Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 May 1902 — FREEDOM, UP TO DATE. [ARTICLE]

FREEDOM, UP TO DATE.

Dear Cuba, you are free at last— Saved fnom the Spanish wreck. Only one thing we still hold fastA cord around your neck. You're free to choose a President, And have a Congress, too. ‘ And turn out laws to heart’s content. As other nations do. Only—if you should fail to show Your gratitude profound, Forgetting everything you owe For blessings that abound; And if you’re bent—like foolish menOn doing as you list— Why, don't complain, if now and then. We give that cord a twist, And you are free to plant your isle Thick-set w|th sugarcane, And let tobacco, mile on mile, Dot mountain-side and plain. And if we still blockade your ports. While all your products rot, Don’t let that put you out of sorts; You're free to what you got. Your rights are many, wide and deep. Why should you sulk and pout? Only one little right we keep— The right to starve you out. We've kept our word. Whoever heard Such word or honor matched ? We've kept our word—for to that word We've kept a string attached. And this is freedom, sure as fate A novel, wondrous thing— American and up-to-date— Blest freedom!—with a string! We'll eome and share its joys with you. And bring our trolley cars, And introduce a trustor two, And smoke your best cigars. And if you have the nerve to kick, From fort and quarterdeck We ll prove how strong it is and thick - That cord around your neck. -Life.