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Appendix No. 9.
DANISH WEST INDIES.
entirely deprived of commanding ground threatening the harbour. These works also would be liable to deterioration, and even total destruction, by one of the earthquakes to which the island is subject. The expenditure necessary is not likely to be incurred by the present possessors of St. Thomas. So late as 1880 a Bill for the more efficient protection, and for the stationing permanently of a single man-of-war in the West Indies was rejected by the Danish Chambers on account of the expense. The United States for the moment appear to have their eyes more on Samaná Bay than St. Thomas, and there is nothing in their action with regard to their own naval depôts that can lead us to suppose they would incur the expenditure necessary to render the island a great naval arsenal, even if it came into their possession. England, Spain, and France have already as good, or better, naval stations, and have no overwhelming reason for coveting St. Thomas. There remains only Germany as likely to take possession of it. This contingency does not appear to be very remote; the naval power of Germany is being steadily cared for and strengthened, and both Government and people are very desirous of extending her naval and colonial influence, and her relations towards Denmark put her in the position of using great influence, and offering a quid pro quo in some form or other. If St. Thomas came into the possession of Germany, the necessary works and garrison would, no doubt, be soon forthcoming. It may appear that the short service system of Germany does not readily lend itself to colonial garrisons, but this question has already been considered, and the Germans have a scheme ready.
The addition of German, and possibly American, naval stations to those already existing will relatively weaken the three other Great Powers, or what is the same thing, demand from them greater efforts to render their present position secure in the Gulf of Mexico.
St. John.
Another of the Danish islands, is gradually falling off in population and going out of cultivation. It is seldom visited by large vessels. There is, however, at Coral Harbour, a convenient place, with 15 to 20 feet of water close to shore, for heaving down or for lying in safety during hurricanes, with a wharf and excellent watering place, while firewood is also plentiful. Hurricane Hole is a safe anchorage of 9 to 11 fathoins.
The channel between St. John and St. Thomas is called the "Sound." It is about 14 miles long; is partially inclosed on the north by a chain of small islands, and forms an excellent roadstead in 13 to 15 fathoms, secure from rollers and all winds, except south winds. The current, however, is strong.
St. Croix.
Is important only from its productiveness. It lies about 40 miles south of St. Thomas, is 20 miles long, but narrow. The exports in 1875 were 800,000 dollars. The population in 1870, 22,700, one- fourth whites or coloured; the whites mostly British.
The sugar trade employs annually about 30,000 tons of shipping. It suffers from want of water since the forests were cut down by the French. The abolition of slavery has injuriously affected agriculture.
The south coast is lined by a dangerous reef.
There are two towns-Christiansted the capital, and Frederiksted.
The first, commonly known as Bassin, has a good but cramped harbour, admitting vessels of 17 feet draught.
The entrance is protected by Fort Louisa Augusta. Details of armament not known.
War ships anchor south of Buck Island in 4 to 7 fathoms some 4 miles east of Fort Augusta, and 3 miles from north of the shore.
Fredericksted lies on the west coast, which forms a bay some 5 miles in extent, with good anchorage free from shoals and reefs, in 6 to 7 fathoms, on a ledge extending three-quarters of a mile from shore, and then terminating abruptly in deep water. There is a public wharf at the town, and the safe and easy access to the port causes it to be the usual place of call of large vessels. The population is 4,000. There is a small fort at the town. Details of armament not known. Both the above-named towns have a small garrison, the united normal strength of which is 4 officers and 124
L. M. CARMICHAEL, Major, Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General.
men.
(Signed)
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SAN DOMINGO,
March 16, 1882.
SAN DOMINGO.
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Gulf of Samaná.
The Gulf of Samaná is a long and comparatively narrow estuary, with deep water, lying south of the peninsula of the same name; it runs east and west, with an entrance on the east.
Although generally considered to commence from the line joining Cape Samaná and Cape Rafael, and being consequently described by some writers as 60 miles long, Samana Gulf proper commences at the south-east point of the Samaná Peninsula, known as Balandra Head, from which to the north of the River Yuna, at the head of the gulf, is about 30 miles; the average width of the gulf proper is only 10 miles, whereas the width from Cape Samaná to Cape Rafael is 21 miles.
The north and south shores of the Gulf are lined with bold ranges of hills, varying in height from 200 to 2,000 feet, whose sides, more especially on the north side of the gulf, slope gently to the water,
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