, St. Croix. Ianthe A. Blyden, nurse, St. Thomas. Arabella Tutein, nurse, Christiansted, St. Croix. Evelyn Richardson, nurse, Frederiksted, St. Croix. R. U. Lanclos, municipal dentist, St. Thomas. Hugo C. Hark, municipal dentist, St. Croix. Jacob A. Robles, chief clerk and confidential secretary to the governor. Guilderoy W. Bornn, secretary to the governor. Cyril Creque, sanitation superintendent. Harry C. Hockett, M. D., municipal physician, St. Thomas. JUDICIAL Prentice E. Edrington, jr., judge of the district court. George A. Mena, judge of the police court of St. Thomas. D. Hamilton Jackson, judge of the police court of St. Croix. A. A. Richardson, judge of the police court of St. John. Wilhelm Jensen, clerk of the district court of St. Thomas and St. John. J. F. Henry, clerk of the district court of St. Croix. Leon A. Mawson, stenographer of the district court. LEGISLATIVE Colonial Council of St. Thomas and St. John: J. E. Kuntz, chairman. Lionel Roberts. John Leroy Nolte. Albert Maduro. Joseph Reynolds. Knud Knud-Hansen, M. D., F. A. C. S. Valdemar A. Miller. Christian Petersen. George A. Moorehead. L. J. T. Boschulte. Benito Smith. Carl E. Francis. Svend A. Mylner. Abram E. Smith. Conrad Corneiro. Orville S. Kean, assistant. Colonial Council of St. Croix: D. C. Canegata, chairman. Alfred Francis. A. Moorehead. Jos. Alexander. F. Coulter. Miles Merwin. C. Pentheny. C. R. T. Brow. Robt. W. Skeoch. William Clarke. A. V. Nelthrop. Malcolm A. Skeoch. Ralph de Chabert. Carl Lawaetz. Anselmo Fabio. Arnold M. Golden. Win. Abramson. R. A. Frederick, assistant. D. S. Armstrong. MUNICIPAL COMMITTEE, ST. THOMAS Lionel Roberts, chairman; Valdemar A. Miller, Carl E. Francis, Benito Smith, Knud Knud-Hansen. GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 33 MUNICIPAL COMMITTEE, ST. CROIX Joseph Alexander, chairman; Robert W. Skeoch, D. C. Canegata, C. R. T. Brow, William Clarke. ST. THOMAS HARBOR BOARD Gov. Paul M. Pearson, chairman; Government Secretary Boyd J. Brown, acting chairman; Emile A. Berne, Conrad Corneiro, Joseph Reynolds, Herbert E. Lockhart. BOARD OF EDUCATION OF ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN Government Attorney Charles H. Gibson, chairman; Government Secretary Boyd J. Brown, Chairman of the Colonial Council John Leroy Nolte, Lionel Roberts, Joseph Reynolds, Director of Education George H. Ivins, secretary. EDUCATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW, ST. CROIX Government Attorney Charles H. Gibson, chairman; Lieut. Gov. Lawrence W. Cramer, vice chairman; Chairman of the Colonial Council D. C. Canegata, D. Hamilton Jackson, T. J. Ash, Director of Education George H. Ivins, secretary. IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, ST. THOMAS Assistant Commissioner of Public Works Donald Boreham, chairman; Arthur S. Fairchild, Mrs. Knud Knud-Hansen, Maurice Petit, Abram E. Smith, Herbert Taylor. LIBRARY COMMISSION, ST. THOMAS Director of Education George H. Ivins, chairman; Commissioners of Welfare Lucy Gillette, Joseph Reynolds, D. Victor Bornn; and Supervising Librarian Edith Moon, secretary. LIBRARY COMMISSION, ST. CROIX Harold J. Benedict, chairman; D. C. Canegata, Robert W. Skeoch. BOARD OF CHILDREN'S GUARDIANS, ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN Judge George A. Mena, chairman; Commissioner of Public Welfare Lucy Gillette, Mrs. D. E. Lucien Lorand. BOARD OF CHILDREN'S GUARDIANS, ST. CROIX Government Attorney Charles H. Gibson, chairman; Director of Police Douglas S. Armstrong, Sister Maren Knudsen. BOARD OF REVIEW AND EQUALIZATION OF TAXES, ST. THOMAS Government Secretary Boyd J. Brown, chairman; Lionel Roberts, Cyril E, Daniel. TAX COMMISSIONS, ST. CROIX Christiansted: Head of Finance W. X. Denny, Chief Bookkeeper R. Petersen, Joseph Alexander, D. S. Armstrong. Frederiksted: Head of Finance W. N. Denny, Chief Bookkeeper R. Petersen, Miles Merwin, Arnold M. Golden. MUNICIPAL POLICE COMMISSION, ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN Government Secretary Boyd J. Brown, Director of Police Michael J. Nolan, George A. Moorehead, Lionel Roberts, D. Victor Bornn. TRADE AND LAMP TAX COMMISSION, ST. THOMAS G. A. Moorehead, chairman; Christian Petersen, Albert Maduro, S. A. Mvlner, L. T. Boschulte. COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTS, ST. THOMAS V. A. Miller, Lionel