The record-union., 1897-07-06
PATRIOTIC FIRES KEPT BURNING.
lowed, and then came
THE POEM.

lowed, and then came
THE POEM.
The Poet of the Day, C. P. Massey,
on being introduced, read the fol-
lowing patriotic lines, choosing for his
theme. Our Country and Flag" 1t
was delivered with patriotic fervor. 1t
will be found to be gracefully flowing
tribute to the Republic and all for
which it stands. with the thought of the
lines reverential, and their forecast
charged with hope and patriotic faith.
With the swift passing year comes the
day OF rejoicing,
When a nation its freedom asserts 70
the world;
And millions of patriots their gratitude
voicing,
Hail their country's proud emblem
they see new unfurled.
Ihey came from the cities they came
from the plow lands
From workshop and office, from
mountain and plain:
From a continents heart. to where seas
lave the white sands
ana their title to liberty claim once
again.
While waves the old banner.
The star spangled banner.
whose folds tell a story we love to re-
peat:
OF courage and splendor.
OF deeds true and tender
Ot century's march that has known
no retreat.
But not N our own strength and valor
we glory
'Tis the heritage only we claim as our
OWL;
Though the harvests are white, we
know the full story
And how we are reapine where others
have SoWn;
How the land now extending from ocean
to ocean,
Where religion and letters. and laws.
make for peace,
Has been tossed on the waves of the
widest commotion,
Till some conqueror'S sword made the
tumuit to cease:
While freedoms loved banner,
The star bestrewn banner,
Waved over the conflict our fathers to
And though shot through and tat
It's staff bruised and shattered,
Because OF It's great hurts accounted
more dear.
AS we tell o'er the story. the memory
strengthens,
OF campfire, and council, and chivalry
rare,
And far down vista which narrovs and
lengthens,
We see q State building substantial and
fair;
And sheltered to-day meath its spread
ing paVilionS
With pillars in righteousness stead
fastly placed,
We join in the shout of the jubilant mil
And swear that its splendors shall not
be defaced:
While our fathers old banner,
The star blazoned banner
Still shows in the SUNLIGHT itc rod u-bita
and blue;
Revealing its beauty,
InStructing in duty
And holding to country hearts loyal and
true.
BY their memories glorious the gods are
detected
And godlike they were who with faith
for their shield
Strove for freedom and truth until was
The State We to-day see in glory re-
And recalling their story we grow to their
measure,
AS our patriot hearts make their virtues
In their memories grand ever finding fresh
treasure,
The seeds of new greatness are still
being sown.
And we look on their banner
Their glorified banner,
Whose hueS catch the Iusters that flash
from the skies:
As never desponding,
To duty responding,
They tOiled till victorious it greeted their
eyes.
And if others have drunk deep of Ma
rah's harsh waters.
In some palm-shaded Film shall we
now reDoSe?
Where our fathers have wrought shall
their sons and their daughters,
When wrongs call for righting, give
dalliance for blows?
This fair land of promise to us has been
given,
To keep it's escutcheon unclouded and
pure.
And that priceless estate for which 9TH
erS have striven,
Now strength must defend or it will
not endure:
And the conquerng banner,
The old stored banner
New lessons of courage instills as it flies;
To virtue appealing,
New duty revealing.
AS it borrows from heaven it's beautiful
dyes.
And remembering to-day where their
ashes are sleeping,
By ocean or river, on mountain or
plain,
In some bivouac of death where a nation
stood weeping,
Or where some great monument honors
one name;
We pause for a moment our tribute to
render,
To deeds that no chaplet can ffttingly
crown,
AS with eyes that are wet, and with
hearts that are tender,
Their virtues we praise and proclaim
their renown:
While the beautiful banner
Our countrys old banner
Its still vigil keeps as it droopingly
falls,
It's stripes feebly flowing.
Iiy,o1x cl,o
AS though sad for the story each great
name recalls.
The State has been builded, its just laws
enacted,
But statues are naught if the con-
science is soiled:
Some fetters are broken some Justice
exacted.
But the sinful in heart are of all things
despoiled;
And though passion and error with wick
ed defiance,
May challenge the strength of the con-
quering sword,
The land that we cherish must place its
reliance.
In the strength that proceeds from the
word of the Lord:
And then shall that banner.
The old honored banner
For greater achievement the people in
Spire,
AS with record so glorious,
For God still victorious
1t remains for the patriot his strength
and desire.
The memories we cherish are sweet In