Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 May 1918 — PHILOSOPHY OF WALT MASON [ARTICLE]

PHILOSOPHY OF WALT MASON

Four years ago the red god Mars was resting, drowsy, on his throne; and so we talked of choo-ehoo cars, and small beer gossip was our own. Then trifling things important seemed, and twaddle was our stock in trade; reformers o’er the country screamed—-you will recall the noise they made. Bridge whist employed the lazy dames at country elubs- throughout the land; and stories of the baseball games at eventide were in demand. Would Jinks be chosen county clerk, or would he run against defeat? Discussing this our jaws we’d work, for hours together on the street. Would Willard get the dinge’s goat? That was one theme long ago. Were girls entitled to the vote, or should they stay at home and sew? The neighbors used to at night and talk with me of many things; and we would whoop around and fight o'er cabbages and cats and kings. But since the war flags were unfurled and battle eagles raised their scream, it seems we’re in another world; the old time planet was a dream. The country clubs are drear and bare, no giggles from their porches rise; the girls no longer gather there, to see who gets the booby prize. AncT men have learned to think grave thoughts, and let the beer and skittles go; to plan how they may hand some swats, by sacrifices, to the foe.