The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-04-10
Theodosiu Burr

1dent of the United States. Burr, cool, calculating, always in hand, sat and weighed many matters we'll before he committed himself beyond repair. His keen mind saw now and seized the ad- vantage for which he waited. "You say right, gentlemen, both of you," he began, leaning forward "I would not blame you if you never went to the White House again."
 "Should I ever do so again. blazed the Spanish minister, 'I will take my own wife in to dinner on my own arm and place her at the head of the table, where she belongs. 1t was an insult to my sovereign that we received to- day"
 "As much myself, sir,'' said Mr. Mer- ry, his brows contracted, his face flushed still with anger "I shall know how to answer the next invitation which comes from MT. Jefferson. I shall ask him whether or not there is to be any repetition of this sort of thing"
 "So much for the rule of the plain people," said Burr as he laid the tips of his fingers together contemplatively.
 "Yet, Colonel Burr, you are vice pres ident under this administration" broke out Merry.
 "One must use agencies and opportu- mites as they offer. My dear sir, per haps you do not fully know me. I took this election only in order to be close to the seat of affairs. I am no such rabid adherent to democracy as some may think. You would be startled if I told you that regard this republic as no more than an experiment. This is large continent. Take all that west ern country-Louisiana. It ought not to be called attached to the United States. At this very moment it is half in rebellion against its constituted au- thorities. More than once it has been ready to take arms to march against New Orleans and to set up new coun- try of its own. It is geography which fights for monarchy against democracy on this continent in spite of what all these people say"
 "Sir," said the British minister, "you have been a student of affairs
 "And why not? claim intelligence, good education, association with men of thought. My reason tells me that conquest is in the blood of those men who settled in the Mississippi valley. They went into Kentucky and Tennes- see for the sake of conquest. They are restless, unattached, dissatisfied ready for any great move. No move can be made which will seem too great or too daring for them. Now, let me confess somewhat to you, for know that you will respect my confidence if you go no further with me than you have gone tonight. have bought large acreages of land in the lower Louisiana country ostensibly for colonization pur- poses. do purpose colonization there, but not under the flag of this repub- lic."
 Silence greeted his remark. The oth- CTS sat for moment, merely gazing at him half stunned, remembering only that he was Jeffersons collea que, vice president of the United States.
 "You cannot force geography" resum ed Burr, in tones as even as if he had but spoken of bartering for house and lot. Lower Louisiana and MeXi- co together-yes, perhaps, Florida with us-yes, perhaps. Indeed, territories larger perhaps than any of us dare dream at present, once our new flag is raised. All that I purpose is to do what has been discussed thousand times before-to unite in natural al- liance of self interest those men who are sundered in every way of interest and alliance from the government on this side of the Alleghenies. Would