A price was finally agreed upon, and the transfer of the islands took place March 31, 1917. The ceremony was most impressive, though Governor Oliver, appointed by President Wilson, could not arrive in time to take part in it. Commander Pollock, of the gunboat _Hancock_, was at Santo Domingo and was ordered to proceed at once to St. Thomas and take possession in the name of the United States. He arrived on the day of the ceremony, and was met by the Danish governor, Danish officials, and officers and marines of the Danish gunboat _Valkyrie_. In the presence of a large assemblage the Danish flag came down after nearly two and a half centuries of rule, and the Stars and Stripes was raised over the former Danish Government buildings, over forts, and on various private flagstaffs. Many of the Danes were in tears. A number of them had been born on the islands and knew no other home. To them it was a sad event, but practically all realized that the transfer was best for the people generally and for the future of the islands. [Illustration: MAJOR SALLADAY AND STAFF Commanding the United States Marines stationed at St. Thomas--on the steps of the barracks, Charlotte Amalie] _The Commerce and People_ Besides Charlotte Amalie, a town of about 8,000 inhabitants, there are a few scattered settlements on the island of St. Thomas. Some years ago the harbor was a free port and Charlotte Amalie enjoyed a considerable commerce. Immense warehouses were built, and merchants from Central and South America came to the island to purchase merchandise. When the port was no longer free, its commerce gradually dwindled and the harbor was almost deserted. Ships called only to go into drydock or to coal. It now remains for Uncle Sam to restore its former trade with our sister republics to the south. [Illustration: CAMP OF AMERICAN MARINES Beneath the walls of the fort on the water-front, Charlotte Amalie] Little or nothing grows on the island of St. Thomas, and from an agricultural standpoint it offers but few opportunities. Its inhabitants, aside from about two hundred whites, are all negroes. The Danes were unable to teach them their language, and practically all speak English with that peculiar drawl that has become familiar to us in Jamaica and other islands in the West Indies. The blacks welcome the coming of Uncle Sam. They look upon us as a Santa Claus, who will bring them untold blessings and wealth beyond their dreams. They are a simple, childlike people, with bodies of men and women but with the intellect of the average child. _Charlotte Amalie_ Charlotte Amalie is a clean little town with regular streets, and buildings built of stone and brick faced with cement. The Danes are a cleanly, orderly people, and this is evident in the appearance of the towns on the islands. [Illustration: OLD DANISH FORT, ST. THOMAS HARBOR]