After the abortive sale negotiations in 1867, Denmark came very close again in 1902 to selling St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. In January 1900, the U.S. approached Denmark with a proposal.
The abolition of slavery and the low sugar prices meant that the islands no longer were a thriving business for Denmark.
After a year of negotiations, the two governments agreed on a sale price of 5 million dollars. The Americans were very keen on the islands, both because of the excellent harbor on St. Thomas, and also because they were afraid that if they did not, the Germans might buy the islands.
Denmark bows out of the sale
The sale was immediately approved by the American Congress. But in Denmark, there was a violent public and political debate about the sale. In the Folketing (one of two chambers of the Danish Parliament), there was a majority in favor of the sale, but the other chamber, the more conservative and nationalistic Landsting, was divided. The matter was put to a vote on October 15, 1902, and there were exactly as many votes in favor of as against the sale! [see source]. A majority was needed, and thus, the islands could not be sold.
After the futile sale negotiations of 1901-1902, a group of financiers and merchants launched a number of various reforms in the Danish possessions in the West Indies. Among other things, a plantation company was established as well as a steam shipping line between Copenhagen and St. Thomas.