Roberts, Oscar Harthmann, auditor. ELECTORAL BOARDS, ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN Judge George A. Mena, chairman, St. Thomas; A. A. Richardson, chairman, St. John; Albert Maduro and I. de Lugo, town of St. Thomas; L. J. T. Boschultr and Jens Tanggaard, county district of St. Thomas; Carl E. Francis and H. E. Lockhart, St. John. 34 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ELECTORAL BOARD, ST. CROIX Judge of the Police Court D. Hamilton Jackson, chairman; Joseph Alexander and A. Teytaud, Christiansted town; Alfred Francis and A. V. Nelthropp. Christiansted county district; C. R. T. Brow and E. E. Schroder, Frederiksted town; William Clarke and M. M. Skeoch, Frederiksted county district. POOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ST. THOMAS AXD ST. JOHN Abram E. Smith, J. E. Kuntz, Carl E. Francis, L. J. T. Boschulte, Christian Petersen, Ernest Sewer. [! POOR COMMISSION'S, ST. CROIX Judge D. Hamilton Jackson, chairman; D. C. Canegata; the chief municipal physician, Christiansted. Judge D. Hamilton Jackson, chairman; William Clarke; the municipal phy- sician in charge, Frederiksted. PUBLIC CEMETERIES' COMMISSIONS, ST. CROIX Christiansted: Anselmo Fabio chairman; R. de Chabert; commissioner of public works, St. Croix. Frederiksted: Miles Merwin, chairman; Arnold M. Golden; assistant for public works, St. Croix. THE FIELD COMMISSION, ST. THOMAS Lionel Roberts, chairman; Herbert E. Lockhart, treasurer; Ernest Barzzey, Fernando Corneiro, Harry E. Taylor, Donald S. Boreham, Henry Galiber. ST. THOMAS HOME GUARD Gov. Paul M. Pearson, chief executive officer; Herman 0. Creque, commanding officer; Valdemar A. Miller and Emile A. Berne, captains; D. Victor Bornn, secretary. JURY COMMISSION, ST. THOMAS Clerk of the district court; Conrad Corneiro and George Levi. JURY COMMISSION, ST. CROIX Clerk of the district court; R. de Chabert; Arnold M. Golden. THE WELFARE COUNCIL, ST. THOMAS Rev. Father J. Conway, C. SS. R.; Carl E. Francis, Rev. P. M. Gubi, Rev. F. Joseph, Rev. James Rollocks, Rev. Father J. Shields, C. SS. R.; Rev. J. Arthur Swinson, Rev. H. D. Whitteker. HEALTH COMMISSIONS, ST. CROIX Christiansted: Robert W. Skeoch; chief municipal physician; judge of the police court. Frederiksted: C. R. T. Brow; municipal physician in charge; judge of the police court. HOSPITAL COMMISSIONS, ST. CROIX Christiansted: Robert W. Skeoch, chief municipal physician, judge of the police court. Frederiksted: C. R. T. Brow, municipal physician in charge, judge of the police court. FIRE COMMISSIONS, ST. CROIX Christiansted: C. Espersen, brand major; Jos. Alexander, judge of the police court. Frederiksted: Frank Smith, brand major; C. R. T. Brow, judge of the police court. BUILDING AND STREET COMMISSIONS, ST. CROIX Christiansted: Joseph Alexander, assistant for public works, St. Croix. Frederiksted: William Clarke, commissioner of public works, St. Croix. ; GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 35 PRISON AND JAIL COMMISSION, ST. CROIX Robert W. Skeoch, director of police. PRISON COMMISSION, FREDERIKSTED C. R. T. Brow, director of police. COTTON PEST COMMISSION, ST. CROIX Glen Briggs, director of agricultural experiment station, chairman; William Clarke, A. V. Nelthropp, D. S. Armstrong, C. Pentheny. KINGS HILL PUBLIC VILLAGE COMMISSION, ST. CROIX Glen Briggs, chairman; J. A. Fleming, Herman Hansen, Kai Esmann. BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, ST. CROIX Government Attorney Charles H. Gibson, chairman; Judge of the Police Court D. Hamilton Jackson; Lieut. Gov. Lawrence W. Cramer; chief municipal physician; Director of Police D. S. Armstrong. BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE LEPER ASYLUM, ST. CROIX Medical officer in charge of the leper asylum; Anselmo Fabio. BOARD OF CONTROL, AGRICULTURAL FUND, ST. THOMAS Commissioner of Industry Harry E. Taylor, chairman; director of education; Lionel Roberts, George A. Moorehead, W. M. Perry. FOREIGN CONSULS IN ST. THOMAS Ernest van Beverhoudt, Belgium. George Levi, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru. Emile A. Berne, Chile, Dominican Republic. J. Percy Souffront, Venezuela (in charge), Colombia, vice consul Dominican Republic. Valdemar A. Miller, Cuba. W. Laub, consul general of Denmark. Cyril E. Daniel, consul general of Haiti, consular agent of