e """^ Eacn Siaie a St Each Siar aSmt( -":i. Book. CopiglitN?- ^ 17 COPYRIGRT DEPOSm THE STARS OF OUR COUNTRY A COLLECTION OF POEMS BY WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT VISSCHER TO WHICH IS ADDID PRESIDENT WILSON'S GREAT MESSAGE THE NATIONAL PRESS NATIONXrmBHlNG CO. No. 241 So. American SL lF^lr^lr=^rP=^l?=^f ■^f OLD GLORY. Words by Wm. L. Visscher. ^ ?y^>p^ HIGH flies the flag- of Freedom By Columbia unfurled, And gracefully 'tis draping' In the breezes of the world ; Bright shine the gleaming galaxy Of inter-twinkling stars, Where stream in majesty its folds Of white and crimson bars. V CHORUS. Ho ! all the world. Behold " Old Glory !' Sing ye freemen, the gallant story ; See it waving in the sun-bright light, Where its Red, White and Blue unite. High among its undulating bars, Radiant gleam its Heaven-born stars ; 'Tis Columbia's flag that proudly flies To kiss sweet Freedom in the skies. It is the flag that patriots Have nobly followed when Fierce battle's blight has tried the souls Of truest, bravest men, And when, betimes, 'twas only seen Within the rifting cloud Before whose storm of leaden hail War's sable plume has bowed. Now let the Nation's bells ring out, And all her banners wave. While Freedom's light from Freedom's sun The living world shall lave ; As "we join the loyal nations, For Humanity and Peace, May the lord of Hosts uphold us And our praises never cease. ^ Eutered according to Act of Congross, ia the year 1917. Iiv-'National Publishing Co., in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, ^r Washington, D. C. AUG-3i9iPaA47:3uii PREFACE. WHEX W1LL1A:\I LJGHTFOOT VISSCHEE, the well-known poet, composed the poems in this volume, one for each State in the Union, he also had in mind the thoug-ht: '* The Sisterhood of States," a family Union, each State an indi- vidual nnit, yet gTonped as a whole and forming- '* THE STAES OF OUR COUNTRY." A poem for a State and the seal of that State are printed on one page. On the ojiposite page, facing- the poem, appears a picture representing- some j)articvdar thing, persoilage or place for which that State is noted. As each State or Territory is famed for numerous and diversified great things, and has its many places of universal interest, as shown in history, the illus- trations selected for this work stand forth as being represen- tative. As the author has said, the x^oems, taken as a whole, can be likened to '* A Garland of Roses and Pansies." The illustrations picture inii)ortaiit historical events or show noted persons, places or things as connected with the States — ^the Stars of ''Old Glory." This book touches the spots of interest and stirs true patriot- ism, and its binding influence has a x)erinanent effect as well as educational value. THE PUBLISHERS. •^^f ir=^lF^lP^l l^l^l^F NATIONAL HYMN. Rev. S. F. Smith. 1832. MY country ! 'tis of thee, Sweet land of libert3', Of thee I sing ; Land where my fathers died ! Land of the Pilgrim's pride ! From ev'ry mountain side Let freedom ring. My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love ; I love thy rocks and rills. Thy woods and templed hills ; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. 1^ ^ ^ Let music swell the breeze And ring from all the trees. Sweet freedom's song ; Let mortal tongues awake ; Let all that breathe partake ; Let rocks their silence break; The sound prolong. Our father's God to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing ; Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light ; Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King. '• America," National Hymn, appears to have been Issued In 1836 by a Boston music publisher, in a collection of Psalm tunes. In this collection, entitled "Boston Academy," "America" appeared. IF^I ;^f llP^lr^lf iP^f THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER. Francis Scott Key. 1814. OH, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming ? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore dimly seen, thro' the mists of the deep. Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes. What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep. As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses ? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream : 'Tis the star-spangled banner ; oh, long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more ? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution, No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave ; ' And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave I O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. Oh, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand ] 1 Between their loved home and wild war's desolation ; I Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation ! I Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, | And this be our motto : " In God is our trust !" And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave, I O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. I "The Slar-Spangled Banner," composed by Francis Scott Key, I of Baltimore, at the time of the bombardment of Fort McHenry [ in 1814, is generally recognized as the National Anthem of the I United States. Mr. Key died in 1846. At San Francisco a menu- I ment costing 8150,000 has been erected to his meniory. On July | 26th, 1889, a general order was issued by the Secretary of the Navy I that "The Star-Spangled Banner" be played by the band on all | ?hips in commission at " Morning Colors." I ^;^=^'r^,=^f^r=^ BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC. Julia Ward Howe. MINE eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored, He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword, His truth is marching on. I have seen Him in the watchiires of a hundred cir- ^^ cling camps, |^^ They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews ^^ and damps, ^^ I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flar- |^^ ing lamps, i^^ His day is marching on. I^^ I have read a fiery gospel, writ in rows of burnished steel, |^ " As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace ^^ shall deal, ^^ Let the Hero, born of Avoman, crush the serpent with j^ his heel, ^^ Since God is marching on." ^^ He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call |^^ retreat, ^^ He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment 1^^ 0, be swift my soul, to answer Him, be jubilant, my feet ! 1^ Our God is marching on. ^^ In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, ^^ With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me ; ^^ As He died to make men ho\y, let us die to make men |^^ free, ^^ While God is marchincr on. ^S Mrs. Julia Ward Howe was in Washinglou, D. C, in 1861, when the city was full of soldiers and patriotic spirit Avas astir. The inspiration came to her during tiie singing of Army Songs, and when the John Brown song came to her mind. She then made some notes, and during the following night awoke before dawn, took these notes ai>d wrote the verses. James T. Fields, at that time editor of the /Atlantic Monthly, revised the title. Joseph Hopkinson. 1798. HAIL Columbia, happy land! Hail, ye heroes, heav'n-born band. Who foiig'ht and bled in freedom's cause, Who fought and bled in freedom's cause, And when the storm of war was gone, Enjoy'd the peace your valor won. Let independence be our boast. Ever mindful what it cost ; Ever grateful for the prize. Let its altar reach the skies. Firm, united, let us be, Eallying round our liberty. As a band of brothers join'd, Peace and safety we shall find. 1^ ^ Immortal patriots, rise once more, Defend your rights, defend your shore ! Let no rude foe, with impious hand. Let no rude foe, with impious hand. Invade the shrine where sacred lies Of toil and blood, the well-earn'd prize. While off'ring peace, sincere and just. In Heav'n we place a manly trust. That truth and justice will prevail. And ev'ry scheme of bondage fail. Behold the chief who now commands, Once more to serve his country stands The rock on which the storm will beat. The rock on which the storm will beat, But armed in virtue, firm and true, His hopes are fixed on Heav'n and you. When hope was sinking in dismay. When glooms obscur'd Columbia's day, His steady mind, from changes free. Resolved on death or liberty. 