continues to be applied to the U. S. Virgin Islands. Balzac v. Porto Rico (1921) is
significant because it was the case in which the U. S. Supreme Court overwhelmingly
endorsed this doctrine for the first time, and it continues to serve as the ruling
precedent. Not all of Downes required reprinting, as it was only the concurring opinion
of Justice White that was central to the establishment of the
incorporated/unincorporated distinction. In addition, the dissenting opinion of Justice
Harlan was reprinted because of the power and eloquence of its language, and the
possibility that it may one day be considered prophetic if the unincorporated territory
doctrine is overturned. Since the judicial decisions are the only historical materials not
from the Virgin Islands, although they are very relevant to its constitutional
development, they were included in an appendix. Further editions of this volume
could include important judicial decisions arising out of the Virgin Islands itself, or a
separate document containing them could be prepared.

 While it is important to be aware of the limitations of any scholarly work, its value
 should not be understated either. For the first time this publication makes available a
 convenient reference source for all the major political and constitutional documents
 relating to the development of this territory's present governmental structure and
 political status. As the people of the Virgin Islands approach the historic political status
 referendum in September, 1993, it is more important than ever that they be aware of
 the prior developments that have shaped the choices they will be asked to make. It is
 also very crucial to the development of a common Virgin Islands' identity that our
 schools incorporate locally relevant materials into civics and social studies curricula. It
 is also central to the growth of an informed and responsible electorate.

 As is always the case with a project of this scope and importance, many people
 and institutions played crucial supporting roles that should be acknowledged with
 gratitude. First of all, the members of the Virgin Islands Humanities Council were kind
 enough to provide the initial grant that made this publication possible. Subsequently,
 we received the full cooperation and support of the Executive Director of the Council,
 Magda Smith, and her staff. They showed great patience and flexibility as the
 publication continued to grow in scope, with all the attendant delays. The members of
 the project planning committee, as well as Professor Boyer, contributed their
 dedication, expertise, ideas, and hard work to the shaping and completion of this book.
 For example, Dr. Robert V. Vaughn labored conscientiously and well to produce an
 outstanding index that significantly increases the utility of this collection. Excellent
 working relationships were established that I am confident will be in evidence as we
 proceed to the curriculum phase of the project. Officials of the University of the Virgin
 Islands, particularly Dr. Denis F. Paul, the Academic Vice-President, and Dr. Darshan
 Padda, the Vice President for Research and Land Grant Affairs, were supportive and
helpful, and permitted the use of University funds to supplement the original grant, and
University staff to publicize the publication. Next, the conscientious work of