Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-12-26
GRANDDAUGHTER kay
NOW POVERTY STRICKEN
Both She and Husband Are Denied
Employment Under the
Government.
Advanced in Years, There L. Little
Left in Life for
Couple.

Couple.
But little Christmas cheer entered the
apartment of the granddaughter OF
Francis Scott Key, author Of "The Star
Spangled Banner" who. with her hus-
band, is destitute and in want in this
city.
with her husband lives at the Claremont
apartments. 21st and r streets northwest
The couple have just been informed by
Attorney General McReynolds that their
efforts to obtain employment of any kind
under the United States government have
failed.
Both Mrs. McBlair and her husband are
advanced in years. There is little left in
life for either of them, but all they ask is
the right to live and to work for this
right. Probably from the standpoint OF
efficiency they would not be able to serve
as Well as younger persons, but Mr. Nc
Blair declares that his mind still is clear.
and that he can perform the duties re-
CURED of him.
Former Department Employee.
Mr.. McBlair was formerly employ ed as
an attorney for the Department of JUS
tice. Although he is a southern man
and democrat, he was appointed to that
place by President Roosevelt.
During the time Attorney General
Bonaparte was in office he assigned
Mr.. McBlair to investigate land claims
In oregon and a number Of other i'm
porlant cases His service in the De-
married the granddaughter of the au-
thor or Americas immortal song, but
the appointment was made that the
marriage might take place. and was a
Rind OF wedding present from the
ROOSEVELT administration to the couple.
PRESIDENT Roosevelt learned that this
granddaughter of the poet was en-
Pioyed In a minor place in the War
department, and he sent for her. He
learned from her that there existed a
nomeiy but touching romance in life
or this lonely woman, and the romano
conferred about one A. Mcdonald Nc
Blair
Sends for McBlair.
President Roosevelt therefore sent for
McBlair. He proved to be a lawyer by
profession, but with little business A
southern man. whose family had been
financially ruined by the civil war, Nc
Blair had not made successful fight
against adversely. His best friend was
this granddaughter of Francis Scott Key,
and she, too, was helpless.
Mr.. Roosevelt sent McBlair to Attor-
ney General Bonaparte. and the latter
reported that inasmuch as McBlair was
finely educated man. well versed in the
law, his services could be utilized adj
tice.
Thereupon Mr.. Roosevelt had McBlair
appointed. and upon the strength of this
appointment McBlair and the grand
daughter of Francis Scott Key were
married.
While Mr.. Roosevelt remained in Office
the couple were comfortable and happy
During the next administration. however
Mr.. McBlair ceased to be an employee OF
the department Then the couple waited
until MIR. Taft had gone out of Office
and Mr. Wilson had succeeded him, when
they once more renewed their efforts tc
obtain employment.
They Were assisted in this by former
Attorney General Bonaparte and by Will
liam L.. ...arbury, the leader Of the pro-
gressive democrats in Maryland and for
a time President Wilson's candidate for
the United States Senate in that state
Mr.. Marbury wrote twice to the Presi-
dent, and the letters were referred to the
Attorney General.
Further Appeals Useless.
after several months of waiting and
| hoping. the McBlairs have just been in
formed by the Attorney General tina,
their case is hopeless, so far as this
administration is concerned. In his lette,
the Attorney General informs them tina,
it will be useless for them to make
any appeals from this decision or to seel
any personal explanations.
But it differs from other cases in this
that the woman whose existence has beer
deprived Of all basis for hope is one o.
| the living descendants of the man who's,
history is taught in the public schools o
| a nation and whose poem on the nation.
| flag is real inspiration of patriotism IL
old and young alike.
Money has been spent in large sums
| to immortaliZe the memory of Franci
Scott Key said friend today. Nor
money will be spent in erecting statues il
| his honor. But his living descendant cal
starve for all any one cares, and tn
means of earning livelihood by workin,
| for the government of the United State
| Is denied by those who have the employ
ing power"
Mrs. McBlair is not only granddaugh
ter of Francis Scott Key, but a grand
| niece of the late Chief Justice fancy AM
also of the late Admiral Franklin Blu
chanan, who commanded the Merrimac IL
/ x.r,xy,