1=^ 1=^ 1^ " Hail Columbia," composed by Joseph Hopkiusou, LL.U., was first sung in public in Philadelphia, by a young singer named Fox, in 1798. It was considered the National Anthem for years after "The Star-Spangled Banner" was written, and in 1889 was ordered to be played on all ships in commission at "Evening Colors." COLUMBIA, GOD PRESERVE THEE FREE! Joseph Haydn. ARK of Freedom! Glory's dwelling-! Columbia, God preserve thee free ! When the storms are round thee swelling-. Let thy heart be strong in thee, God is with thee, wrong repelling: He alone thy chamjiion be. Ark of Freedom ! Glory's dwelling ! Columbia, God preserve thee free ! x\rk of Freedom! Glory's dwelling! Columbia, God preserve thee free ! Land of high, heroic glory ; Land whose touch bids slavery flee : Land whose name is writ in story, Eock and refuge of the free : Ours thy greatness — ours thy glory ; We will e'er be true to thee. Vainly 'gainst thine arm contending. Tyrants know thy might, and flee. Freedom's cause on earth defending. Man has set his hope on thee; ' Widening glory — peace unending — | Thy reward and portion be. | These beautiful words never grow old. They are as timely and i fitting for the present as when the verses were first composed and put into print. They will live and continue to ring as long as " Freedom " remains the battle-cry of humanity and the I nations of the earth. ^ COLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN. D. T. Shaw. OH, Columbia, the gem of the ocean, The home of the brave and the free, The shrine of each patriot's devotion, A world offers homage to thee. Thy mandates make heroes assemble, When Liberty's form stands in view ; Thy banners make tyranny tremble, When borne by the red, white and blue, ^^^len borne by the red, white and bine. When borne by the red, white and bine, Thy banners make tyranny tremble, When borne by the red, white and bine. When war wing'd its w^ide desolation, And threaten'd the land to deform. The ark then of freedom's foundation, Columbia, rode safe thro' the storm : With garlands of vict'ry around her. When so proudly she bore her brave crew, With h<^r flag proudly floating before her. The boast of the red, white and blue. The boast of the red, white and blue. The boast of the red, w^hite and blue. With her flag proudly floating before her,* The boast of the red, white and blue. The star-spangled banner bring hither, O'er Columbia's true sons let it wave ; May the wreaths they have won never wither, Xor its stars cease to shine on the brave. ^Eay the service united ne'er sever, But hold to their colors so true ; The army and navy forever. Three cheers for the rec], white and blue, Three cheers for the red, white and blue, Three>-cheers for the red, white and blue, The army and navy forever, Three cheers for the red, white and blue. "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," by D. T. Shaw, is set to the music of "Red, White and Blue," which dates from the Crimeau \\ ar, where it was played alilie by the English and their French Allies. iF^f iF^I DE SUTO, EARLY GUVEKNUU OF GULF COAST TERRITORY. Alabama was first known to Europeans in 1541, The expedition of De Soto had to fight its way through the Indian tribes who peopled this section at that period. While these tribes were more numerous, they were less savage than the Northern Aborigines. 16 ALABAMA. DOWN SOUTH. TIS summer in the quiet land of bloom, 'Neath skies that winter never knew ; In forests deep the dusky cypress plume Nods where the wildvine tendrils clew Among- the humbler growth, beneath the shade Of centuried and hoary oaks, And where the rainbow-tinted sunbeams fade. Under the long- and trailing- cloaks Of mosses, bannered to the lofty boughs, That weave a close and leafy screen For nooks where fly-beg'oaded cattle browse, In covers cool, of grateful green. Before the facade of the deep, dark wood, The fallow fields and pastures lie, And ripening- harvests, teeming-, rich and gopd, Give pleasing- promise to the eye. Among- the china and the orange trees. And flowers of myriad dye, And jasmine vines that in each baln\y breeze Their g-a^^ and golden showers fly. There stands, witli open doors, a planter's home, And stillness reigns about its halls. Except the sound of bees around the comb. Or ring- dove's low and distant calls. The sunflower droops in comely grace Before the day-king's fervid rays — A Clytie fair, who bends her modest face Beneath Apollo's ardent gaze. A shimmering haze is in the air. The mocking bird his riot stills, The river glints beneath the sun's fierce glare. And mists hang o'er the far-off hills. The pigeons croon beneath the eaving-frieze, A kitten sleeps in " mammy's " lap. And in a hammock, swung betwixt two trees, " Old Marster " takes his noontide nap. 17 " MY JUNO FROM JUNEAU." The area of Alaska about equals all of the States of the U. S., east of the Mississippi River, including the Gulf .States. Warm furs are need- ed, as winter weather is very severe iu parts, where it is said the ground freezes much deeper in winter than it thaws in summer, so that water does not drain ott" through the lower strata. The (■uiate varies considerably throughout its vast extent. 18 ALASKA. MY JUNO FROM JUNEA.U. THEEE is a g-irl in the frozen land, The land of the midnight sun. She went there with a singing- band, And when her work is done She's coming back to sing with me. I want you all to know ; For I lore her, and she's — Oh gee* My Juno girl from Juneau, My Juno from Juneau, I know and j^ou know, She's the sweetest thing that ever did sing In the land where the blizzards do blow. In the land where the blizzards do blow And the people dress like Crusoe, In furs and skins, with wooden pins. And swear as hard as Pluto. That girl is the biggest lump of gold That comes from Alaska land ; And she is warm in spite of the cold That sweeps that frozen strand. No other girl on the gay old earth, From Mexico to snow, Can stack by her a penny's worth. My Juno girl from Juneau. 19 ZUNI INDIAN VILLAGE. The early settlers and town-building Indians are noted for their pe- culiarly built dwellings. Their history dates back ito 1540, when they were subdued by Coronado, and they have been recognized as peace abiding citizens for nearly a century past. Their houses are communal, generally but one structure for the whole village. 20 ARIZONA. A PUNCHEK'S POINTS. A SOLDIER died in Yuma— Leastways that's how its told — And went away to where they say, The climate's sorter cold, Compared to that of Yuma, So he dumb np to the rim And piped to have his blankets Sent immediate, to him. Of course the story aint plumb true, But sometimes gets a laugh, And its quoted under what is know^n. By English folks, as '' chawf .'' Course, it gets some warm in Yuma, And about The Needles, too, But Arizona has fine points, I say, old scout, to you. I've rid the range from Flagstaff Clar to Tucson, sou'east way. And back and forth, and criss-cross, On the herd or prospect lay. And sure thar's more fine weather, For more months in the year. Than anywhere beneath the sun. In this Arizona sphere. With gems, and gold, and silver, Arizona's in the scene, And when it comes to copper, She's straight flush from the queen; Her oranges, and figs, and dates, Would sure attract you some. And, hoof to horn, I'm telling you. That young State's in it, PLLTMB. 