£7^7 ^ 2. A Tribute in Rhyme to THEODORE ROOSEVELT By William W. Pcavyhouse Price 50c 56 COPYRIGHTED 1919 C! A531371 AUG 12 1919 b, This Tribute to Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Including Several Other Patriotic Poems and Tributes to Our War Heroes, Is Hereby Dedi- cated to the Spirit of Pure, Unadulterated, Uncontaminated, Unflinching, Unswerving, and Undying Americanism for Which He Fought and Plead and Died. SOME IMMORTAL WORDS OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT WHICH EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN AND SCHOOL BOY SHOULD KNOW AND BE ABLE TO REPEAT FROM MEMORY Colonel Roosevelt died about 4 o'clock on the morning of Janu- ary 6th, 1919. The previous evening at a great patriotic rally in the New York Hippodrome a message was read from him written espe- cially for the occasion. In this message was this striking sentence : "We have room for but one flag — the American flag — and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile, and we have room for but one soul loyalty and that is loyalty to the American people." From One of His Latest Speeches "The larger Americanism demands that we refuse to be sundered from one another along lines of class or creed or sectional or national origin; that we judge each American on his merits as a man; that we work for the well being of our bodily selves and also for the well being of our spiritual selves ; that we consider safety, that we put honor and duty above safety. . . . Only thus shall we stand erect before the world, high of heart, masters of our own souls, fit to be the fathers of a race of freemen who shall make and shall keep this land all that it seemed to the prophetic vision of the mighty men who founded and the mighty men who saved it." From a speech in Missouri while President: "We must insist upon courage and resolution, upon hardihood, tenacity, and fertility of resource ; we must insist upon the strong,' virile virtues, self-restraint, self-mastery, and regard for the rights of others." From a speech on the "Gospel of Work," while Governor of New York: "We do not admire the man of timid peace. We admire the man who embodies victorious effort; the man who never wrongs his neighbor; who is prompt to help a friend or even an enemy, but who has those stern qualities necessary to win in the stern strife of actual life." THEODORE ROOSEVELT From an address at Detroit, Mich., May 18th, 1916 : "The working man, like the farmer and business man, must be a patriot first or he is unfit to live in America ; and the first duty of all patriots is to see that we are able to prevent alien conquerors from dictating our home policies." "No nation will ever attack a unified and prepared America." His Last Message "In the fight for Americanism there must be no lagging back." From a speech delivered in Chicago in 1903 : "Speak softly and carry a big stick and you will go far. If the American nation will speak softly and yet build and keep at a pitch of the highest training a thoroughly efficient navy, the Monroe Doctrine will go far." From a lecture on the "World Movement" at the University of Berlin, May 12th, 1910: "This world movement of civilization which is now felt throb- bing in every corner of the globe, should bind the nations of the world together, while yet leaving unimpaired that love of country m the individual citizen which in the present stage of the world's progress is essential to the world's well being." Some of his Popular expressions, which he originated and which have gone around the world: "Speak softly and carry a big stick and you will go far." "I am for the Square Deal." "Fear God and take your own part." "I have no patience with Mollycoddles and Pussyfooters." "We stand at Armageddon and We Battle for the Lord." "It is better to be Faithful than Famous. ' ' A message from Colonel Roosevelt, indicative of his Christian spirit and devotion to the word of God, was inserted in the Bibles given in 1917 and 1918 to the American fighting men by the New York Bible Society. This message read as follows : "The teachings of the New Testament are foreshadowed in Micah's verse: 'What more doth the Lord require of thee than to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?' " "Do justice and therefore fight valliantly against the armies of Germany and Turkey, for these nations in this crisis stand for the reign of Moloch and Beelzebub on this earth. "Love mercy; treat prisoners well; succor the wounded; treat every woman as if she were your own sister; care for the little children, and be tender with the old and helpless." THEODORE ROOSEVELT 1 ' Walk humbly ; you will do so if you study the life and teach- ings of the Saviour. ' ' Theodore Roosevelt in his early career was an active worker in Sunday School and was always a devoted Christian. Some Incidents in His Life Illustrating His Sense of Humor and His Humanity James Bliss Townsend, who was born in Oyster Bay and had been a friend of Roosevelt from boyhood, told at a dinner after his death that he went to Colonel Roosevelt in 1916 and asked him what he would have done in the Lusitania case. Colonel Roosevelt, according to Mr. Townsend, said that hind- sight was easier to show than foresight, but that if he had been President he would have sent for Ambassador Bernstorff imme- diately after the advertisements warning passengers not to travel on the Lusitania were printed in the newspapers. He said he would have asked if the advertisements were official and if he had been told they were he would have given the German ambassador two hours to get out and would have forced them to take passage on the Lusitania on what turned out to be her last voyage. On one occasion several Senators and Representatives were in the waiting room at the President's office anxious to see the Presi- dent. None of them could get in to see the President, however. Finally a Senator said to Capt. Loeffler: "Go in and see what's holding us up." Loeffler came back and reported: "The President is giving a reception to the Harvard Baseball team." "Well," said another Senator, "tell him there are a lot of Sen- ators and Representatives here waiting to see him." Loeffler went back and returned again. "What did he say?" asked the waiting statesmen. "He said he knew it," but he told me that "Senators and Representatives must be taught their places when a Harvard delegation are about." The following story is told of Colonel Roosevelt as a young man in the west, by George William Douglas, in his book, "The Many Sided Roosevelt": One