The Irish standard., 1901-10-19


which he did not want to carry with
him into the further western wilder
ness, left 1t with Smith to be got on
his return or to be drawn upon. Tha
most unfortunate of all circumstances
was the fact that whether or not he
had explained to his host anything Of
the real nature of his expedition Burr
had importuned him to allow his two
sons to accompany him when he
should finally be ready, promising to
give their proper education and ad-
vancement his personal attention, and
Mr.. Smith had acceded to the request.
Then the Burr bubble burst. The
administration, by no means kindly
disposed toward him, allowed him to
proceed until 1t seemed sufficiently evil
dent that his schemes were dangerous.
Then his arrest was ordered, and
general proclamation issued prohibit
ing everyone from taking part in or
aiding the expedition. When this proc
lamation reached Cincinnati, as it did
on Dec. 13. 1906, it caused intense ex-
citement, rs it was accompanied by an
order of Governor Tiffin to General
John s. Gano calling out the Ohio mill
tia to guard the Ohio river. Various
divisions Of Burr's followers had pass.
cd down the river, and more were ex-
pected to follow. 10 arrest any such
craft was the object Of the governors
order. The local detachment Of the
militia, however anxious 1t might have
been to do service, was not armed
or equipped. In the urgency of the
matter General Gano crossed TO New
port. and there applied to Major Thom-
as Martin. commandant Of the garri-
son. for arms and ammunition SUM-
cient to do effective service should It
be required. Major Martin had no or
ders from the war department for lend.
ing munitions Of war to the Ohio mill
tia and politely but firmly declined to
allow them to leave his possession.
That night Senator Smith was told Of
the matter. At II p. m. in company
with General Gano and two other Gin
cinnatlans he crossed the river, called
the veteran commandant from his bed
and renewed the earnest application
for the supplies. Major Martin again
explained that he was without author
ity In the matter, and feared that to
grant the request would injure him
with the war department. This he
could not risk, as he was Oh old man
dependent upon his income as an Off
Ger. Senator Smith then pledged his
influence with the secretary of war
and bound himself in the sum of
$4,000 for the safe return of the arms
and the official approval of the majors
acts in entrusting them to the militia.
Thereupon the arms were delivered,
guard was established, patrol boats by
day and bonfires by might were watch.
cd with eager, expectant interest by
the people Of Cincinnati. Conflicting
rumors run riot, some citizens believ.
ing that Blennerhassett-w as
matter Of fact had fed-would descend
the river with force strong enough
to wipe out the militia and do injury
to the town. Everyone was excited,
and Cincinnati bore every evidence Of
being In a state Of siege.
In the meantime Senator Smith was
the busiest man in the town. Not only
did he render valuable service in equip
ping the militia, but without orders
from the war department provided for
the housing and feeding Of the men.
lie was also, as Il matter Of business
speculation, building a number of gun
boats They were then OH the docks
at Columbia. These he hurried to COM
pletlon, launched and started down the
river to be delivered to the proper
| naval authorities at New Orleans.
Their approach almost caused Il panic,
for they were supposed to be a part Of
Burr's tlotilla, heavily armed and
ready for a desperate battle. Their
identity, however, was soon made
known and they proceeded on their