_The Importance of St. Thomas_
Commercially, the island of St. Thomas is destined to play the most
important part of all the group, as it is a favored way-station on the
route from European ports to the Panama Canal. Its lost trade can be
regained, and it may be possible for American manufacturers to display
samples of their wares in especially built ware-rooms at Charlotte
Amalie. This would enable the merchants of Central and South America
to make their purchases again as they once did. It would obviate the
necessity of a long journey to New York, and the port of St. Thomas
would be a convenient place in which to see American-made goods and
place orders.
[Illustration: THE FORT ON THE HILL ABOVE CHARLOTTE AMALIE