evening after supper he was reading at a table in the public room of a frontier hotel, where he was passing the night. A man half drunk came into the hotel with a swagger, inarched up to the bar and, with a flourish of the arm, commanded everybody to drink. Everybody was willing to obey but Roosevelt. He still sat at the table busy with his book. "Who's that fellow?" the man asked, pointing in Roosevelt's direction. ' ' Oh, he 's a tenderfoot, just arrived, ' ' someone said. ' ' Humph ! ' ' he grunted. Then he turned square around and called out: "Say, Mr. Four Eyes, I asked this house to drink. Did you hear me?" 10 THEODORE ROOSEVELT Mr. Roosevelt made no reply. The man swaggered over to him, pulling out his pistol and firing as he crossed over to him. "I want you to understand that when I ask a man to drink with me, that man's got to drink," he threatened fondling his still smok- ing pistol. "You must excuse me tonight. I do not care for anything to drink," said Roosevelt. "That don't go here. You just order your drink or there'll be more trouble." "Very well, sir, Roosevelt replied, rising slowly to his feet and waiting till he was firmly poised on them before completing his remark. "I do not care for anything, but if I must" With the word must he let his fist fly, striking the bully a terrific blow, knocking him on the floor. In an instant Roosevelt was astride of him with his knees holding down the man's arms. After taking away all the weapons he could find he let the man up. "Now I hope you understand, sir, that I do not care to drink with you," said the young tenderfoot who had hardened his muscle to some purpose before he went West. His Undaunted Courage The great courage of Mr. Roosevelt and his lack of fear were shown after he was shot in Milwaukee on October 14th, 1912. When he recovered from his wound he was told that he was foolhardy to make a speech after he had been shot. "Why," said Roosevelt in reply, "I really didn't think I had been mortally wounded. If I had been mortally wounded I would have bled from the lungs. When I got into the motor I coughed hard three times and put my hand to my mouth ; as I did not find any blood I thought I was not seriously hurt and went on with my speech. On this occasion when his physician urged him to return to the hotel and not to go to the auditorium to speak, the Colonel replied, "I will deliver this speech or die, one or the other." When he completed this memorable address his shoes were filled with blood that rushed from his gaping chest wound. The Colonel displayed heroic courage of the highest type. On leaving the White House President Roosevelt declined an offer of $100,000.00 per year salary as president of a large corpora- tion. He did this because he had determined to make no commercial use of his name. He accepted the office of associate editor of the Outlook at a salary of $12,000 per year because he believed it offered him the means to reach the people. THEODORE ROOS EV ELT 11 What Distinguished Men Have Said About Colonel Roosevelt From Major General Leonard Wood, U. S. A. : We have lost a great leader in the crisis of the Nation's life. Though his voice is silent, his spirit lives and will continue to live to stir us to effort in times of public danger and to stimulate our righteous efforts for good government, fair dealing, and right living at all times. We can ill spare him at this time. From Colonel Henry Waterson, editor and writer, Lonisville, Ky.: I am deeply and personally grieved by his death, but I am not surprised. He gave himself no rest. His resources were multifa- rious, his interests many and wide apart. His like will scarcely appear again. No leader ever appealed as he did to the young. A cleaner man never lived. No dirty or doubtful dollar ever touched his palm. From Senator Johnson of California : The greatest American of our generation has passed away. He had a truer vision, a higher courage, a wiser statesmanship than any man of our time. To me he had no parallel — none approached him in virility or force or profound knowledge of varied subjects. I cannot speak of him in ordinary terms. From John Wanamaker, former Postmaster-General: The piety of Roosevelt's patriotism and citizenship still lives, and Mt. Vernon, Va., Springfield, 111., and Sagamore Hill, N. Y., henceforth are inseparably linked together to bear witness of some- thing in the lives of three presidents that could not be buried in a tomb. In the following brief "Tribute in Rhyme" to Theodore Roose- velt the author has endeavored to express in words a sort of Memo- rial to the name of one of the great heroes of the ages. Being a great admirer of the "Man" Roosevelt in his unflinching fight for pure and unadulterated Americanism, he believes that the following one hundred stanzas in rhyme in a small way express the senti- ment of the American people for our hero who has passed from the stage of action. No monument of stone, or granite or marble could be erected high enough to demonstrate the esteem, the admiration, the affec- tion, the devotion and the love that the American people possess for Colonel Theodore Roosevelt. The American nation is a nation of hero worshippers and Theo- dore Roosevelt was a world hero. He was champion of the common people's rights and he fought for them fearlessly and unflinchingly and at the same time sought justice for all. His fighting qualities made him a hero because he always fought for the right against the 12 THEODORE ROOSEVELT wrong. He was the boys' hero because he loved the great outdoor life and nature. He loved the things they loved and romped with them and made their joy his delight. He was a man's hero because of his dauntless courage and sublime leadership, his versatility, and the fact that he was master of most any situation with which he was confronted. Napoleon was a hero because he excelled as a military genius. Alexander was a hero because he was a great conqueror. Oliver Cromwell was England's hero because of his great statesmanship. His literary genius made Shakespeare a hero. The name of Cicero has come down through the ages because of his eloquence and force of speech and the beauty of his language. Daniel Boone's name ranks among the heroes of our own pioneer days as a great hunter. Moses was Israel's hero because of his masterful leadership and consecration. Theodore Roosevelt embodied the characteristics represented by all of these heroes and the remarkable thing about him was that he excelled in all of them. If every American boy would take him as their ideal of