Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 February 1902 — THE LIBERTY BELL HUSHED. [ARTICLE]

THE LIBERTY BELL HUSHED.

They have sent the Bell of Liberty to Chatleetown on the Const, Where the people meet and greet it with acclaim. And we touch it with devotion and we very loudly boast That it cracked while clearly ringing Freedom’s name. Though its brazen lips are silent and its echo sounds no more, Yet we clkitn to understand just what it means: Equal rights and equal justice—on America’s fair shore— But subjects In the far-off Philippines. Yes, it Is cracked while ringing Freedom from a despot's iron band, And the fathers cried with joy to hear the sound. They foregathered ’neath their banner and they fought, a hero band, And their ebbing lifeblood hallowed Freedom’s ground. But we’ve gathered added knowledge of the meaning of the word— And forgotten Valley Forge and other scenes. While they fought for rule of justice we are ruling with the sword In the name of Freedom, In the Philippines. Read the old bell’s quaint Inscription I Would it be a waste of time? Would it tend to crush our lordly pomp and pride? Is it well the old bell is silent? Is It well its mellow chime Rings no more the cause for which our fathers died? Dare we send it on a joufney ’rpund the world, from shore to shore, And proclaim to list’ning nations what it means? Would it bring a peaceful dawning where the sullen rifles roar In the jungles of the far-off Philippines? Take it back! ’Tis cracked and silent, and its lesson is forgot. Might, not justice, is the motto we uphold, Gleaming bayonet and rifle, cannon smoke and battle het— Anything to garner in the land and gold! Government by all the people I 'Tis for that our fathers bled— Died to give a freeman’s right to you and me— But the Brown Man! If he asks it we will fill him full of lead. For we need his islands in our business. See? —The Commoner. Nelson Ducharme, Kniman, Ind., will cry sales in all parts of the country; terms reasonable.