21 ARKANSAS. "THE TOOTHPICK STATE." BECAUSE of a graceful implement, That wa« called the bowie knife, Affected then by many men, In ways of social life, And sometimes called a " toothpick," Often used in a debate, Arkansas got the nickname Of " The Toothpick State." There were French and Spanish governments, Then the grant to one John Law ; Once more to Spain and back to France, Thus poor old Arkansaw Was always in a muddle, Till that noted deal was made 'Twixt Jefferson and Bonaparte, The " toothpick " in the trade. On both sides in the Civil War, She Jkept her quota full ; In Eeconstruction's horrid feast, She supped of horrors, full, But now the " pinto " days are gone. And millions come, forsooth, To drink with her the waters from De Soto's Fount of Youth. 23 FORT POINT AND "GOLDEN GATE ^' one-half' mne"w?dl''n'"eS^^^ 1? 18^9, is one and Of the finest harbors in thi world '^^*'' Francisco Bay, which is one 24 CALIFORNIA. LAND OF THE GOLDEN GATE. FROM where the wondrous banners fly At Shasta's peak, of driven snow, To where the southland breezes sigh Along the sands of Mexico ; From where the white Sierras rise, To where the westering sun rides on, From out America's fair skies, Outlines thy domain's horizon — My golden California. The old time padres and the grape ; The 'dobe missions — crumbling now ; The vine and bloom that deck and drape Thy lofty and historic brow ; Thy forest monarchs, lifting high Their coned and fronded, hoary heads ; Thy loamy lands and tender sky, Bind me to thee in memory's threads — My dreamy California. The senoritas of that day, Gone with the clucking castinet ; The caballeros, vain and gay ; The donna's watchful eyes of jet ; The twanging of the strummed guitar ; The love-songs that the lovers sang. Heard in the languid night, afar — Thus have thy memory's bells oft rang— My dear old California. Now teeming with thy citric yield. And grape, and fig, and apricot; The fruits of orchard and of field. Prosperity has been thy lot. Thy commerce and thy golden sand 'y Thy people, generous and true ; Thy cities jfair, that glow^ing stand. Turn eyes from all the world to you — My strong, young California. 25 THE MOUNT OF THE HOLY CROSS. This peak of the National range of the Rocky Mountains, in Colora- do, is 13,W)0 feet high, from which Thomas Moran made his famous painting : "I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from which cometh my help." 26 COLORADO. MOUNT OF THE HOLY CROSS. WHERE Nature's God hath roughest wrought ; Where spring- the purest fountains ; Where, long ago, the Titans fought, And hurled, for missiles, mountains ; Where everlasting snows abide, And tempest clouds are driven Along the solid, granite, side Of yawning chasms, riven Deep, in the Rockies' grandest pride That lifts its head to heaven ; Amid the wilds, where awful rise The giant peaks, that fathom Night's starry depths and day's blue skies, And brood above the chasm. One monarch 'mongst the mighty hills Rears high his summit hoary. Like some grim king, whose legend fills A page of olden story, And heart o'er awes and soul enthrills Before his regal glory. The holy cross of Christian faith. Above the royal velvet. In beauty shines, an emblem wraith, High on his beetling helmet ; Its white arms stretching through the sheen Of silvery mist, are gleaming, A talisman, the world to screen ; Hope's symbol in its seeming; A wonder grand, a joy serene, Upon the ages beaming, 27 PRISCILLA— REPRESENTING PURirAN STYLE. A picturesque New England scene of earlv days. While Connecticut was nicknamed " The Nutmeg State," it was also called " The l^and of Steady Habits." About 1638 a trading house was built in the Connecti- cut River region by the Plymouth Colony, followed afterwards by the Windsor Colony. 28 CONNECTICUT. THE PURITAN. STRICTEST of all the puritans, who dares To ryhnie concerning- thee, Connecticut? Religion was thy test when first began Thy start and strong advance in that which makes, For government, the standard and the base Of citizen ; the form, the substance, all That guides the best way for a people's weal. But firm as that old Charter Oak, wherein You hid your rights till they had stronger grown, You stood, loyal, stahvart and puissant, When war for Independence came, and sent Your doughty men, among the first, to help The work of Washington ; and of the names That shine upon the page of history. Marking those days of valiant hardihood, Stands Ethan Allen, linked in bright glory With Ticonderoga, and the mandate From " God and the Continental Congress." When mad and darksome came the awful day, Fraught with disunion's threat'ning blight and woe, Despite that not a man of arms within Thy boundaries was then equipped for w^ar. Within the space 'twixt new* taoon and its full. Five times thy quota of the nation's call Marched forth, a steel-crowned column, grim arrayed, To fig-ht, with might, for what you deemed the right, And this is biit a phase of thy career ; A hint at what thou art, Connecticut. 29 ONE OF THE BLUE HEN'S CHICKENS. Many years ago, whenCapt. Caldwell, of the 1st Delaware Regiment, said that no fighting cock could be true game unless its mother was a blu« hen, Delaware became known as the "Blue Hen State." 30 ^ DELAWARE. THE BLUE HEN'S CHICKENS. NEXT to bonny "Little Rhody," the baby of the flock, Your sisters turn toward you with open arms and heart. And from the days of Hudson down to this tick of the clock, You have always, fair and faithfully, performed your part. When the war for independence demanded help from you, From your little territory and sparsely peopled land, You came with a contingent of soldiers brave and true. And with patriotic fervor lent the cause a helping hand- Though sorely torn, divided, among your kith and kin, When came the war for union — double sorrow to your soul — You stood by grand " Old Glory," in the fratricidal din, And gave your blood and treasure to the crimson tide and toll. Thej^ are game — " The Blue Hen's Chickens," wherever they may go; They are square and fair, dependalDle, on land or on the sea; In friendship they are glorious, a terror as a foe ; An honor to this nation of sovereign people, free. 31 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. DAUGHTEES OF AMERICA. RIXG out, ye bells, your sweetest chimes! Sing-, all ye poets, dulcet rhymes ! Shout loud, ye crowds, in strongest praise ! Shine out, fair sun, in softest rays ! And dance, je rippling- waters ! For Freedom's sons will sing a song. That in a chorus, high and strong, Shall sounding ring from sea to sea, Whose grandest harmony shall be America's true daughters. Oh! they are loyal, brave and true, And soft the red, and white, and blue. That in the nation's colors rise, Blend in their cheeks, and lips, and eyes. And glow upon their banners. From ocean shore to mountain crest ; From north, and south, and east, and west; From all the bright and beauteous land, They come, a glory-giving band, And singing loud hosannas. With cheering words from such a mouth, As thine, oh daughter of the south! And love from such a loyal breast. As thine, oh daughter of the west! The sons can never falter; And while in north and east Shall stand The loyal, helping, sister band. Sweet Freedom's day shall know no night, But ever shall the flame glow bright Upon the country's altar. 33 FLORIDA. 'TWIXT GULF AND SEA. FANNED by. -the breezes of two seas, Fair land named for the flowers, Thy shade of vine and tropic trees, Are ever Love's sweet bow^erg. Unto the sisterhood of states You bring- the fruits of story, In orange, lemon and the dates Of Sheba's ancient glory. You bring- with grape and nectarine, Pineapple and banana, The clime where dwelt the Nazarene And Mexic's soft manana. Thy towering- pines and royal palms And bannered oaks are laden With songs that silver-tone the psalms Sung by a Spanish maiden. Thine are the stars and summer breeze, The tinting of romances. And from thy islands of the seas Come poesy's fair fancies; Toward thee fly the northern birds. When winter's white steed prances, Then love her mantle loosely girds And with thee lithely dances. 