manhood and try to imitate him in their lives we would soon have an America where Bolshevism and anarchy would not dare to raise their heads and where high ideals, motives, and purposes would become popular themes. WILLIAM W. PEAVYHOUSE. THEODORE ROOSEVELT A Tribute in Rhyme Depicting in graphic language a brief outline of some of the wonderful accomplishments and achievements of the most remarka- ble and versatile character of modern times. By WILLIAM W. PEAVYHOUSE. His name, when uttered, thrills the world And charms its millions through And flags of nations are unfurled In honor of his name so great and true. Mankind in earth 's remotest parts Unites in mighty acclamation And a hundred million throbbing hearts Greets his name with profound adoration. The nation bows in anguish deep In the death of a mighty man The whole wide world is made to weep As Roosevelt yields to Heaven's plan. The country through was awed and shocked And silence veiled the earth about As the hand of death so soon had knocked And the light of his life went out. In prime and vigor of manhood He answered the summons sure ; Tho ' many a battle his strength withstood He yields 'ere his years are mature. A life of vigor he had wrought; He labored to the end; A man of vision and forethought — The common people's friend. The culmination of his life Has pained and grieved our souls. But, free from all earth's futile strife, He's safe in Heaven's folds. He loved and served his country's laws With devotion deep and true. His heart was wrapped in Freedom's cause, His life inspires us thru and thru. 13 14 THEODORE ROOSEVELT His life was clean and versatile As he fought against the wrongs ; He won the world with the "Teddy Smile" As he spoke to the mighty throngs. On the wild and woolly western plains He won rough rider fame ; He matched his wits with earth's best brains, With glory to his name. He led his troops to victory On the slopes of San Juan Hill, And his name went down in history As a man with an iron will. His courage and his vision Were two outstanding traits And the world sought his decision In settling nations' fates. The spirit of true Americanism He preached and practiced, too ; His great heart burned with patriotism That thrilled the nation through. He fought corruption with a might, In places high and low ; He brought offenders to the light, And caused their haunts to go. His eloquence and force of speech Gripped tight the hearts of men; His doctrines true he sought to teach Through the charm of his mighty pen. He hunted lions in Africa's wilds, And the bear in the Rockies' Heights, Exposed the grafters' treacherous wiles 'Neath New York's glittering lights. A fighting man was fearless Teddy, And he fought with punch and vim ; For any ordeal he was ever ready, His vision for service never grew dim. He faced each issue that he met With courage bold and true ; The things on which his heart was set He always carried through. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 15 He sought for all a plain "Square Deal," No matter what our state ; His Democracy was pure and real, And justice true his stern mandate. He served his country through the years In a multitude of ways; His absence melts our hearts to tears, As we think of the by-gone days. , His great career he began At the age of twenty-three — He won his race against the clan Amidst Old New York's glee. While serving for our navy valiant, Just before the war with Spain, He made a record clean and brilliant Like his life, without a stain. 'Twas then he heard his country's call To defend Old Glory's fold- He volunteered to give his all Her sacred precepts to uphold. From rolling plains of the Old North West He sought his volunteers ; The "Rough Rider" boys brought forth their best And he led them midst their cheers. His fortitude and bravery Withstood the fiery test, As he led his boys to victory O'er San Juan's rugged crest. His native state went wild with joy For achievements he had wrought; They hailed him hero, brave cowboy, For the trophies he had brought. They hailed him as their leader To guide their ship of state. He swept the state for Governor, And sealed the grafter's fate. He fought the fiends of Tammany hall Like he charged the Spaniards' forts; He forced the gangsters to the wall, And drove them to the courts. 16 THEODORE ROOSEVELT A great reformer he became In the days of his early youth ; His rule of life was ever the same — "Teach Justice, Peace, and Truth." As champion of the people's rights, Became a shining star; He led them in their righteous fights For justice at the Bar. So brilliant was his governorship Of the Good Old Empire State, That the Good Old Party's ready whip Made him McKinley's mate. Two nobler men could not be found To guard the people's rights — Their names throughout the earth resound, Their lives are brilliant beacon lights. "When fiendish assassin's bloody hand Had slain our noble President, Our hero's name spread thru the land As he took the reins of Government. The same strong courage marked his acts In the Presidential chair, That spurred him on to make attacks On treachery everywhere. He fought monopoly, greed and trusts That caused restraint of trade ; He curbed their vicious money lusts, Their hands of power he stayed. When politicians by a trick Attempted bossing him, He wielded firmly his big stick — Their chances they found slim. In power and wisdom Koosevelt grew, As he solved his problems grave ; He struggled ever to be true, And the best he had he gave. A Prince of Peace he came to be, When the Russo-Jap war raged — As each of them claimed victory His counsel they engaged. THE ODORE ROOSEVELT 17 He weighed the burdens of each nation In the spirit of a friend, Accomplished reconciliation, And brought the conflict to an end. As a special recognition Of this gracious enterprise, He was the first of any nation To receive a great Peace Prize. Gigantic were his many plans For progress and achievement, But to impose on other lands Would cause his heart bereavement. For decades men had tried the feat A great canal to make, To form a quick and safe retreat Through Panama's bog and lake. But failure faced each effort made To make the job complete; They laid aside their pick and spade, Admitting their defeat. So Roosevelt seized the chance he saw To plant Old Glory there, And bought a strip from Panama — The feat he swore to dare. So now we see the job was done In good old Yankee style, And Glory waves in tropical sun, While ships save many a mile. So brilliant was his three-year term In the presidential seat, That the people cried for Teddy firm, To make the job complete. He sought his reelection To serve for four years more, And, with mighty acclamation, They elected Theodore. He plunged again into the fray, His duties to perform — , He solved big problems day by day, Amidst the calm and storm. 