/^22/7 .n^n "Political Musings 99 ;t %. "4. By CHARLES LITTELL WILSON STAUNTON, VA. OCTOBER 1916 Dedicated to all lovers of True Democracy, and approving Americans. Price 10 cents per copy, post paid. Address Prof. C. L. WILSON, Staunton, Va. ^^ a Political Musings" Dedicated to all lovers of True Democracy, and approving Americans In the earl} days of our American Independence the spirit of pohtical partyism was born. Two or more parties having been organized, each vying with the other as to which should hold power and admister in Governmental affairs. The evolution of the various parties ended in the birth of the two largest existing parties, viz. Democratic and Republican. V^arious other parties are rapidly growing in strength. The pictures of three animals are being used by cartoonists to represent three of the political parties, namely, the Elephant, the Donkey, or Mule, and the Bull Moose. The latter is sick and unable to run. The noble desire and legitimate purpose to steer the Grand Old Ship of State for the greatest good to the greatest number of her noble people was consumed by the inordinate desire for greed, the love of money, "The root of all evil," the getting of wealth, even though acquired by the kidnapping and selling of human beings and their enslavement in this, supposed to be the most civilized of countries. All this was the result of the Satanic African Slave Traffic, whose wicked practices gave birth to the Abolition political party of which was born the Republican party, with the characteristic of avarice and intense desire to rule; regard- less of the peace, happiness and welfare of the American people at large. Some accuse the Administration of showing partiality to England — thus denominating it "Diluted Americanism." Others claim his views and ruling to be "Undiluted in the extreme. Let us prove which by our votes. Let us not do a most dangerous thing; as said the immortal Lincoln: "It is not wise to swap horses in the middle of the stream." Political Musings In poetical rlnnie we'll give a few facts, About three political parties as set forth by their acts. The names of the Donkey, Elephant and Mbose, For Democrat, Republican and the Progressive we'll use, And to render this article somewhat amusing, The names of the leaders of the parties w^e're using. Listen closely, I pray, as I mention their acts, And I'm sure you'll agree they are nearly the facts. The Elephant and the Mule, Though taught in the self-same school. One representing a wise, true American, The other, though "Undiluted," is by no means a fool. When E. gained office first we had a big war, By pensions, mainly, he kept in power; Avaricious still, he's longing for more. By high tariff and trusts he made all of his mammon. And with it he's made slaves of all colors. If you'll but closely examine. Big business became so intensely oppressive. That Mule to oppose it was clearly aggressive, And the Elephant having been for so long distrusted. The Mule gave a kick, and not a few trusts were bursted. Elephant most impolitic. Feasts on war and loves panic; Peace and prosperity make him sick. If in your family a feud arise And in a spat one's hurt and dies. Should strife keep up till none survives? Sympathize with Mexico ; Her people, oppressed, do not know Whom to follow, nor where to go. "Love your neighbors,'' is a command; Help him quiet his native land, Disrupted b\ such murd'rous band. ''Vour enemies you must love," you know, Shall they be punished with a blow? A Christian Mule says, "Never, no!" Mule is for country as a whole. Precious blood shed for the few, the toll Would be but deepest anguish of soul ! Great complaint by E. is made That "Watchful waiting" has delayed What should be settled by the "Blade." Pan-American Union! Grand! With Mule can keep from war our land, If E. withhold his wicked hand. Who's to blame, let the people ask, For forty-six years was it not E.'s just task? Grand issue! to force 'gainst A wise administration ! Consuinrtiate rot! should and will be Repudiated by the whole nation. Mule, hasten through the states and tell That E. would do with shot and shell, What's being done by "Notes" as well. See that Democratic Mule, Only those ne'er went to school Dare to take him for a fool. He is peaceful, bold and strong, None who've ever known him long, Need fear he'll do them wrong. To the farmer he's proved true. Whom the Elephant kept so blue. Him who feeds us all life through. The home-born American Loves him as few others can ; Each should prove himself a man. His love and motives pure and grand. Attract those from every land. Who prove a most worthy, noble band. Who so loves the Mule, to come, Making this their only home, Must rule their thoughts, not let them roam. That Mule, though academic, No news of war makes frantic. That comes across the Atlantic. Mule, seemingly unprepared; Be calm ! No cause to be so scared ; Nations have done all they dared. The Mule is full progressive. While Moose is much professive, Of purpose high, is Mule