Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 62, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 November 1917 — PHILOSOPHY OF WALT MASON [ARTICLE]

PHILOSOPHY OF WALT MASON

I do not hate the German crew as fiercely as I ought to do. I know 1 ought to yip and roar, and kick some panels from the door, whene’er I hear a German name, the symbol of a nation’s shame. But it is vain to sit up late indulging in cheap brands of hate; and if I hated, night aid day, until a pair of slats gave Way, my hating wouldn’t help the right, or put a single foe to flight. I’d rather show up good and strong and help the ißed Cross cause along, to send a bandage to the lad Who lost a wing near Petrograd, to buy the surgeons lint and knives, that they may save some heroes’ lives —I’d rather do that sort of thing than hate from now until next spring. I sometimes think I am too meek when friends and neighbors rant and shriek, expressing hatred by the ton for every German and his son. But when I Irate for half an hour I feel my stomach turning sour, my form is bathed in clammy sweat, and I must see the village vet.