18 THE ODORE ROOS EVELT In order that the world might greet The land of Freedom's birth, He sent a mighty battle fleet A sailing 'round the earth. He settled many a grave dispute , By simple arbitrations, Which actions bore amazing fruit For the welfare of the nations. In the fall of nineteen hundred seven, When it seemed that all was well, There arose like seething leaven Financial panic 's threatening spell. They said that Teddy was the cause Of all the consternation That undermined order's laws And swept throughout the nation The panic proved of short duration, And false was every claim, For it was vicious speculation And graft that were to blame. So Teddy simply turned the lights, Exposing crime so bold, And stopped the panic's threatening blight With millions of pure gold. His term as President expired With glory to his name, A needed rest he much desired, And he went to hunt big game. To Africa's jungles then he sailed To seek a rest of mind; A hunter bold then he was hailed, And many specimens did he find. Many trophies did he bring From the jungles dark and deep, Where panther's hideous screeches ring And serpents crawl and creep. The world will read in graphic columns Of his trip to Africa's wilds, For he wrote in gleaming volumes Of the animals' tricks and wiles. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 19 When his hunting trip was o'er And his journey homeward bound, He sought to sail for Europe's shore, And there a royal welcome found. He visits some of Europe 's nations, Their kings upon their throne, And received such demonstrations As the world had never known. When he reached old New York's shore line The noise broke loose once more As the city's rich and poor combine To welcome Theodore. In the years of his retirement He's never lost from sight, But filled his life's requirement In fighting for the right. Like the eagle soaring steady, Ever watching for his prey, Was the sleepless eye of Teddy On the evils of the day. When he saw some unfair dealing, 'Mattered not from whence it came, There he turned his light, revealing Acts that made men blush with shame. The states were soon to feel the strain Of the oft-indulged event, The all-absorbing big campaign, To choose a President. All went well in the G. 0. P. And the tide seemed calm and steady ; The sentiment deep, as all could see, Was moving on toward Teddy. In many states were ballots cast To test the people's voice; From every one the news came fast That Roosevelt was their choice. The delegates came from every state And met in the city of Chicago, Where the gangsters, filled with hate. Pulled off a huge fiasco. 20 THE ODORE ROOSEVELT The politicians and the trusts, Whom Teddy sought to ban, Satisfied their selfish lusts And chose another man. In true old Yankee, Teddy style, The loyal and the true Failed to stand for things so vile And silently withdrew. They organized and met once more, And sought to make no truce ; They chose as leader, Theodore Of the party called Bull Moose. They waged a battle big and strong, That made the tyrants sneak; They fought for right against the wrong, And let the people speak. Their platform stood for justice true, For things that were aggressive ; They formed a party sound and new, And called it's name Progressive. While waging hard this great campaign In the City of Milwaukee, A vicious assassin sought in vain To end our hero's plea. His battle cry inspired and led on, And struck the vital chord: "We stand at Armageddon And battle for the Lord." His fight for righteousness was lost By treacherous means and tricks, And the good old party's power it cost, But it cleaned up politics. He retired again to private life, To seek a quiet repose, But soon the world burst into strife, And he turned on Freedom's foes. Again the presidential race was on, But a different tale was told ; The grafters and the gang were gone ; He returned to his party's fold. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 21 When the Hun assailed Old Glory And trampled on her fold, Although his hair was hoary, He became a warrior bold. When America in true justice Against the Hun had turned, The spirit of real service Within his great heart burned. He sought to lead some volunteers Upon the fields of France ; Because of politicians' fears He failed to get the chance. He had four sons so strong and true, All filled with a father's will ; They volunteered for service, too, Their blood for the cause to spill. The father fought with voice and pen, For he loved Old Glory's fold; The four sons fought and bled like men, As one of the stars turned into gold. But the brightest star in the firmament Has turned to brilliant gold, And all the world will long lament As the end of his life is told. He said to Jim : "Turn Out the Lights ; I 'm in for a bit of sleep ' ' ; He awoke in a land where comes no night, Eternity's vigils to keep. His pen has ceased its warning line, And his voice is silent, too, But his life serene will onward shine, Like a star in the Heaven's blue. Scorned by many and criticized Was our modern Joshua. But Christ was scorned and ostracised By the rabble of His day. Courageous, bold and chivalrous As statesman, peer of all, His name with power synonymous He bravely yields to Heaven's call. 22 THE ODORE ROOSEVELT Learned, and wise, a brilliant sage, Athlete, cowboy, warrior bold, Orator, statesman, ablest of the age, Writer, diplomat with power untold. A man of God he chose to be ; In early strength and youth He made God's mandate his decree, And taught his precious truth. When on his hunting trip he went To Africa's jungles deep, He took God's word and Testament; It's truths he sought to keep. His vision of our Country's needs Into the future swept, He formed his visions into deeds As others dreamed and slept. His two initials were T. R., Which shed bright beams of light, And, like the shepherd's guiding star, They stand for Truth and Right. A life of service he has led For all of earth's oppressed, And now they mourn our hero dead, For millions he has blessed. Has his life on this earth ended? Will his power for blessings cease? No ; his spirit with ours blended Will his power for good increase. His name will link with Washington And Lincoln, brave and true, As men who lived to serve, and won The hearts of millions to their view. He blessed the world in many ways ; His vision reached afar; Like the sun sends forth its rays, His life's a blazing star. Like the rippling circles flowing From a stone cast on the sea, Will his life 's work keep on growing Through the years that are to be. THEODORE ROOSEV ELT 23 A standard and an inspiration For all men, both young and old, Was his sublime ministration Of a life of power untold. High in the hall of matchless fame Where the names of heroes blaze, We'll write his wondrous, glorious name, As the world joins in his praise. 