France. E. L. M. Monsanto, consular agent for Germany. E. G. Larkin, Great Britain. I de Lugo, Italy, Spain. M. van Epps, the Netherlands. C. G. Thiele, Norway. Isaac Paiewonskv, Panama. M. E. Trepuk, Portugal. Axel Hoist, Sweden. FOREIGN CONSULS IN ST. CROIX Miles Merwin, vice consul Great Britain. H. A. Delemos, honorary vice consul Dominican Republic. FEDERAL OFFICIALS C. L. Root, collector of customs, Virgin Islands. C. V. F. Daniel, deputy collector of customs in charge, St. Croix. E. S. Richardson, jr., postmaster, St. Thomas. B. R. Larsen, postmaster, Christiansted. R. H. Amphlett Leader, postmaster, Frederiksted. E. H. Carnes, chief quarantine officer, Virgin Islands. George M. Hughes, quarantine officer, Frederiksted. Glen Briggs, director, agricultural experiment station, St. Croix. W. M. Perry, extension agent, St. Thomas. E. V. Roberts, forester. H. F. Welsh, chief radioman in charge, United States Naval Radio Station, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. 36 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BY ARTHUR RUHL [Extracts from series of articles in the New York Herald Tribune, May 12-16, 1931] Everywhere bold headlands, rising abruptly from the water, for all these islands are the summits of a submerged mountain chain; water, incredibly clear and blue, King above coral reefs, or breaking, to draw its white line of surf across white sand or brown rocks; and over all, the fresh, clean breath of the northeast trades. 1 [ere was the caressing mildness of the tropics, without the tropics' fierceness and languor; without fevers, mosquitoes, flies. Here was all, and more, of the beauty of the Riviera; all the wildness and remoteness of the South Seas, and yet, only four or five days' easy steaming from New York. If a wealthy and fastidious New York bachelor, with all the world to pick from, finds his personal Eden here, there must be something in the Virgins not meas- urable in tax receipts and export statistics. One might observe, in passing, that other Americans also have gone to the Vir- gins in a similar state of mind, not merely to spend a pleasant winter—as a group of Provincetown artists did this last one—but to make permanent homes. Over at St. Croix, in the little town of Christiansted, in the house of the Misses Quin (Alexander Hamilton once clerked in the shop underneath their dwelling and they, themselves, with their old mahogany furniture, might have stepped out of "Cranford"), I ran across an elderly American lady who had been coming down to St. Croix for her winters for nobody seemed to know how many years. On the island of St. John, the smallest and least inhabited of the three, I took tea one afternoon with a retired New York physician and his wife, who came here to pass a winter several years ago and decided to stay. Up in the hills of the same island another American, a former engineer, and his wife, are trying, in almost Robinson Crusoe style, to build a homestead in the tropical "bush,'" And on St. John I ran across still another American, a one-time Boston cartoonist who keeps bees and makes etchings. The bees don't like him, he says, and he has the pioneer's usual tough time in finding a profitable market for his honey; but it is delicious honey, with a peculiar tropical bouquet, and I had it every day in St. Thomas's little Grand Hotel. Mr. X looks forward to a time when all the heights round about his place will be crowned with similar, if less elaborate, American homes, and as you poke over the island trails on horseback, especially over the almost deserted St. John you keep seeing sites for them—every new summit in the road opening a fresh and more enchanting vista of descending, wooded slopes; islands, big and little rising out of blue water, and little, circular, almost landlocked bays, with palms and white beaches, and the sort of pool-like, turquoise harbors into which pirate ships and privateers might (as, indeed, they actually did, in the old buccaneer days) hide while they nursed their sores, mended their sails, and took on fresh water and rum before starting another raid. They are such hiding places as Stevenson or Conrad might write about (Peters Island, within sight of St. John, is, indeed, locally believed to be Stevenson's Treasure Island)—deep water, steep shores all round, and the whole thing fading into the blur of