Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 April 1918 — PHILOSOPHY OF WALT MASON [ARTICLE]

PHILOSOPHY OF WALT MASON

I would not like a traitor fall, my back against a limestone wall, a firing squad in front; ’twould Im a dismal way to end the, little path I humbly wend, this finish to my stunt. So I keep tab upon my tongue, and see that loyal; words are sprung, when I rear up and spiel; disloyal words may do great harm, may paralyze some soldier's arm, and make Jiim drop his steel. The careless talkers drift around, and fret - and scold and paw the ground; perhaps they mean no ill; but they’d be pained if they could know how far their idle yawpings, go to hearten Kaiser Bill, In times of peace each native gent could stand and cuss the government, until Iris lungs went lame; I used to do it, I confess; we all enjoyed it more or less, and all endorsed the game. Free speech is numbered with the boons for which our fathers soaked their spoons, and stripe ped the strongbox bare; when gentle peace is herei once more, we’ll all be privileged' to roar, and rant around and swear. But now sweet peace is done, to death; and he who uses up his breath to grumble and complain, to show that all we do is wrong, is striving hourly to prolong the Teuton Tyrant’s reign. I would not like a traitor swing from some tall tree where robins sing, a rope around my neck; and so I spring the kind of dope that reeks of confidence and hope, and "always will, by heck.