24 THEODORE ROOSEVELT AMERICA What the Word America Stands For A stands for America. Glorious, great, and grand; M is for her valiant Men With courage, grit and sand; E stands for the Eagle mighty, Bearing power beneath her fold; R is for her righteous spirit, Which she 's striving to uphold ; I stands for her independence, Which was won by heroes brave ; C is for our Country blessed, Where sweet freedom's emblems wave; A stands for her mighty Army But justice only does she crave. A stands for America, The Land of Freedom's birth; M is for Mercy ; She's shown a sin cursed earth; E stands for New Eden, A modern Paradise ; R is for Religion, The Spirit of sacrifice; I stands for her Industry; She toils from morn till night; C is for her Conscience tender, Ever striving for the right ; A stands for her grand Achievements, For her Motto's "Right Makes Might." Now we '11 put these lines together, For they spell a precious word, And we'll sing AMERICA* forever, As our hearts with love are stirred. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 25 AMERICA*— SWEET LAND 0' MINE You may travel this wide world o'er And sail its seas from shore to shore ; You may search from pole to pole For a place to rest your soul, But you'll never find a land That is quite one-half so grand As my own beloved Land, America ! It's the land of milk and honey, Where all life is bright and sunny, And your heart will rest content On her soil to pitch your tent ; Sure there's joy and bliss Divine In this blessed land o' mine, And I know I'm always thine, America ! All the lands by slavery bound Have in her true friendship found, For them a welcome here abides By our glowing, warm firesides, Where there's peace and harmony, Mercy and smiles and charity, Glory and honor and Liberty, America ! She's the land of Freedom's birth, Which has spread throughout the earth, Bearing joy and happiness To the nations in distress. Watch earth's tyrant monarchs tremble When her mighty hosts assemble, In number the sands of the sea resemble America. She's a land in beauty dressed From North to South, from East to West. From her verdant hills and plains Floats sweet Freedom's tender strains; Her lakes and rivers are renowned, Her splendid cities glory crowned, Her beauties rare in Heaven are found, America. 26 THEODORE ROOSEVELT America America, Long may thy glory shine, Land o' mine, sweet Land o' mine ; Thy spirit is Divine, Ever on the side of Right, For its precepts she will fight ; Land o' mine, sweet land o' mine, 1 long forever to be thine. OUR HEROES DEAD IN FRANCE A Tribute A hundred thousand heroes lie Beneath the sod in France, America's contribution To stop the Hun advance, While millions more were waiting A chance to give their all For the cause of Human Freedom And a tyrant Monarch's fall. They went from home and fireside In the midst of strength and youth ; They spilt their precious life blood For Justice, Peace, and Truth, When the Hun assailed Old Glory, And trampled on her fold, A nation rose in mighty power, Her precepts to uphold. They left their loved ones, bravely To battle for the right, As duty called them onward To death they pledged to fight; They saw poor Belgium ravaged By vicious, fiendish hordes, And laid aside their plowshares To buckle on their swords. They left their own beloved land To sail for foreign shores To help their brothers in distress And open Freedom's doors; The cries and groans of women Outraged, ravaged, by the Hun Aroused our righteous anger, Their duty they have done. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 27 The cries of helpless children Murdered by the beast Touched our hearts of mercy And, thank God, they have ceased. In the spirit that our Savior Died on Calvary's Tree, Our own beloved Heroes Have died in Picardy. A nation mourns their absence And loved ones' hearts are grieved, But there's blessed consolation — Earth's freedom was achieved; The glories of our heroes dead Will through the ages shine; Our hearts will sing their praises As we worship at their shrine. WOODROW WILSON America's mighty man of the hour — And no one dares to doubt his power — He holds the nations in his hands And makes them yield to his demands. As champion of a world wide peace, To make all wars and strife to cease, He broke a nation's precedent And left its shores while President. He sailed the ocean's broad expanse To help to write the terms in France; He sought a peace that would endure And make mankind from wars secure. He organized a league of nations To protect the world's relations, And to act as Arbitrator, World Court, Friend, and Mediator. The smaller nations he'd protect, And make the mighty ones respect Their liberties and sacred rights, And keep them safe from broils and fights. He sought to right the German wrongs, And place the blame where it belongs — To make the Hunnish hordes repent For blood and lives the world has spent. 28 THEODORE ROOSEVELT He sought the freedom of the seas, That ships might sail wher'er they please In quest of commerce, venture, trade, Free from rules that greed has made. To crush the military power And spirit that has killed the flower Of civilization's tender youth And taught deception for the truth. This mighty man was one of four, Who bravely took the job and bore The mighty task upon them placed To readjust a world debased. Mistakes he made, for he's a man, But all the world will praise his plan To bring about a world-wide peace And make all wars and strife to cease. GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING A Tribute In America's hall of matchless fame "We'll write another illustrious name, And with gratitude a tribute bring To our hero brave, John J. Pershing, From the gray Atlantic to calm Pacific, With loud acclaim and praise prolific America thrilled with joy and pride Hails our warrior from victory's tide. A billion tongues will sing his praise As flags of freedom the nations raise ; His armies spelled doom to