possessive. The Moose, by no means is dead, He's only lost his rotten head; He's very sick, alas! alas! But can be cured by Dr. Ass. True, his ability to war. Was lost with his Antlers, T. R., But the part most important remains. For the Moose has the finest of brains. Though Perkins and Flinn, Have committed a sin. Moose in the future may rule. If he'll wisely yield to the leading of Mule. The "Undiluted" nominee of the G. O. P., Ignorant of the purposes and motives of D. Sallies forth with envy, jealousy and rage. Like a wild man just freed from a cage. Faultfinding, which requires the smallest of brains. He continues to argue on the lowest of planes. And there is gentle, dear, little Teddy. Who to the Moose proved most false and unsteady , He took hold of things with his own "sweet will" We'll just change his cognomen to "Buffalo Bill." Without love for country, but love for tlie pelf 'Twould appear that all interests were centered in self, So Mr. Hughes and his party, truly, alas! Are as a tinkling cymbal or a sounding brass. The Grand Old P. it actually does seem, Is so anxious to change animals in the middle of the stream, That like Pharoah and his host, it can but submit to be O'erwhelmed by the votes of the Democratic D. The Elephant and the Donkey Are both active as a monkey. But the E. has it down so very pat, He's going around skinning the cat. Just let him keep on his with his tricks, Up to next November the sixth — (seventh), Then his rough old hide, Will have been laid aside. By one of the D.'s awful kicks. There was once a time, it is known full well. When Teddy and Taft each on the other's bosom fell. That period was too short to much enjoy such a spell, Soon each was wishing the other in a political hell. Now as each the other his sins has forgiven Both are carrying the Elephant to their political hea\en, Taft is at the head and Teddy's at the tail, Just hear that Donkey laugh when he sees that they fail. So the G. O. P. was disrupted in the year 1912th, When Teddy and Taft both were laid upon the shelf, The greatest unforseen good was the result to our nation. For we're enjoying peace and prosperity in truly Democratic fashion. And of all the great men placed in the Wliite House chair, For true wisdom, strong intellectual power, and intense love for country, so rare, To President Woodrow Wilson there is none to compare. Of the "Undiluted" political hash, ^ Made of Elephant and Moose, wet with their tears for dash. Whoever eats is made sick, as a ride. And the only antitoxin is the blood of the Mule. Just so of the Unprogressive Republican mash, Of doctrines and rot, by Hughes, Taft and Teddy so rash, If you believe it, you'll have a stroke of infantile paralysis, So says Dr. Woodrow, in his "Latest Analysis," And the effects of that dread disease you will find, It has injured the body as well as the mind. The sure cure for such sickness, and this is no fake, See Dr. Woodrow Wilson, and all ye of his medicine take. The Grand Old Party, led by the once-Judge Hughes, Who left the Supreme Court to dissiminate their views. Should it by the Mule be bereft of its skin. The majority deeming it a blessing — the minority a sin. Come, all ye sturdy Independentites, All ye womanly of the SufFragites, All ye patriotic of the Socialites, All ye good of the Hanlyites, All ye wise of the Mosseites, and Ye "Undiluted" of the Hughesites, 'Twill be good for your foresights, To drop your foolishness and fun. And review well what has been done By those who've been led by the Peerless Wilson. Approving American, Be up and doing what you can, And down the "Undiluted" man. True lovers of peace and prosperity. Will never grant that G. O. P. Elephant Should Democratic Mule supplant. All who'd paths of wisdom choose, "Vote for Wilson" are their views, "Though diluted," says Charles E. Hughes, THEY ARE SURE AND BOUND TO VOTE FOR WILSON, Isn't that grand and glorious news? Progress and Success of the Woodrow Wilson Democratic Administration To learn what has been done, By the Senate, Congress and President as one. Closely study the record of all their deeds, Circumstances considered, the contry got most that it needs. In the Department of State His appointments proved great. As to Secretary William Jennings Bryan, Who, like a twenty-cylinder engine in a record aero-flight, Hs sailed and he sailed, 'till he sailed out of sight. If you choose, look at Stanton, Knox and Blaine, And you'll find none superior to Bryan in brain. Now, as to the man appointed in his stead, To secure one with a great heart and head, Wilson could not, after o'er all parties glancing, Have found a superior to our Secretary Lansing. Although Germany started out with such wicked intent, American Democrats, upon ending that submarine business were bent ; It at first looked as if we must go to war, But the crisis was passed without much of a jar. Alleluias and thanks should ascend from every nation. To God, who has blest us with such wise administration. Great Britain has committed no slight