[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 495 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         June 25, 1998.
Whereas, prior to July 3, 1848, many Africans were held as slaves on the islands 
        of the Danish West Indies, now the United States Virgin Islands;
Whereas, on July 3, under the leadership of Moses ``General Budhoe'' Gottlieb, 
        the African slaves on the Island of St. Croix responded to the signal of 
        the blowing of conch shells by leaving their plantations to converge on 
        Fort Frederick in the town of Frederiksted;
Whereas in Frederiksted the African slaves demanded their freedom and threatened 
        to destroy the island by fire unless it was granted by 4 o'clock that 
        afternoon;
Whereas, confronted by reports of arson and insurrection, the Danish governor, 
        Peter von Scholten, met the African slaves in Frederiksted and declared 
        that ``all unfree in the Danish West Indies are from today free'';
Whereas the heroes of this rebellion paid a high price, General Budhoe being 
        sent into exile, and Governor von Scholten being convicted in Denmark of 
        dereliction of duty and of exceeding his authority;
Whereas the American people declared their independence from the British on July 
        4, 1776; and
Whereas the courage of these heroes serves to connect Virgin Islanders and all 
        Americans to their past and to reinforce their unwavering commitment to 
        preserve, protect, and defend freedom: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives urges--
            (1) the American people to recognize the historical significance of 
        the emancipation of African slaves in what is now the United States 
        Virgin Islands; and
            (2) Virgin Islanders and all Americans to maintain their unwavering 
        commitment to preserve, protect, and defend human rights and freedom.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.