tyrant dictators ; His name ranks high among world emancipators ; When the savage Villa went on rampage And on the innocent committed outrage General Pershing was the man who went And in true Yankee style closed the event. When the Hun on murder's mission went, Viciously ravaging the innocent, A call came ringing o'er the sea To the land of the brave and home of the free, So America rose in might and power THEODORE ROOSEVELT 29 And chose as leader the man of the hour, Our General Pershing, a warrior bold, To defend Old Glory's sacred fold. Ten million Yanks were on their toes To help defeat our freedom's foes, And over the ocean's broad expanse They sailed to drive the Hun from France ; They turned the tide for victory, And saved the world for Democracy, So Liberty Bell rings Pershing's name As we write it high in the Hall of Fame. "LAFAYETTE, WE ARE HERE" The Immortal Words of General Pershing as he Stood Before the Tomb of Lafayette in France On the sacred soil of Heroic France Silent, motionless, as if in a trance, A mighty warrior in reverence grave Stood by the tomb of a hero brave. Intense was the silence, all was serene ; His thoughts turned backward as he looked on the scene. In deep meditation, no word was spoken, Till stirred by devotion the silence was broken. In words that were simple, but deep and clear, From the lips of Pershing, "Lafayette, we are here; We have come with our millions to redeem your land From the blight and scourge of Autocracy's hand." "As a champion of Freedom you came to our aid; Now we '11 fight for your flag ; till the debt is paid We will fight to the death, for Democracy's cause, And substitute freedom for Autocracy's laws. "We are here, Lafayette," Pershing said with a smile, "And our spirits have met to commune for a while, As our armies advance to the mighty conflict May the spirit of France write the victor's verdict." MARSHAL FERDINAND FOCH Upon fair history's pages, Like the stars of a summer night, The names of a thousand warriors Shine out with radiant light ; 30 TEE ODORE ROOSEVELT There are stars that shine for Freedom, And stars that shine for the Boch, But the brilliant star of the ages Is Marshal Ferdinand Foch. In the galaxy of the ages There are many gleaming stars Who conquered all the known world And yearned for planet Mars, But the spirit of their conquest Was not in the heart of Foch As he led his mighty armies To victory o'er the Boch. Back from the Marne he drove the Hun, Back to the Rhine pell mell they run; Back through the plains of Luxemburg Fled Ludendorf and Hindenberg; Hail, all hail to the mighty Foch ; This is the way he licked the Boch ; Turning the tide for victory, He saved the world for Democracy. THE SPIRIT OF NINETEEN HUNDRED EIGHTEEN Of Those Who Didn't Get to Fight From every training station Throughout this mighty nation There came the signal strain From those who went to train : Give us a chance Over in France In the sweeping Yank advance To help to win this war. From every hill and valley There came the mighty rally From the boys they left behind : Uncle, won't you be so kind? Give us a chance Over in France In the sweeping Yank advance To help to win this war From the boys just in their 'teens, Who had scarcely donned long jeans, Came the mighty war whoop shout Of the watchful big Boy Scout: THEODORE ROOSEVELT 31 Give us a chance Over in France In the sweeping Yank advance To help to win this war. From Atlantic to Pacific, In war tones that sound prolific, From the veterans, eighteen sixty, In the spirit of Old Dixie : Give us a chance Over in France In the sweeping Yank advance To help to win this war. THE Y. M. C. A. IN THE WORLD WAR The inspiration for this little poem was received by the actual hervice rendered by the "Y" to the writer while in service of the Navy. All glory and praise To the Y. M. C. A. Through the mist and the gloom She sends a bright ray; When we're sad and lonely And all seems awry The smiling "Y" man Is our old stand-by. When we're sick and our brow With fever it hot And we toss on our bed And worry a lot, We hear the kind voice Of our old "Y" friend As he comes to our side, His assistance to lend. When our ills are abated And we feel convalescent, And we think of our mother, And know she's not present, The "Y" man comes smiling, With good books and eats, And our hearts are made cheery As our sadness retreats. When we're happy and bright, And feeling just fine, And we think of our sweetheart. 32 THEODORE ROOSEVELT Whom we know is divine, We start for the "Y," Where there's welcome for men, To pour out our hearts Through the point of our pen. When tired and weary And need a good rest, We turn, with gladness, To that haven so blest; There we find consolation, And a welcoming smile, As we enter its gates, There to tarry a while. At the close of the day, When we 've finished our duties And the stars in the skies Are revealing their beauties, We turn to the "Y," Where there's lots of inducement, For they furnish us books And the best of amusement. So the money that's spent For the Y. M. C. A. Will help through some soul To send a bright ray, And the glory of the "Y" Will never grow dim As we sanction its merits By giving with a vim. HIS MOTHER OF THE CRIMSON CROSS A Tribute to the Red Cross Mother A wounded, bleeding, Yankee lay Somewhere on the fields of France, Helpless, alone, forgotten a while In the wake of the Yank advance ; His heart turned home to mother dear, Far over the foaming sea, But HIS MOTHER OF THE CRIMSON CROSS was near, His comfort and cheer to be. When the storm and roar of battle calmed And the smoke had cleared away, The stretcher bearers came in haste THEODORE ROOSEVELT 33 To where the hero lay; They bore him quickly to the rear, For his death meant America's loss, And they left him safe in the arms of love — HIS MOTHER OF THE CRIMSON CROSS. She gently nursed and cared for him, In the spirit of true delight, Till healed in body, mind, and soul, And ready again to fight ; Though deprived of his own dear mother's care, And keenly felt her loss, He's serenely happy in a mother's love — HIS MOTHER OF THE CRIMSON CROSS. All hail to HIS MOTHER OF THE CRIMSON CROSS, An angel of Mercy in a land of dross, Braving the tempest of shot and shell, She gives her all that he may get well ; From North to South, from East to West, She 's ever serving and giving her best ; To her may the banners be unfurled — She's the greatest Mother in all the world. THE TOUCH OF A MOTHER'S HAND A Tribute to Mother Of all the joys that we call rare, That lift our souls to realm