offense, And we are shocked at her low ideas of duty and sense; She's rifled our mails and much business was checked. Although settled in court, upon her it does no honor reflect. Americans abroad at outbreak of war. Relief for non-combatants, not the least, by far. Protectorates to establish and treaties to draw; All these are forgotten when Republicans pick flaw; These and a thousand other things, to get credit for, they'll be late. To place to the honor of the Department of State. The Treasury Department under IVIr. McAdoo, Our national banking laws were organized anew. The passage of Federal Reserve and Rural Credit acts, Are all in national use and are established facts. Revolutionar\ reforms in system of banking, Treasury experts and policies other countries outranking, Although foreign exchange was so disorganized. And credit facilities destroyed and shipping demoralized, The United States were commercially isolated, it was thus so asserted. And conditions looked most alarming, still panic was a\ erted. Abundant funds for crop moving, to the farmers were supplied. The same to all sized cities and towns that applied ; And high class state, county and city bonds were not rejected, A lowered level of interest rates on crop deposits accepted. As well as interest on government deposits exacted. The postal service instead of being Expressed, For carrying funds to sub-treasuries was best. In the life-saving service, coast guard and public health. The Treasury Department for the Gevernment saved millions of wealth. The law to pre\ent employment of child labor was good, For the ship of the manufacturer can no longer float in young blood. We should be thankful that the sower and reaper of grain. With all other business men have been put on the same plane. There was Wall Street, once a menace to our nation, Any party adopting its policies will reap sure condemnation. The oppression of the Money Trust, Morgan leading in big fashion. Has been ended by the wisest legislations Oi one of the most superb administrations. The money of depositors placed in our banks Can never more be held by financial cranks Who often forced upon us panics by their political pranks. The lowest of all politically mean men Can never corner the money market again. And thus take the whole country's buusiness by the throat. And choking the stream upon which currency should float. Men may come and women may go, But the currency s\ stem flows on forever. _ The Republicans would, if they could, pick flaw. In the Federal Trade Commission law. Throughout our country, even on our ranches. The law permits our national banks to establish their brandies. Any country with its resources all buried in the land. Is of no more value to the people than a barren waste of sand. But machinery run by horsepower, gas, electricity and steam. Soon any land will blossom as the rose, And the blessing from its developed resources flows In one gloriously abundant stream. That stream will flow trom coast to coast, Both in boats o'er ocean, and in railroad cars o'er land, So any people may prodly boast They have a beautifully developed land, instead of a valueless waste of sand. The great railroads and ocean lines, They the people can and do most nobly serve, But by excessive wealth and power they huden their patrons some- times, A spirit we not unfrequently observe, So a law is in force to appoint a commission To regulate these public servants against imposition. Some school teacher says "The world runs on its avis," If she liad an extensive income she'd cliange Her view and say it was run on taxes. Tlie Republicans lia\ c promised tariff revision for forty years past. It was revised in the beginning of each term, and thro' it it always did last. When forced upon the countr\ . there was noticed one dreadful defect, It was always upward, instead of downward, 9 How the Democrats did howl and object. To all the laws there can be no addition Equal to that appointing a Tariff Commission. When our country is once cobwebbed with good roads, We'll be able to haul just double the loads, Thus prolonging the life-span of vehicles, beast and man. Of all the tangles the Southern farmers ever got into, there were no maizes Equal to the cotton future crazes. The cotton future act has now become a fact. 10 Observations and Comments If the fifty-first congress spent dollars one billion, When the population of our country was only seventy million, Was it too much for the Sixty-fourth Congress to spend dollars two billion, When the population of our country was fully one hundred million ? It is clear to any politician having three grains of sense. That the larger the population the greater the expense. And most particularly, when three-fourths of the nation. Are clamoring for naval and military protection. The G. O. P. nominee, you can very readily see. Has pitched himself headlong into the chasm Of reactionary Republicanism. If he had paused only a moment to think, His good sense would have forced him to stop on the brink. So