35 BANKS WINTER, AUTHOR OF "WHITE WINGS." " Banks Winter, you are summer all the time." 36 GEORGIA. BANKS WINTER. BANKS Winter, you are summer all the time, And you come from the sunnj-, southern clime Of good old Georgia, Where King Cotton holds high sWay, And Frank Stanton sings a lay, Every single, blessed day, Of good, old Georgia. Banks Winter, you are greatest when you sing, And your song has a touch of breezy spring. In dear, old Georgia. 'Tis a happy, jolly throng Of friends you've helped along, With your kindness and your song. In and out of Georgia. Banks Winter, here's a flagon to your health. May you have that, and all you want of wealth- In and out of Georgia ; May you never have a fall, From the joy, and love, and oil. That make the rose-covered wall Around old Georgia. 3< IDAHO. THE rU IX CESS. WITHIN thy Ijouudaries, Idaho, A wondrous empire lies, From thy wide and fertile valleys To the azure of thy skies ; From thy snow-crowned mountain summits To thy canoned river walls, 'Mid a glorious scenic grandeur, That bewilders and enthralls. Thy waters, trending eastward, * Reach the gulf of Mexico, x\nd southward, 'long the Wasatch range, To the Colorado flow, And northward, 'mong the Coeur d'Alene, Through beauteous Pend Oreille, They reach the broad Columbia, E'en from the Bridal Veil. Thou art a princess, Idaho, Among thy sister band, And thy robe is rich in jewels From Nature's lavish hand ; Majestic 'mid tlw mountain crags. Generous, strong and bold, Thou givest from thy valleys, grain, And from thy hills, pure gold. 39 ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Our Civil War President was an Illinois rail-splitter when a yonng man. fie signed the Proclamation of Emancipation in IHtio, and' made his memorable address at Gettysburg later in the same year. The memory of Lincoln will never die. 40 ILLINOIS. SOXS OF ILLINOIS. HAIL and welcome, gallant soldiers, }»Ieii of nei've and brawn ! Never since the nation's fathers Ushered freedom's dawn, Came a band of sun-bronzed heroes, Bringing more of j^y Than here tints your buoj'^ant banners, Sons of Illinois. Shout, ye people; roar the cannon; Sound the bugles, long; Chant, ye singers, loud hosannas, Deep, and full, and strong ; Eing the bells and shower flowers, Till each noble boy Feels the love we give his legion ; Sons of Illinois. You have borne your banners Ijravely , Kept your honor bright For your country standing ready. As a w^all of might ; Waiting, faithful, true and willing . ]\ren Avithout alio}' ; Now your people greet you, cheering , Sons of Illinois. Welcome, soldiers, back to home-land. Whence you bravely' went, Daring toil, defying danger , Heroes, freedom-sent : Now the kinsman, friend and stranger, Bring you hope and joy. And with love and praises meet you, Sons of Illinois. 41 JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY. Familiarly known as the "Hoosler Poet." Noted for his dialect and child verse, he gained a well-deserved position in literature. His mem- ory and his poems will always live. 42 INDIANA. A SOXG FOR IXDIANA. LET us sing" a ring-ing" song", For Indiana, Indiana. Till it echoes loud and long-. For Indiana, Indiana. Full of home-love, let it be, Let its accents, full and free, Sound from mountains to the sea, For Indiana. Chorus : Oh ! sing- for Indiana, A swelling-, hig-h hosanna ; 'Tis a gem upon the banner Of the free — Indiana. 'IMong' thy rolling* hills and vales, Dear Indiana, Indiana. 'Long- thy streams and flowered dales, Dear Indiana, Indiana. Where thy balmy breezes play Through thy woods and fields alwaN^ We love you every day, Dear Indiana. In times of war and x:)eace. Brave Indiana, Indiana. You've been true without surcease, Brave Indiana, Indiana. In the east and in the west, ']\Iongst the truest and the best, You have stood high honor's test. Brave Indiana. May you live ten thousand years. Old Indiana, Indiana. Full of joy, and few thy tears, Old Indiana, Indiana. And may you ever stand, Honor bright amid the band Of thy sisterhood so grand. Old Indiana. 43 LUCILLE, HAZEL AND A WHEEL. There is nothing drowsy about Iowa. The name is said to mean, in the language of the Indians, "The Beautiful I^and. ' The motto of the "flawkeye .State "is: "Our Liberties We Prize, and Our Rights We Will Maintain. " 41 IOWA. THE HAWKEYE STATE. IX the tongue of the "Winnebagoes, lowans are the " sleepy ones," Which shows how oft a would-be meaning Quite to the plain contraiy runs. The folks that live in Iowa Are most distinctly wide awake, And to extremes — ^their climate like— They sometimes go till '" wet '' folks quake. Iowa had her ups and downs — Yet not a mountain in the land — But she's plumb level, on the square, And altogether fair and grand. She sent' a mighty host of men To thwart disunion's threat and fume, Till peace, triumphant, swept along. And downed the war god's sable plume. Of all the g'lorious sisterhood. There's not a wiser in the band ; She rules her household cheerily, And when help's needed, lends a hand. With her prosperity abides, And all her comely sisters give Love's kindest greeting in their song : "Bear Towa, long live! long live!" 45 WALT MASOX, THE "POETRY IN PROSE" AUTHOR. Also famous as '-The One Wealthy Poet." His home is iu Emporia. Kansas has long been known as the " .Sunflower State." 46 KANSAS. THE SUNFLOWER STATE. KANSAS is where Walt ^Slasoii lives and William Allen White abides, and it is said that Mason gives a lot of kids long- auto rides, and Mason \\Tites a world of ryhmes, run in like prose, the way this is, and thus he earns a pile of dimes, and makes the thing- a paying biz. 'Tis good to see a poet win, for mostly they are said to fail, and they are blamed till it's a sin, about their emptj^ dinner pail. And also, William Allen White has done a lot for Kansas kind, yet he don't do a thing but write the things that come into his mind. But Kansas is a commonwealth, that in the memory of man was only sage brush, plains and health, and, later, folks that also ran. The rain belt w^ent out from the east and irrigation came from w^est, until the whole thing- is a feast and Kansas stands among' the best. 47 DANIEL BOONE. This famous frontiersman, with five companions, entered Kentucky in 1769, was captured by the Indians, afterwards escaped, and he and MS brother lived a whole winter in a cabin. In 1775 he built a fort where Boonesboro, Ky., is now located. There are about thirty towns in the United States which took their names from this great American Pioneer, 48 KENTUCKY. "THE DARK AND BLOODY GEOUXD." FROM where Big- Sandy tumbles down Its sources in the mountains Of West Virginia, and is fed By crystal brooks and fountains, Until it joins the graceful sweep Of broad Ohio's waters, That wash the strong- and shapely feet Of three beloved daughters Of fair Columbia, and join The great and murk^" river, That sweeps old Tennessee's I'ieh banks, Where water lilies quiver, I love you, dear Kentucky. I love your w^oods and verdant hills, And every stream and farm-land, For to your sons, dear mother state. Your every rood's a charm-land ; No fairer women in the world Nor braver men are living'. To bless the places whence they go, Than those that you are giving ; And for your strong and loving ways, Your happy homes and graces, Your sons are zealous that your name Shall hold the highest places. And love you, dear Kentucky. Oh, may you live ten thousand years. In all your st-rength and beauty. And may your sons cling" close to you In loyal love and duty; And may your fields be ever fair. And all your sorrow^s lighest, While all j^our joys shall grow apace,- The sweetest and the brightest ; May Peace and Plenty live wath you Through all the coming ages. And ever pure your history be In all its shining pages, As our love, Kentucky. 