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







105th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 495

Relating to the recognition of the connection between the emancipation 
  of African slaves in the Danish West Indies, now the United States 
 Virgin Islands, to the American Declaration of Independence from the 
                          British Government.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 25, 1998

 Ms. Christian-Green (for herself, Ms. Kilpatrick, Ms. Jackson-Lee of 
    Texas, Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. Conyers) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Relating to the recognition of the connection between the emancipation 
  of African slaves in the Danish West Indies, now the United States 
 Virgin Islands, to the American Declaration of Independence from the 
                          British Government.

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 Buddhoe'' 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 Frederik 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 Buddhoe 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.
                                 <all>