Divine, There is no bliss that can compare With the touch of a Mother's hand "On Mine. : In the golden hours of childhood bliss, When our whims and cries annoyed her much, She soothed our woes with many a kiss, And lulled us to sleep with her gentle touch. In the years of youth and frivolity, When the mind is gay and strong, Her gentle touch and sympathy Guides us from paths of wrong. Then in the years of maturity, Endowed with manly powers, We are led to thoughts of purity By the touch of her hand on ours. 34 THEODORE ROOSEVELT When friends prove false and turn away, And we feel at our journey's end, As the world proves cruel, cold, and gray, There's mother, her helping hand to lend. Her gentle touch, in memory sweet, Will follow us through to the end, And our joy and bliss will be complete As we dream of our truest friend. Ah, the sacred touch of a mother's hand ; 'Tis precious, tender, glorious, grand; How it thrills us through and through, When we 're feeling sad and blue. So remember well, and bear in mind That a friend like her we '11 never find ; And as you tread this wide world through, Strive to her precepts to be true. PEACE In the depths of the woodland forest, At the twilight's fading glow, When the night birds sweetly echo Their anthems soft and low, And the solemn note of the nightingale Resounds through the silence deep, There's a Peace that's sweet and tranquil, Where nature's beauties sleep. In the hush and quiet of evening, When the sun has sunk from view And the earth is veiled in darkness And the toils of the day are through, When man, relaxed in slumber, Feels safe in his repose, There's a Peace that's sweet and tranquil, That only honesty knows. In the home where children prattle And sing their lullabys, Where father and mother are happy In wedlock's sacred ties, Where love rules every action And the bells of harmony ring, There's a Peace that's sweet and tranquil, That only love can bring. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 35 In the heart that's pure and noble And knows no selfish aims, Which knows no theme but service And makes no boastful claims ; In the heart that craves no glory, But humbly lives for all, There's a Peace that's sweet and tranquil, That comes through duty's call. In a country where its people Are striving for the right, Where the stars of human Freedom Shine out with radiant light, And the spirit of the Prince of Peace Finds lodgment in their souls, There's a Peace that's sweet and tranquil, Which Mercy's hand unfolds. In a world where teeming millions Are looking up to God, Where nations bow in reverence And need no chastening rod, Where Kingdoms crave no conquest And have no selfish plans, There's a Peace that's sweet and tranquil, Which the hand of Truth demands. JOHN BARLEYCORN (In Memoriam) With profound detestation And unrelenting hate, We hail with exultation John Barleycorn's mournful fate. Tis a pleasure sweet and glorious To watch him struggle and die, As we see his trail so hideous Where his victims helpless lie. For years we let him revel In luxury's graceful lap, But soon his haunts we'll level, And his name in oblivion wrap. In the pits of darkness he was born ; His parents were lust and greed ; He laughed the widows' tears to scorn, While death was his mortal creed. 36 THE ODORE ROOSEVELT He wiggled from the pits of hell, And left his slimy trail Of misery, woe and ghastly spell, And scorned the orphan's wail. Into the homes of cheer and mirth He took his curse and blight ; His veil of sorrow filled the earth, Like the darkness of the night. He sapped the manhood from the strong ; A wreck their lives became, The friend of theft, and greed and wrong, Mankind he would defame. Young men in vigor, strength and prime Fell victims to his snares ; His path was strewn with vicious crime, As he caught men unawares. Treachery was his weapon strong, As through the land he swept, Sowing poverty, grief and wrong, While helpless mothers wept. He practiced vile deception Upon the rich and poor, Accomplished his reception By his cunning lure. He stood upon the city squares And lured his victims in ; He caught them in his vicious sn,ares And dragged them down in sin. Nothing was too low and mean For him to stoop and do ; Vile and filthy and unclean, His life was brought to view. When thoughtful men his deeds beheld, So vicious, cruel and vile, Against this monster they rebelled And fought his cunning wile. At first he scorned their efforts bold To drive him from the land, But soon the fight against him told — They stayed his vicious hand. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 37 The fight against this monster strong Increased from year to year, Till, facing such a mighty throng, His heart was filled with fear. They drove him from the village green And chased him day and night ; His friends were few and far between — He faced a hopeless plight. In quick succession did each state Vote strong for his extinction ; Between his end and fearful fate They made no real distinction. So now the victory is won Against John Barleycorn ; An era peaceful has begun — A world has been reborn. KENTUCKY My Native State Gracious, glorious, grand Kentucky, A brilliant star in Glory's blue, Where the lads are brave and plucky And the slackers very few. She's a land of milk and honey, Where all life is bright and sunny — Sure there's joy and bliss divine In that blessed state o' mine: Serene Kentucky. You may tread this wide world o'er And sail its seas from shore to shore; You may search from pole to pole For a place to rest your soul, But you'll never find a land That is quite one-half so grand As the state of Blue Grass fame, And I love its precious name : Lovely Kentucky. The friendless outcasts of mankind Will in her borders friendship find — For them a welcome here abides By our glowing, warm firesides. Where there's peace and harmony, 38 THEODORE ROOSEVELT Mercy and smiles and charity, In that state of varied soils, Where no victor claims the spoils : Hospitable Kentucky. She 's a land in beauty dressed ; With nature 's grandeurs she is blessed. From her verdant hills and plains Floats sweet music 's tender strains. Her freaks of nature are renowned, Her splendid cities glory crowned, Her rivers thru green valleys wind, Her beauties, rare in Heaven, we find : Gorgeous Kentucky. She's a land of varied soils, Where an honest manhood toils ; Her valleys yield abundant grains, While cattle graze her Blue Grass plains. Her mountains, rich in oil and coal, She's only half way reached her goal — Sure your heart will be