49 TRANSFER OF THE LOUISIANA TERRITORY, AT NEW ORLEANS. Originally a vast extent of land purchiased from France in 1808. Louisiana now comprises 48,720 square miles. It tias the largest number of navigable rivers of any State in the Union, and the levees are its noted physical characteristic. Cotton, sugar, rice and corn are the staple crops of the " Pelican State," and there is lumber in abundance. 60 w LOUISIANA. A CAJAX IDYL. 'YP'O' you ask me do, 'bout Lucie, gel? You know some thing- 'bout lieem and me? Eef I think dat, by gar, I bus yo' face, Eef not, pardonnez, Moos-soo, oui. Oh Gee! — How say you dat? — I love dees gel, An' much I think, he love me some, Till wan fine day he 'lope, 'way in de night, Wid — w'at you call? — wan ^lajor Drum. Y"ez, yez ! — you right — drum major — vera tall, An' pitch wan pole 'way up and down, 'Long- fron' de ban' till sho you think he own De street, an' maybe, all de town ! Dees Major Drum — oui — yaz — I unnerstan' — Drum major — Avell some tam he come. Some mo' 'long- fron' dat minstrel ban' hereliout, Den I bus heem — w'at you call — plumb. De ban' — dem udder men dat play on horn — Dey'U heem pick up an' wonder some— 'Cause lie is loss, beeg- hat an' all — an' — guess, Were he is gone, dat Major Drum? My lobe ees g-one — twice gone — g-one out my heart, An' gone \vid dat bum Major Drum ; An' nex' I know, 'way down in Or-lee-ans, Dat gel be sellin' some kine gum. An' maybe den, wan market day, some tam, I gone wid melon — maybe shoat — An' see dat gel, an' feel so mad an' wile, I turn dat — what you call? — de g-bat. Eef so dat ees, I buy de gaim, all out. An' Lucie, he come home wid me, Den s'all I willin' be de g-oat — -or mule — Af Lucie say it— yaz sir — ee ! 51 ••' CAMPING IN MAINE." The Pine Tree State" is said to liav e derived her name from Henrietta Marie. Camping, boating and fishing, amidst beautifuLnaturai scenery, are attractions for healthful recreation. no MAINE. AWAY DOWN IN MAINE.' FEOM St. John river south to where The Piscataqua empties in And helps to swell Atlantic's tide. Folks that go summering have been ; And when they come careering back, And looking proud, and tanned, and vain, One wishes he had gone there too ; Away down in Maine. Old Orchard, Casco Bay and Orr's, And every cool, inviting nook, Along the shores and 'mong the lakes— Also Anasagunticook — Just simply teem with fish and game. And one may dodge the dog days' strain And hunt, and row, and have a time. Away down in Maine. In that old State, the first that's named Among the Union sisterhood, The folks are broad, and frank, and free ; The whole world there seems fresh and good. But while a stranger in that land, If you'd return clear-minded, sane. Don't try to bag the local names. Away dow^n in Maine. 53 ■§5 t-C— ( m c3 >-M r2 a "O QJ ^fl 0^ 2 A'^ ai^ kC^ IK 0) t--^ d qj+-. ^ ia J -O'- tH ^3 tf p:5 =32 O 2^ S3? >- CQ ^ »« 4«> ** ^ !» 5P H (U (U ^ ^« 13 o c«2 ■tJ i» (J) H fe E f* t^ a c3 <1 " <^o 23 oTof *- , ti ^ cs >iaj Oj tyj O -J bj O TJ 02 5P ^ C« « O-a^ 3 ^Jh M aj 4) rj 2 S 'C S S do ->» MARYLAND. "MARYLAND, MY MARYLAND!" NO despot's heel is on thy shore, ISIaryland, my Maryland 1 No torch is at thy temple door, ISIaryland, my Maryland ! There is no temple on th}^ soil, And never was ; this but the moil Of poet's brain, that had to boil, ISIarjland, my Maryland ! Thy exiled sons have all come home, jSIaryland, my ]\Iaryland I Or somewhere else they choose to roam, Maryland, my ISIarjdand ! 'Twonld be for woe and not for weal To gird thy beauteous limbs with steel, And if you did you couldn't kneel, Maryland, my Maryland ! The fact is you are feeling- prime, ^Maryland, my Maryland ! And having just as fine a time, Maryland, my ISfaryland ! As any sister in the band, And you're a credit to the land — 'Tis time that wail of woe was canned, Maryland, my Maryland ! 55 t_ ■c c 00 U2 ■■■ (H-Ci cS a> QD — ( +J ^^^ ^a r/i . 0) cr a; < S '^' -^d ^ «IH O H 0^ ^1 h-H >^< ■t-j - K ^ ^ iC l-H Fh .—1 «< , 01 'C ^ ? ft -^ ^< '-^ flfl a WJ"^ w .■SrC *^ »^ i; H=i 0; > o ^ si ^ '>. c ^ O c: o :j CO ti«^ H X ^ 2:^1 ?«g - -O J-c s|^ ■^2 83 ,ai ® -s^-^ 4-> a»*j QJ-C o = g- ■g'S* l|5 M CO CS ►> 41 CD 08 — S.'i «ft -d-S- U Of} O cc < ^m H m O a5 m CS'^ w -c 2 a-^ I— 1 «M S ao «H «i1 cc 0) a "^^ ,« a: Mluu ehahi e mid 60 2-^ a+^ g.2 MINNESOTA. THE IRON STATE. TENTH in area of the sovereign States, The iron from thy northern fields Ts more than that from any region of the earth ; A vast resource among- the nation's yields. No other land, within the ken of mortal man. Sends to the hungry earth the bread That from thy ever teeming- harvests comes, The triljute of thy soil and toil, far-spread, Minnesota. Thy mighty rivers and thy thousand lakes, To north and south their waters send. Blending- with Hudson Bay and j\rexiG Gulf, Opening- thy empire's distal trend. Cities and forests, farms and lavish mines ; Strong- enterprise of steel-nerved men ; Vigor and. faith, and loyalty, withal, Have lifted thee, and crowned thee then. Minnesota. 61 MISSISSIPPI. 1^^ MISSISSIPPI WOODS. SO]\rE blue spots dashed with springtime haze Seen throug-h mag-nolia trees and hays ; The emerald green of tall pine tops, A laggard breeze, to bend them, stops ; A crimson splash of maple bloom, A scent of " sweet shrub's " soft perfnme, The snow of dog-wood, hiding- low, The lazy call of a loafing' crow ; The mock-bird's langh, that sneejing- rings Because an humbler song-ster sings ; Of sun and shade a perfect day, In southern March like northern May. We rembled there — sweet Belle and I — And heard the forest laugh and cry. In maiden fancy, bright and free. She thought the deep old woods a sea, The rich-robed birds, with whirr and swish, In dashing- by were flashing- fish. Pine cones were conch shells on the floor, And soughing- winds the ocean's roar. The great white clouds above the tips Of waving trees, were full-sailed ships, With romance laden, for the land Where Love stands shivering- on the strand. But here within the forest deep. Where angels through the blue spots peep, We wandered far, sweet Belle and I, And heard the forest laugh and crj^; To crown her sire's birthday fete, We gathered bloom and tarried late. 63 PIERHE LACLEDE (LIUULST), FlilST SETTLER OF ST. LOUIS. Pierre Laclede, a French explorer, on Feljruary 15, 1764, directed the first settlement of Saint Louis, which he named after Louis XV of France. Missouri is a great agricultural St^te, and millions of barrels of flour are milled every year. 64 MISSOURI. " SHOW ME !" YOU had asked the world to " show j^oii," And a few short years ago All the nations came to see yon, And they brought along that show. They brought lots of fun and fashion, And a sight of curious things, Prom elephants that flew about To birds that had no whigs. Tn that gathering- of the nations Was a real, jolly jam, And in the crowd was no one less Than glorious Uncle Sam, Who had beat Napoleon Bonaparte Upon a little trade, A steppin' 'round and braggin' on The dicker he had made. And still you wish to have us Come and "show you," all t^lie while. And that's wise of you, Missouri, For the world is full of guile. But this is just to say, once more. That you're a grand old State, From Arkansaw to Iowa, Alive and up-to-date. 65 ASSINABOINE INDIAN MOTHER AND CHILDREN, MONTANA. The Assinaboine Indians made repeated forays into Montana, lay- ing waste the country and murdering such settlers as ventured to oppose them. January 8th, 1877, a decisive victory was won over the Indians, at Wolf Mountains, Montana, and this led to the close of the war in the Spring of 1877. 