forest-covered mountainside, a few miles off shore. The Americans, who bought St. Thomas from the Danes for 5,000,000 pounds paid a price for it and got their money's worth. In the records it is 27 square miles of more or less barren rock; on the map it is a mere dot showing where a mountain peak of the submerged geosphere has thrust its head 1,700 feet above the deluge; one of the outer bastions of the engulfed Antillean range. To the naval strategist it is a covering base for the Panama Canal; to the seaman it is the safest port in the West Indies; before the Panama Canal was cut it was a ganglion for the nerve system of the sea-borne commerce of South America, the| Indies, and the Spanish Main. But this is to tabulate a dry catalogue of uses: on the credit side, to be set against that enormous debit of $25,000,000 and to leave its value out. Its price is beyond rubies, for it is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. There can be none more beautiful. The harbor is set about with hills which are the form and substance of enduring i; beauty, and the frame and outline of the lakelike waters which they inclose The unbroken ridged contour to the north slopes steeply and then gently to the waterside. In the foreground of the mountain face are three supporting but- tresses which converge as they lean upward, and upon these the ancient town is built. Every feature is so shaped and harmonized that, seen from the harbor mouth, they concentrate upon you and meet within you, as though all that: loveliness of land and water, were flowing down and flowing together, and lifting you to an unseen world of visible perfection upon a converging tide. If it were ; GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 37 seen through the gray, leveling medium of a northern day it would still be beau- tiful. The tropical brilliance of its coloring makes it beautiful beyond belief. Here, as in the shapely grouping of the town upon its three hills, man has been equal to his opportunities and joined hands with nature. Red roofs stand among the green of royal palm and dark mahogany; two castellated, red-topped towers crown two of the hills, and higher up red cabin roofs peep out in crimson splashes from the forest green. For the rest, the color of the sea and land and sky has the quality of cool, liquid, glowing fire—the fire and depth of gem stones, melted to a liquid softness, and glowing, intrinsic lights. Who can say that St. Thomas may not yet be our American Capri? Or that St. Croix may not shift from cane to cotton or cattle, and from sugar " centrals," owned by absentee stockholders, to smaller farms which may at least support the island's necessary expenses of government? Or that St. John may not at least get along as comfortably as the British Tortolians get along, just across the bay? The problem in St. Croix is no mere task of trying to wake up a backward but comparatively comfortable tropical island, but a thoroughly modern industrial dilemma, with capitalists on one side, and idle workers on the other, and strikes and semistarvation in between. Soon after the President's recent visit to the Virgin Islands, the Herald-Tribune printed a cartoon depicting prohibition, in the shape of a top-hatted bluenose, leading a ragged native labeled "Business" across a tropical landscape to the tune of Over the Hills to the Poorhouse. It was a good cartoon for New Yorkers, feelings about prohibition being what they are, in line with much editorial com- ment, and I even saw it tacked up in the office of one of the little single-sheet newspapers in St. Thomas. But it wasn't, nevertheless, a very accurate picture of the actual facts. Many other things, beginning with the abolition of slave labor, have had more to do than prohibition with the economic decline of the Virgin Islands. The great days of the St. Croix (Santa Cruz) rum industry were a century ago—days when all ships carried rum as part of their regular stores, when sailors expected their ration of grog, and rum was drunk so commonly that the word itself has become a symbol for spirituous drinks in general. The swimming is nothing short of heavenly—crystal clear water, white sand beaches and little reef-protected bays so clear, generally, that in a small boat you seem suspended in air. There is golf, of sorts; fishing, sailing, some chances