The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1907-03-09
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ton grounds there has been set out
what IS claimed to be the largest and
finest parade ground on earth. Upon
this Geld of level green the regimen is
OF the powers will vie with each other
in displays of martial pageantry.
The development Of this exposition
has been something like the develop
ment of the original colony at James
town, with one important exception
Or all of the men and women engaged
in this great enterprise for the Ex-
ploitation of Underwater Virginia, there
has not stood forth one man of pre-
eminent executive ability. There has
been, however, all of the strife, dis
cord, jealousy and suspicion that
marked the founding Of James City.
In the original colony, however, there
was passenger. one John Smith, who
made himself SO thoroughly felt at
the time, that he graved his name in
history more effectually than it could
have been graved on metal or stone.
There was certain confidence in
his bearing, much volubility and bold.
ness in his speech that was exasperat.
ing. So acute did the situation be.
come during the voyage across the
Atlantic that this Englishman was
finally put under arrest.
The story of his life hitherto cor
roborates the old saying that truth is
stranger than fiction" The story re-
lated by himself is exceedingly excit.
ing and romantic. 1t would have been
more easily believed if it had been
put on record by other hands than his
own. 1t runs something like this:
When but youth he ran away
from home, carrying with him his
trifing belongings, and entered upon
a wonderful career of adventure.
While mere lad he was shipwrecked,
and again, according to his own ac-
count, he was robbed at sea- He be-
came a tramp and wanderer through
France, where, being attacked and
robbed, he was left half dead and ex-
ceedingly near to perishing. Meeting
this same horde of bandits later on,
he reaped swift vengeance by Staying
some of them. While on a shin car
rying devout Catholics to the Easter
celebrations at Rome, he was thrown
overheard in order to appease a most
furious storm for which his heretical
person was held responsible. What
ever became of the pious Christian
experience, is not known. Smith him.
self partly floated and partly swan
to a desolate island. From this is.
land he was rescued by passing ship.
While on this ship there was an en-
counter with a Venetian argosy, and
after a bloody conflict, in which he
was conspicuous, the argosy was CUP.
tured and its treasury distributed
amongst those engaged in the battle.
Later on he joined the Germans.
who were engaged in a fierce war
against the Turks. AS a soldier OF
the army of Prince Sigismund, he had
n memorable experience with three
Turks who were the champions OF the
VI hloil al LAiiCS' III tIliS encounter ne
slew first one and then another, and
still another of the Turks, who in
turn, engaged him in duel. This OK.
plot commanded for him at once the
favor Of the German army: and espe
cially Of Prince Sigismund, who made
him a present of a handsome purse
and who afterwards gave him nat,
ent Of nobility, the coat-ofarms Of
which was shield upon which wire
embla2oned three Turks heads, CON.
memorating the combat with the
three Turks OF the MOhammedan
forces.
Whether one accepts the truthful
ness Of these stories related above ne.
ponds largely upon ones point OF
view Fortunately for Smith, the most
exciting and unlikely Of the incidents
is corroborated by other and older
records than his own. The storv of
the encounter with the Turks and the
subsequent reward on the part of
Sigismund are matters that had gone
on record before Smiths narrations
concerning them had been made pub.
lie.
But. whether John Smith was the
hero and nobleman that he confesses
himself to have been he was a man
Who did things, and because Of his
d9ings. the exploitation of historic
T,ae-water Virginia, Is called the
jamestown Exposition, albeit the
location is far from jamestown, and
yary few OF the myriads Of visitors
win 70 out Of their way % yisi. tbs
original place OF settlement
SMITH D. FRY.