66 MONTANA. A ^MOUNTAIN VALLEY. I AM not color-blind, and yet the stream is blue — or green — I know not which, as royally it marches down between The mountain lords, a stately queen. X^\) yon the river enters, where you see that wedge of blue ; On either side a grassy field spreads from the banks and tliru- Down yon— it cuts the range in two. The sun strides rapidly across, from east to western pile, Then gaily gilds the orient line, as with a wicked smile, Night's dusky siren to begiiile. 6^ « rj M «* ^ fl h' O as a> O flj CO tat* 5od ^fl o ^ 5 » ^ooo 2 ^ o 5 02 s — O ■§^2 2 a» g fl 43 fl o 72 03 s NEBRASKA. GEE AT IS AK-SAK-BEN. GREAT, growing, glorious commonwealth Of cattle, sheep and mnles, Of corn, alfalfa, horses, wheat, Of colleges and schools, Of statesmen, editors and all That make a mighty State, You are known from east to furthest west As high among' the great. You reach from dark Missouri's tide To where Wj^oming fills Her place amid the sisterhood, On mountains, plains and hills. And from Dakota's teeming fields To Kansas — kith and kin — That wept and bled before the time Columbia took you in. The world, admiring, watches you, As greater yet you grow. In all the things you crow about" — You have the right to crow. Here's to you, game Nebraska State, Your women, children, men, And may yon never know reverse, Beyond your " Ak-Sar-Ben." 61 WILLIAM LIGHTPOOT VISSCHER, THE AUTHOR. The Cowboy. He rose from a feast and came out of the east With life in his pulsing veins, And scorning a track, on his broncho's back, He flung to his beast the reins. 70 NEVAl>xV. A GOOD OLD SCOUT. WELL you remember, friend of mine, When on Xevada's plains We met and friendship first began To forge the golden chains That ever since have linked us two And braced us where w^e won, In hardship, trial, poverty, In danger, fight or fun. And now I'm glad to see you here, So gray, and strong, and tall, Beneath your big- sombrero, With buckskin coat and all, And we'll drink, in sparkling AAater, And the health that in it lies, A health to all the western land, Its rivers, hills and skies. And we'll pray for God's good blessing On all that wide domain, From dark Missouri's murky tide To Colorado's plain. And o'er the Rockies to the sea, 'Long can^'ons, 'royas, streams. Among the peaks and far across. To where Hood's helmet irleams. n THE MINUTE MAN OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. immlnsf nui'nniiP^.^^f ''Granite State," derives its nickname from the iTrv^lfc quantities Of fine grained granite within its borders. This R«vni ii^«'Srl^r2''^'* ^«^ obelisks in cemeteries. The Minute Men of the Revolution were always prepared for service at a minute's notice. 72 NEW HA3IPSHIRE. THE WHITE MOUNTAIN STATE. AVAST and varied park of hills, ISIountains and lakes, and boldest streams, That down the valley's swiftly glide. Where sunlight through the forest gleams. Like silver ribbons rivers wind Their w^ay toward the mighty main, And through a land of high emprise, Where strength, and thrift, and plenty reign. Eugged and open as their land. New Hampshire's people hold their way In human helpfulness and worth, When skies are bright or cold and gray. True to the flag and the country's calls, The old White Mountain State has been; True to herself and all tlie world, Her neighbors and her kith and kin, From far colonial days till now. Proud has she worn the diadem Of Union Sisterhood and State, Upon her high and lo^^al brow. 73 MOLLY PITCHER AT THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. New Jersey suffered much daring the Revolutionary War, in which Molly Pitcher (real name Hays) figured as a heroine. The State also rendered great assistance during the Civil War, 1861-65. Hundreds of summer resorts dot the ocean front. 74 NEW JERSEY MOLLY PITCHER. MOLLY'S husbaud was a soldier, The captain of. a gun, And faith she was a soldier's wife, If ever there was one. She stayed right where her captain was, In camp or on the march, She had not any stuck-np ways, Thousfh her choler had the starch. •In battle when the British, And the weather, made it hot, 'Long the line ^^loll carried water — She was ]\Iolly on t>xe spot — And that was hovr the " j)itcher" Got appended to her name; Instead of Hays, the noin dc yncrre Was lifted up to fame. When on INIonmouth field the captain Was killed beside his gun, Molly Pitcher seized the rammer. And until the day was won, She served that old brass cannon With such a deadly aim, The Hessian cohorts fled and Moll Had w^on historic name. Vo *a CO '-i ( xi^ o o ^1^ % 0), s s _, 1" ucC! « -o o ^ S-rH gj ts 0) - n a> M ■O*^ 1:3 fl O- 3 2 CO '© <( CD t>. 4J U SC 08 NEW MEXICO. CHIQUITA LA BONITA. GREAT black eyes with look so tender That they seem almost to weep ; Hand that's taper, brown and slender, Shades them, peering up the steep, From the " dobey " by the mesa, Where the sun forever shines, 'Long- the foothill, where the gazer . Sees amid the tangling vines. And the crooked manzanita, Su Chiquita la bonita. There's a little Mexic maiden, Golden-haired and eyes of blue, With the springtime flowers laden, Climbing down from where they grew; Dusky-haired and dark-eyed mother — Though, mayhap, the question's bold — Whence those eyes of some one other ; Whence the shining locks of gold? Tell me, handsome Josepheta, Of Chiquita, la bonita. Ah! I see yon cavalero, Riding thither, down the trail ; Now he lifts his broad sombrero, Shouts the Saxon's hearty hail, And the flax-haired cavalero Has Chiquita's eyes of blue. Shaded by his slouch sombrero; Pretty answer that is, too. For the handsome Josepheta, And Chiquita, la bonita. 77 iE-*-^ase?_v«^ BARTHULDI STATUE OF LIBERTY, NEW YORK CITY HARBOR New York, the " Empire State," is the most important In the Union. It stands at the heacl in manufacturing, commerce and population. Originally the State was occupied by the Iroquois Indians, with whom the early settlers were frequently engaged in conflicts. 78 NEW YOKK. ALONG THE PALISADES. OXCE there came a halcj'on time, Xot many j^ears ago, When Sue and I went gj'psying-, Where old Hudson's waters flow ; We rowed across the mighty stream, And climbed the Palisades, And rambled through the deep greenwood, Adown its echoing glades. The story that I told her there Is ever new, though old ; It has lived through all the ages. And it will be sung and told. While human hearts in bosoms throb And life is bright and free ; The tale of love, that lights the land And reaches 'cross the sea. She was a flower here below; She's now a star on high ; My rose was changed to add a gem 'Mid those that 'lume the sky. And I have roamed to see the stars That look down from above. To flnd the brightest night that comes, That I may see my love. Throughout the earth the brightest days Are where the Hudson flows ; I can see my star in Heaven's field, That was my fair York rose, On summer nights, the brightest, here, From 'long the Palisades, And here I'll wait and sing to her, Till all my starlight fades. 79 "COME, SIT BESIDE ME, DAUGHTER MINE !" "Music hath its charms," and the beautiful sentiment expressed in this picture, of love and companionship between parent and child, is as pleasing as the charming notes brought forth from the instrument. NOKTH CAltOLlNA. CHRIST^IAS IN THE OLD TIME. COME love, come, and sing with me, Within this home beside the sea, And sit you, daughter, at my knee, To help the hapjDj' rhyme ; I'll sing of days ere you were born ; Of cotton and the gathered corn ; Of darkies and the dinner horn, And Christmas in the old time. We'll tune the banjo to ±he lay, And make the music light and gay. For that, my loved ones, was the way Of Carolina, in the prime And happy days of long ago. When Uncle Jube and Mammy Cloe Made jolly times like honey flow, For Christmas in the old time. The still ieide of honeybees ; The grateful scent of od'rous trees ; The balmy, perfume-laden breeze. Of that dear sunny clime, And all the happiness and glee Are borne on memory's wings to me, Of home beside Atlantic's sea. And Christmas in the old time. More love shines in Black ]\[ammy's face ; More joy pervades the old home place ; The sun streams down with softer grace; The distant church bell's chime Has sweeter music in its ring ; More merrily the darkies sing And jollier greetings meetings bring, At Christmas in the old time. 81 YOUNG SIOUX 8QUAW. thPi>^inSH°,V^tSi^^^.