to motor, and interesting bridle paths in almost every direction. There are no fevers nor malaria, and fewer flies and mosquitoes than in summer time in New York. On the open, unscreened veranda, looking out to sea, which my hotel in St. Thomas used for its dining room, there were no flies, and although mosquito | nets were provided in the bedrooms, as is customary in the Tropics, I found no need of mine. Snakes are almost unknown—in short, in all such matters, the i islands suggest a somewhat warmer and more picturesque Bermuda. English is the language of the islanders, in spite of the long Danish occupation, and even in the Danish days official proclamations were all printed in the two languages. And Danish and English influence, plus the sanitary and other work of our own Xavy administrations, have given the old towns of St. Thomas, Christiansted, and Frederiksted a neatness, urbanity, and general air of good housekeeping not found in some of the other Antilles. Not a few of the old white houses, with their shaded galleries looking out to the Caribbean, have been lived in for more than a century, and still possess the fine mahogany and some of the old silver of the islands' great days. It was on one of those dazzling and delicious Caribbean mornings that the new civilian governor of our Virgin Islands, Dr. Paul M. Pearson, and several of his staff, on the Xavy tug U?npqua, went over from St. Thomas to Coral Harbor to pay their first visit to our neighboring island of St. John. The latter is a charac- teristic Antillean mountain top thrust up from the sea, about 8 miles long by 5 I miles wide—rugged forest and u bush " covered slopes, climbing to 1,200 feet above the water. In the old slave days its more fertile slopes were terraced and culti- vated clear to their summits, and many of the lower hills are still topped by the fortlike bases of the old stone windmills to which the planters once hauled their cane by oxcart to be ground by the trade winds. All these terraces are overgrown now, the ruins of mills and former "great houses" are covered with vegetation and the seven or eight hundred negro fish- I ermen, farmers, and bay-leaf gatherers who live on St. John are less than the number of slaves who once worked the little island's plantations. All of the islands fit the pattern which an Englishman who lives on the neigh- : boring island of Tortola had in mind when he said in his novel, "The Hurricane," 38 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS that the ideal "desert island" ought to be "small enough to go round in a day or two, big enough to live on, and small enough to love." St. Thomas and St. John are just the right size, from this point of view. St. Croix, which is some 22 miles long, is just a bit too big, perhaps, but even on its comparatively wide interior plains the trade winds are always blowing and you are always conscious of, if not actually in sight of, the open sea. None is a "desert," although all are subject to drought. All were rich in the old slave days, and all have the loveli- ness, the peace and the delicious climate which make it easy for one to feel, any- where outside the little towns, like a sort of Robinson Crusoe. St. Thomas is one of the most beautiful islands imaginable but the views from the heights of St. John are almost lovelier. Every new summit brought its fresh arrangement of bold headlands, white beaches, blue water above coral reefs, and a sea so clear that as the big cumulus clouds rolled slowly overhead one could see their shadows traveling across the ocean bottom. NATIVE-CRAFT The Native-Craft Co-Operative of the Virgin Islands has been organized to produce and market the craft work typical of these tiny islands of the Carib- bean. The Virgin Islands, that suddenly famous triplet of enchantment, can spare a bit of their charm for a far-away luncheon table or bridge party, can add their gayety and color to picnic and shopping equipment or send a dainty wisp of loveliness to summer porch teas. The Co-Operative ships to the United States boxes and tables of mahogany, linens, laces, and baskets in colorful and exquisite assortments. Orders for Virgin Islands Native-Craft can be placed through the Native-Craft Co-Operative, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. 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