content On her soil to pitch your tent: Bounteous Kentucky. When the Hun assailed Old Glory, And their hordes had told a story' Of their vicious crimes and deeds, Smashing civilization's creeds — From the Hills of Old Kentucky Marched the lads so brave and plucky, And over the ocean's broad expanse They sailed and drove the Hun from France- Brave Kentucky. On her noble history's pages The names of many brilliant sages, Like the stars of a summer's night, Shine and gleam with radiant light- There 's Daniel Boone, of Pioneer fame, And Henry Clay, a glorious name, And scores of others, but one supreme- Abraham Lincoln, the nation's theme: Glorious Kentucky. She may boast of nature's beauties, How her men perform their duties, But there's something more serene Which has glorified the scene— THEODORE ROOSEVELT 39 As we bow in admiration To her fair sex, adoration And our banners are unfurled To the prettiest women in all the world : Sublime Kentucky. THE FARMERETTE Of all the lassies I've seen yet There's none so fair as the farmerette. She 's just the girl I like to see — Her face is tan as tan can be, Her muscles are so firm and strong, Her raven locks are dangling long, ' Her beauty rare is plain to see, And the Farmerette is the girl for me. There's the blushing Yeomanette, And the fighting suffragette, Who their little bit have done In the fight against the Hun, But the girl who tilled the soil Just to help the Boche to foil, Was the sunburned Farmerette — The sweetest lassie I've seen yet. How I love my Farmerette, With her dimpled cheek's rosette, Tilling the soil from day to day, Raking the meadow sweet with hay; She braves the weather thru rain and sun And goes to her work with frolic and fun ; Her beauty rare is plain to see — And the Farmerette is the girl for me. 40 THEODORE ROOSEVELT SIX MONTHS IN THE NAVY Personal experiences of the writer during his brief service in the United States Navy at Great Lakes, 111. I joined the Navy six months ago As a Landsman, iillectrician, Radio. I deemed myself extremely lucky When I sailed from the city, Louisville, Ky. I sailed all night in a pullman car In a direct line for the old North Star And the following day our company awakes At the beautiful port and "ship" Great Lakes We boarded the good old ship Great Lakes And trusted to luck to make no mistakes At first the voyage was calm and still But a tempest arose and tossed us at will The first little tempest came in detention When the Company commander yelled, attention! The next wave that hit us was right in the neck When at five A. M. they yelled "Hit the Deck" When all "On Board" lined up for chow It looked quite strange but I'm used to it now It was served in regular caffeteria style But we had to wash dishes which made us feel vile The Sea became choppy the further we got As we went the next day to get our first shot They stuck a sharp needle right into our arm That made us wish we were back on the farm Some of them fainted, but others were brave, While some of the weaker ones started to rave. Three shots in succession caused consternation As our fevers rose high from inoculation. But the company commander gave orders to hike it, For the good of the ship you'll learn to like it. Thus fresh from our homes and fond adoration We found in such orders, sweet consolation. I spent tkree weeks in strictest detention Where working and eating held our attention. We cleaned up the barracks, mopped up the floor And scrubbed on our clothes till our fingers were sore. THE ODORE ROOSEVELT 41 Before I dressed up in Uncle Sam's blue I'd often been used to a plain working crew, But never in my life did I laugh so hearty As when we fell in for a swell "Working Party." They said join the Navy and learn a good trade. They gave us a shovel, a pick and a spade, And ordered us sternly to, "Come, shake it up," So we followed our orders and drank the bitter cup. We dug deep trenches and levelled off hills And worked on the Sabbath versus our wills. If, alas, we found that our hammocks were dirty We hit the gray deck to wash at three-thirty. When we finished detention and started to leave We had been such angels it made our chief grieve, But the boys set out in varied directions To receive their specified list of instructions. So on to the Radio camp I went To learn how wireless messages are sent. My aspirations for Harvard were high But I didn't like Radio and let it go by. They said, join the Navy and see the world And follow Old Glory wherever unfurled. They put us to work with the carpenter gang And made us haul freight as we whistled and sang. They said, join the Navy and help lick the Hun. We didn't get a chance till the war was all won. I never did think that a fighter I'd make But I longed for a chance at the Kaiser to take. I had aspirations to go to the Pier. An officers' school to Chicago was near. So I screwed up courage and made application And in regular style passed examination. I saw myself in handsome design A few months hence a strutting Ensign. Then for several long weeks I only "stood by" Awaiting orders for a commission to try. During the weeks of watchful waitine My vaulted ambitions were slowly abating. T applied one day for medical attention — Was told that I needed a slight operation. 42 THEODORE ROOSEVELT So off to the hospital hurriedly I went And four short weeks in that " haven" I spent. One time in my life I hated to get well For the nurses were pretty, GEE ! they were swell ! My operation was a total success And back to my duties I hurried — I guess Three days I was out in the gracious sunlight And was struck by the Flu in its death dealing flight For two weeks more I was doctored and nursed As they fed me on pills and watered my thirst. So, recovered again, I went on my way Waiting — from dawn to the close of the day. Before very long another ambition Thrilled my heart and cheered my condition. As a chance was offered to all who got by To be a Paymaster in the Navy Up High. And again I ventured and passed examination For the Paymasters' school that gives a commission. Now two chances I have to be an ensign But the war is over and I think I'll resign. With the Navy I have no reason for quarrel But I wish to impress this bit of a moral : The Navy is full of excellent chances For men who are capable of making advances. So if you decide to enter the Navy Don't be afraid to eat beans and gravy, But enlist in the branch you like best of all And stick to that branch till the last roll call. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 981 069 7 iiift 013 981069 7