^.v?^^^? ^^ t^^ Dakota Indians, ceded portions of flTTii«n^?r}^liA^^r^?? outbreak of the massacres in 1862, they had only Sn^hnndri^ff^-iH^^lf "^^^ divided into two reservations, and about andcustomJST.Vil^Hf.''^"?^''^^''"^®^ Indians," and adopted the dress S?r?n v^n^S^s J^^'^. whites, to some extent. A treaty was made with the fcioux in 1868, and carried out by most of the Indians. 82 NORTH DAKOTA. THE DAIvOTAS. FROM one vast area of land, Strong' as it came from the Maker's hand, In mountain, valley, stream and plain, Bearing gold, and fruit, and grain. Came to the sisterhood, as mates, These, twain, among the sovereign States v North Dakota — grand you are — South Dakota — sister star. Not many short and fleeting years, With all their hopes, and joj^s, and fears. Have marched, unhalting, to the dead. With steady, stern 'and silent tread. Since over the hills and valleys here The red man chased the panting deer, And by the dark Missouri's tide The warrior wooed his dusky bride ; The war whooi^ through the forest rang; Among the pines the wild winds sang; The screams of eagles in the air Met echo in the gray wolf's lair ; The bison with his shaggy mane. Grazed all unharmed upon the plain ; The paddle of the light canoe Flashed where the w^ater lilies grew : In nature's garb the land was drest, From river to the mountain crest, And all was fresh, untouched and wild. The free home of the forest child. 83 OHIO. OUR CABIN. IT was early in November ; Ah, the time I well remember ! Tho' that was more than sixty years agoiie, ■ When I came here with my honey, Blest w4th health, but not Avith money, And I had my Old Virginia blood and brawn. We'd a wagon load of '' plnnder," And a love that naught could sunder ; To one another w^e were all the earth. And the changes time has brought us Have but only sweetly taught us Thait fidelity's its own and truest worth. Oh ! 'twas lovely in this valley When myself and darling Sally Camped on the banks of the clear and babbling f^^tream. And the forest, deep and olden, Tinted scarlet, green and golden, Sang vespers while we dreamed a happy dream. Here I built my love a bowser, Tho' its sw^eetest. fairest flower Was the little wife who dwelt therein w^th me ; - And we wrought, with hope, together, In bracing autumn w^eather. Buoyant and happy, ardent, young and free. Then the forest, dark and hoary, Gave from 'mid its lusty glory -The timbers for our little cabin here, And the neighbors came and " raised " it, Sweet Sally blessed and praised it, And no other home has ever seemed so dear. 85 GERTRUDE THREE P^INGERS AND PAPOOSE, OKLAHOMA. Oklahoma. " Home of the Red Man," was so called bv Col. Boudlnet, a Cherokee. It was thrown open to settlement on April 22nd, 1889. At Chilocco is located one of the Indian Training Schools, where boys are taught variovis trades and girls are taught household duties. 86 OKLAHOMA. THE INDIAN GIFT. FROM far back days, when on the western plains Wild silence, in its awful qniet, reigns, To days wdien progrei^s lights the lustrous way, Under the sun of empire and its sway ; From times when in the lonesome ^\estern land The savage led his fierce and barbarous band, To times that bless a better, brighter life. Unknown to trial, toil and bloody strife, This is the theme that here is sung-? A song from cruel hardship wrung On yonder mesa, lifted fair and high From 'neath the blue of glorious w^estern sky. And on the undulating lands below, Where blessed brooks and rivers flow. The. coyote howled into the echoing night, Into the sun the eagle held his flight, The buffalo, the antlered elk and deer. In countless herds gTazed on the ranges here ; Along a land untouched and free ; Clear and clean as the wind-swept sea. Then ringing came the borderman's refi'ain, And with it Cody, Little, North and Payne, Couch and Clark, aud all the advance band That open flung the gates of ''No Man's Land," And Oklahonui's domain, deep and wide. Before the rushing, roaring, human tide. That built amid the wilderness a State, ^lodern, enlightened, throbbing, strong and great ; Among the fairest sisters of the band Led by Columbia's queenly hand. "We gave the Indian this bright gem, Then took it back, and that's — ahem ! 87 m •Jl c ^ 0) >-. 00 ft O 00 OREGON. "WHERE ROLLS THE OREGON." ^^ X the beauty and the grandeur of the hind of Oregon. ^^ Its wondrous cascades and its lakes, its mountains, plains, and streams, From Shasta to Columbia's tide, that leaves fair Washington, From Idaho to ocean sands, the sum of fortune beams. This gloryland where nature's mood is wild, and free, and strong, Where awful rise the mountain kings, where sweep the river queens, In majesty unspeakable, and where the forests' song. In high hosanna, rolls above its sea of evergreens. Over the mountain ranges and among the crags and peaks, Adown the streams that turn toward the vast Pacific sea, WTiere Nature unto Nature's God her sonorous aves spearks. Along the canons and the dalles, the forests and the lea. She repeats the flag, " Old Glory," repeats its waving bars. Where blaze the crimson tintings of the sunset's lustrous dves. And gleams the snow of the mountains that reach toward the stars ; The bravest flag that ever rose to kiss a nation's skies. INDEPENDENCE HALL, PHILADELPHIA, PA. This old and historic building was the meeting place of the Second Continental Congress in 1775. Un July -Ith, 1776, Avhile Congress was in session, the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted, and on the morning of that day the old bell in the belfry rang out, proclaiming '• liberty throughout all the land." ^^s pe:n^nsyi.vaxia. THE KEYSTONE STATE. IX the old colonial days, Pennsylvania, Thine were toleration's Avays, Pennsylvania ; The opprest from everjwhere Came to thee, seekin"' share In Friends and Penn's free air, Pennsylvania, For peace yon fought the hglit Of the just, and true, and right. And Avisdom bore thy light, Pennsylvania. Then, ^vhen grim Avar befell, Pennsylvania, And Liberty's loud bell, Pennsjdvania, IJang- the call to rise and save Fair Freedom's hope, you gave A host of heroes brave. Pennsylvania ; And to help thy battleblade, Men of fortune freely laid. At thy feet, their golden aid. Pennsylvania. Thine was a mighty stand, Pennsylvania, When disunion faced the land, Pennsylvania, P>iit opposing- every wrong*. Thou art ever true and strong". And thine's the patriot's song, Pennsylvania ; As the " Keystone " by the grace Of honor, thine's the place. In the arch of Union's base. Pennsylvania. 