Mir. Hughes and his party, very unlike that of the Mule, For with them the Gold Bug must both ruin and rule. If elected, Mt. Charles Evans Hughes, Will have no say as to his own personal views, For if the big old Elephant get only his head into the public crib, Both houses will not only sever his trunk and twist his tail so glib. But they'll ride him and goad him till they break every rib. How highly regarded that big-eared, far-sighted, long-headed Dem- ocratic Mule, His almost every desire when he brays, or even a switch of the tail, is carried out, as a rule. How Mr. Chas. Evans Hughes can fall in with the Teuto-Cel- tic views of many a thud who were only slingers of mud at that meet- ing in Terrace Garden, for me 'tis a nut and at that a very hard one; and furthermore, we're surprised that he dosen't grow weary of his friend of Truth, Mr. Jeremiah O'Leary. All that was spoken was simple rot, 'twas quite evident, it was clearly directed at our most honored President. Any man having the face to enjoy and listen with such grace to men who can only defame their neighbor of most honored name, must be lowered in morals, if not seriously weakened in brain. 11 Mr. Hughes and Mr. "Big Stick" Tedd} are both so very wise, It seems that all they can do, mainly, is to criticise. What the}' would have done if in Mr. Wilson's position. Neither is willing to make an adequate admission. The E. calls the last acts of Congress preventing a general railroad strike, Mobocracy, Then, if the law had not been passed — and the owners of the rail- roads had ruled, could it not have been called Plutocracy? The candidate Hughes in a speech gave expression. That the "Adamson law was passed by coercion," There behind him sat on the very same stage, The revered Joe Cannon, only 80 of age, ^Vho willingly voted for that law to prevail. Oh! if from that rusty old cannon a number 12 shoe Could have been shot and let sail. So as squarely to have landed under the Ex-Judge's coat-tail. Never ag^in would the 100 per cent, candidate use the expression. That "The Democrats and Republicans passed a law by coercion.'' For he'd seriously begin reviewing old "Webster and Worcester," For wiser words himself and his party to booster. The money power is the monkey, Mr .Hughes is their cat. They have chestnuts in the fire being roasted To get them out the old cat's paws will be most severely toasted. If _\ou'll study the words of the Colonel, Tliey so often have reference to self, As to what he did, and what he and Mr. Hughes would do Could they but handle the government's pelf. Methinks next would be war, dear Colonel. Which would land us in the pit infernal, For we remember full well Mr. Sherman, who said "War is hell." Oh ! if only such men had the heavenly grace. Not only to shun, but to lead in the race away from that dreadful place. 12 Catechetical Discussion of "Capital and Labor" Will 3UU not let nie ask my studious neighbor, "Do you find it difficult that question of "Capital and Labor?" Of all the suubjects we've discuussed for our neighbor, None is more difficult than that of "Capital and Labor." After no little thought and observation we found That not only man, but all animate and inanimate creation came forth from the ground ; Also that our Omnipresent God, who is all-wise, and possesses all night. For the preservation of His creatures, supplies them with abundant food, water, air and light, All that God has made and given were intended for man's use, And nothing that He has made, can we with impunity abuse. \Vhat is labor, can you tell me, my neighbor? It is the exercising or giving out of one's mental and physical strength, that is labor. How long can one put forth such strength ? Until they shall languish and die, at length. What is the result of the exercise of mental and physical strength called labor? The earning of mone} . which is called capital, much of -which comes from our neighbor. Do not other sources abound through which mone\ is found? We dig siKer and gold and all other metals out of the ground. Is money secured from metals alone? No, also out of the ground comes the most precious stone. Do we not get mone\' for things that we plant and for timbers t'la" grow ? Yes. our principal income is from what people sow. Can you mention something of God's law with reference to Labor? 