The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-04-11
(Continued J.

"1 march only with destiny, yonder- do you not see, gentlemen" Burr re- sumed. "Those who march with me are in alliance with natural events. This republic is split now, at this very moment. It must follow it's own fate. If the flag of Spain were west of it on the south and the flag of Britain west of it on the north, why, then we should have the natural end of the republics expansion. With those great powers in alliance at it's back, with the fleets of England on the seas, at the mouth Oe the great river-Owning the lands of Canada in the north-it would be a simple thing to crush this republic against the wall of the Appalachians or to drive it once more into the sea-" They were silent before the enormity of this. Reading their thoughts, Burr raised his hand in deprecation.
 "I know what is in your minds, gen. tlemen. The one thing which troubles you is this-the man who speaks to you is vice president of the United States. l say what in your country would be
 
 is not yet treason, because thus far we are. in an experiment. We have no actual reign of reason and of law, and he marches to success who marches with natural laws and along the de6- nite trend of existing circumstances and conditions"
 What you say, MT. Burr," began ho merit of audacity. And I see that you have given it thought"
 ''I interest you, gentlemen! You can go with me only if it be to your inter- est and to that of your countries to join with me in these plans. They have gone far forward-let me tell you that. know my men from St. Louis to know that population. If this be trea- son, as MT. Patrick Henry said, let us make the most of it. At least it is the intention of Aaron Burr. stake upon it all my fortune, my life, the happi- ness of my family. Do you think am sincere?''
 Merry sat engaged in thought. He
  of nations thus suddenly shown before him on the diplomatic board. And on his part it is to be said that he was there to represent the interests of his own government alone.
 In the same even tones Burr re- sumed his astonishing statements.
 My son-in-law, MT. Aston. of South Carolina, a very wealthy planter of that state, is ill full accord with all my plans. My own resources have been pledged to their utmost, and he has been so good as to add largely from his own. admit to you that sought alt- ance with him deliberately when he asked my daughters hand. He is an ambitious man, and perhaps he saw his way to the fulflment of certain personal ambitions. He has contrib uted $5O,OOO to my cause. He will have 8 place of honor and profit in the new government which will be formed yon- der in the Mississippi valley"
 ''So, then" began Yrujo, 'the fnanc- ing is some what forward. But $5O,OO0 is only drop."
 "We- may as well be plain" rejoined Burr. '"Time is short-yOu know that it is short. We all heard what MT. lief ferson said-we know that if we are to take action it must be at once. That expedition must not succeed! If that wedge be driven through to the Pacific and who can say what that young Virginian may do?-your two countries 1o fo6 tnent by one which will wage success full war on both. Swift action is my only hope--and yours."
 "Your funds" said MT. Merry, "seem to me inadequate for the demands which will be made upon them. You said fifty thousand?'
 Burr nodded.
 'I pledge yoN as much mOre-on one condition that 1 shall name."
 Burr turned from Mir. Merry to SenOr Yrujo. The latter nodded
 ''I undertake to contribute the same amount,' said the envoy of Spain, "but with no condition attached"
 The color deepened in the cheek of she great conspirator. His eye gilt Eered a trif1e more brilliantly.
 "You named a certain condition, sir" he said to Merry.
 '.Yes; one entirely obvious"
 What is it, then, your excellency?" Burr inquired
 You yourself have made it plain. The internal ingenuity of yonder Cor sican-curse his dev;lish brain-has rolled a greater stone in our yard than could be placed there by any other hu- man agency. We could not believe that Napoleon Bonaparte would part with Louisiana thus easily. No doubt he feared the British fleet at the mouth of the river. No doubt Spain was glad enough that our guns were not at New Orleans ere this. But, l say, he rolled that stone in our yard. If title to this Louisiana purchase is driven through to the Pacific. as MT. Jefferson plans so