91 RHODE ISLAND. '* LITTLE EHODY." YOU'VE been fractious, "Little Hhody," Since the days of Plymouth Rock ; No control could make you toady ; Game as anj' fig-hting cock. Many times .you have seceded From the ways you didn't like. And you've never fawned or pleaded, So. v^'e love you, little tyke. Providence was always with you, Though at times you made a stand, Even 'gainst the bone and sinew Of the whole united land. You have marched in the procession, With your head high up and true, And you've never made profession Bigger than you'd try to do. While you're not a whale, my honey. You have caught them by the school ; Sure 3'ou know the way to money. And you get it, as a rule. While your land is small, the water That you have is really fine. And we're with you, kidlet daughter, Cutest in the fishing line. 93 SOUTH CAROLINA. SO COMES TPIE KTXCJ. A FRAGILE spray and then a yellow bloom. A single day of g-old, and ere 'tis eve. The yellow leaflets fold in pink ; the loom Of night its sable mysteries will weave, And 'mong- them, at the dawn, the flower glows. Crimson and closed as 'twere the bnd of rose. Then with the season grows the emerald boll, From ont whose bosom bnrsts the snowy locks. The life and hope, the body and the sonl. Of something greater than the mines and flocks Of all the land ; a power and wealth. Leading a train of fortune and of health. This is the birth of Cotton who was King, And royal yet, althongh his realm and state No more with song of chivalry shall ring. Bnt on his moods the lords of Commerce wait ; He clothes the world and feeds the hnngry mouth Of humble folk ; he g-iorifies the South. 95 SITTING BULL, SIOUX INDIAN CHIEF. South Dakota takes its name from a family of Indian tribes. Witli few exceptions it is a very large, wavy prairie. The noted Black Hills and bad lands, scenes of intense fights with Indians and the death of General Custer, are in the southwest portion. South Dakota is a ce- real State, and there is also an abundance of gold, silver and other metals. 96 SOUTH DAKOTA. THE PIONEER. WHEN here, from toward the rising- sun, ^Yas heard the white man's axe and gun ; The forest bowed before his hand, And, as a garden, bloomed the land ; The plowshare turned the virgin soil. And rich reward repaid the toil Of every hardy pioneer That built his home and labored here. Bold progress blazed the w^ay, and blest This opening Eden of the w^est. Then came o'er valley, hill and stream, The echoing, wild and startling scream, Of swiftly flying, tire fed steed, And in his dashing, rushing speed. Sowing broadcast, far and near, Wealth and strength in his proud career, And thus along these plains and hills, Cities, villages and mills Have risen as though genii hands Had wrought where this achievement stands. 97 ROBERT LOVP: TAYLOR. n^^^R^^^^^F ^' ^- Senator and several times Governor of TpnnesMPP Familiarly known as "Fiddling Bob." His fiddle and bow ^^''''^^^^' 98 TENNESSEE. A SONG FOR TENNESSEE. AHUNDKED years, dear Tennessee; A hundred years and one, Among- the sisterhood of States, And duties nobly done : Yet never shone a brig-hter smile Upon a fairer face Than thine, proud daughter of the South, Nor one of sweeter g-race. So here's to thee, Dear Tennessee, Far famed in song- and story ; And may you be Forever free, And clothed in love and glory. A hundred years, dear Tennessee, Of honor, worth and truth ; A hundred years, and you have g-rown In strength and rosy youth ; The summers come and smiling go, And leave the gentle trace Of health and joy, and beauty's glow Upon thy wholesome face. A hundred years, dear Tennessee. And m.ay ten thousand more Bring all the wealth of happiness That they may have in store. To thee, and thine, oh, lovely one ! So shall thy children sing A psalm of praise, a song of love. And make thy mountains ring. 99 GENERAL SAM HOUSTON General Sam. Houston, Ex-President of Texas, was made Commander- in-Chief in the Texan War, and in 1836 fought tlie decisive battle of San Jacinto, completely annihilated the Mexican army, and achieved the Independence of Texas. After her annexation to the United States he was elected Governor of Texas. 100 TEXAS. THE LONE STAE STATE. EMPIKE is thine, vast, wide and strong ? Land of heroes, sun and song; Your history is an epic and a glory. From surging sea across the plain, Far to the West, you hold domain. And honor lights thy brilliant story- Proud Texas. By deeds of true and gallant men, Thv place was won, and in the ken Of all t'ke world, thy star is highest, bnghtest, A sovereign State, you fought the ^^a^, From out a dark and threatening f f ' To where the skies are bluest, purest, lightest Brave Texas. Vast empire at the Southern gates, TJpp-al amid the radiant States, And Sow'ed by progi^ess, commerce and success, Thou reignest, royal, mighty one. Beneath eternal summer's sun And in the balmiest breezes' soft caress- Queen Texas. Houston and Austin are ^Wne own ; Men greater than the proudest throne M^y evir boast, except in pomp and flourish. Crockett, Bowie and the Alamo, And Travis, in thy story glow, All these and more thy records fondly cherisn, Free Texas. Bright and glorious, from afar, TheU- breaths of love about thee ever tw.nmg, Dear Texas. 101 mm^ UTAH* DESERET. AS from Mount Nebo's lofty height The leader, Moses, scanned The fields of Caanan, fair and bright, Old Israel's promised land, So from the Wasatch gleamed afar The land of Deseret, As guided by its western star, The sight of Mormon met As fair a land as ever lay Beneath the ether dome, And for the host a brighter day, A refuge and a home. With courage, thrift and high emprise, This brave, devoted band Strove well beneath the cordial skies Of Utah's goodly land, And from their toil an empire grew. Now welded with the States, A sister strong, and kind, and true. An offspring of the fates And furies that have fought with man, 'Mid trial, pain and wrong. Since human history began Its wail, and psalm, and song. 103 INCLINE IN A VERMONT SLATE QUARRY, Vermont, the •' Green Mountain State," derives its name from thie mountains wliicti occupy it and wtiicti are rich in ores and stone. The marbles and slates especially possess fine qualities and are mucn m de* mand in the building trades. A staple production is wool. 104 VERMONT. THE GKEEN MOUNTAIN STATE. TWO of your sisters, dear Vermont, Had such fond love for you, That one time they decided To divide you 'twixt the two, But Ethan Allen came along. With his Green Mountain Boys, And York and Hampshire hearkened to The purport of their noise. With help from friend Connecticut, Ticonderoga fell To Allen and his mountain boys, And, strange as 'tis to tell, Vermont packed up her statehood And carried it around, Without a real capital. Till Montpelier was found. Then she flirted some with Britain, But settled down, at last. As one of this good sisterhood, In union strong and fast ; She, first of all the States, to break The bonds of slavery, Thus set the pattern for mankind Of fullest libertv. 105 PATRICK HENRY ADDRESSING THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION. Patrick Henry, orator and statesman, was born in Virginia, May 29th, 1786. He was a zealous patriot in the War of the Revolution, and a delegate to the First General Congress in Philadelphia, In 1774. March 2Bd, 1775, before the Virginia Convention, he made his eloquent speech : " I know not what course others may take ; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death." He was elected Grovernor of Virginia in 1776. 106 VIRGINIA. THE OLJJ DOMI.XIO.N. 0' 'T^HINE is the nation's history, Virginia; ' Mother of Presidents and States. Upon thy proud escutcheon is engraved Scenes from the Furies and tlie Fates. '• The Virgin Queen," from whose eventful reign And realm, bold and adventuring came The cavaliers w^ho sought to glorify. Anew, her crown, gave thee thy name. Despite the trials of the wilderness. The savagery of Indian foe, Disease and famine, and the craft of pelf, Thy strength withstood and vanquished woe. Undaunted, true and noble, hast thou been. Along thy high and glorious way, And all the tempest night and thunder crash Have served to clear thy after day. 107 GEOIK i K AV ASH 1 NGToN. George Washington, after whom the .State of Washington was named, and who wa^s called "The Father of Our Country," was Cmfi- mander in Chief of the Continental Forces in the War of tiie Revolution He was chosen first President of the United States, and inLfgurated at hf