13 "God in His wisdom made a law that is good. "That by the sweat of the brow^ only, can man get his food." Neither silver nor gold, except by labor is found. And all that we live on or possess comes out of the ground. The worker possesses his labor as his capital and it's equal to gold ; The capitalist posesses his gold which is equal to labor, w^e're told; Both wish returns for their outlay, enough to live on, and a little to spare. Should either the capitalist or laborer not get it, they of all men are most ready to swear. Are there not many other sources through which we money receive? Yes, thousand upon thousands more than you can think or believe. Can you mention one other from w^iich the largest incomes are made? Yes, by the employment of the brain there is made ten times as much as by him who uses the spade. Can you tell me something about Capital and what is has done? The many big business plants and other large corporations by Capital are run. When is it that Capital and Labor get the most done? Just when, and only when, they co-operate as one. Can you tell why so often their efforts prove vain? Mainly because of mistreatment of one by the other; that is most evidently plain. Can \ou not illustrate and thus make it plain, that I may follow your discussion and not listen or read it in vain? Labor and Capital may be likened to a fabric, which is either a building or a cloth ; To erect the one or weave the other, neither is complete except two things be used together ; A good building has a foundation with some superstructure neat, And only when they are used together is there formed a house com- plete. Just so with the fabric we call cloth; it is composed of warp and woof; the warp is of the threads that run lengthwise in the loom; 14 The woof is of the threads that cross the warp and are forced into place by the beam. So, whether comes out the beautiful cloth, carpet or rug from the loom. With it you may clothe your body or may cover the floor of your room. Can you not mention how both may so work together, as to keep in the very best of mood, and do this grand old country the greatest amount of good? Just suppose that Messrs. Labor and Capital are developing the resources of our nation, Each is co-partner with the other, which in business is the closest relation. If there be failure or success in their great undertaking, There ought to be in some way a division of all the profits they are making. ^ What should they both do to maintain the highest regard and inspire the greatest confidence between the two? Such a co-partnership as should exist between Messrs. Labor and Capital, upon one thing there should be a firm and fixed resolve, To serve his brother and fellow man, and that they their relation ' will never dissolve. Will you tell again to your neighbor Something more of Capital and Labor? It has been clearly demonstrated ever since the creation of man, God's noblest creation. That the superstructure Capital has been built on mental and phys- ical labor as the only true and sure foundation. What other figure to illustrate in your mind Between Capital and Labor, do you most readily find ? Also Capital and Labor may be likened to a father and son. As they are both of one family, should they not work together as one? As Capital is the legitimate offspring of Labor, a filial affection should be shown by the son, 15 Nor should the parent, Labor, withhould aftection and love from his own. Will >ou not for us illustrate again, The spirit that should exist between all fellowmen? If only our social fabric, found in almost every relation of life, We the Golden Rule should observe, 'twould be the end of bick- ering and strife, For then in all business relations existing between Capital and Labor, Each would respect and love, as he'd wish to be respected and loved by his neighbor. Could a wiser than the Adamson law have been passed Which was put through by Congress as their last? My dear Republican friend, before you cry "Mobocracy," just think what was intended for the purest and truest Democracy. For our President had a program which he started to carr\ out full well, The first was the Adamson law, voted for by the people, for the whole people, and carried with it blessings mortal tongue cannot tell. Can we not truthfully express That the Capitalist does ne\er confess That he his neighbors oppress? If Congress the "Adamson Law" had not passed, The people of the whole country would have been placed in direst distress. For in every city, town and hamlet there woidd have been starvation, sickness and death ; Just to imagine the suspense and the suffering intense one almost involuntarily catches his breath. What relation would afford the happiest condition Throughout the whole world, most especiall\ our nation ? Oh ! if only in all the relations of life we the Golden Rule should ohser\e, 16 Capital woud most willingly serve Labor, and Labor, Capital most willingly serve, My dear neighbor, if only for one moment, we pray, that you stop and behold, A fabric that is more perfect and more beautiful than gold ! A building, we imagine, so nearly like to that not made with hands, above, One that is builded wholly of consecrated labor, capital and love. Once again, my neighbor dear, 1 pray that you only stop and hear and know what Streams of blessings would How to our nation, by the development of God-given resources through that most happy and glorious relation. We as a people would a blessing and example to the whole world prove. And our land would be an Eden almost like to that above. ^^^ y;^,^ --?^C<^^<-^^ -'-^L/ yh^.^,/'^/^- 17 : MCCLURE CO. INC., PRINTERS, STAUNTON, VA. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 018 482 404 8 n> .^22/" Sls«,