The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1909-03-11
'TWOB|LLS" BY
JAN|TOR POET
PRODUCTION RECEIVES AcK-
NowLEDcEMENT FROM PREsI-
DENT TAFT
IN PERSONAL LETTER

John Ries, Welsh Bard, Received the
Inspiration While Drinking a Glass
of Heer-Published Book of Poems
Years Aao-ls a Grest Reader.
A janitor who writes poetry by way
of diversion. A poet whose genius has
won for him recognition from Presi-
dent Taft.
Such is one of Canton's possessions,
in the person of John Rees, night
janitor at the Auditorium, yet few
know 1t.
Here's the product from Rees' pen
that attracted the attention of one
Bill" Taft. he of the White House.
Both Bills ran strong with all their
might,
For the White Chair, which was in
in sight.
Billy t. ran along in an awful fight.
Billy b. fell back in a sorry plight.
Now Billy T. the race you have won,
On March the 4th the armour put on.
The oath you will take in solemn
vow
To lead this nation to prosperity
now"
Needless to say Billy T. was more
than pleased with this little appre-
citation, when he received the original
manuscript from the poet In fact he
was so well pleased, that he took time
to send personal letter to John Rees,
expressing his hearty thanks and en-
couraging him to go further in his
literary effort.
Naturally John Rees is "tickled to
death" over the letter He cherishes
1t as a treasure of inestimable value,
and guards it night and day. When
asked how he received the inspiration
that prompted the poem, he said: Il
thought it all out while / was drink
ing glass of beer. l hurried mp and
wrote 1t all out lest / forgot it. Then
sent it to Taft"
He wouldn't name the particular
brand of amber fluid which gave him
the inspiration, for fear that the poetic
field would become overcrowded. How
ever, he might be persuaded to dis
close the secret for the proper none
tary inducement.
The truth of the adage that genius
lives in obscure places, is well
brought out in this instance. Rees
works from $3.50 in the afternoon to
$50 the next morning, and his du-
ties being light, he whiles away much
of the time reading and writing
poetry. BY reading" the reader must
not get the impression that he puts
In his time devouring Diamond
Dick" or in fact, anything that is
commonly termed light fiction. But
he consumes volume after volume Of
works that would give ordinary peo-
pie headache.
AS Welsh bard, for such in his
nationality, he has created profound
impression among his countrymen
many years ago, by the publication OF
a book of poems. His attainments
In American literature are of more
recent date.
Mr.. Rees makes II a point to write
his poems to bear upon current events
and conditions. Here is one he has
just completed and which he has ded-
icated to the Liquor Dealers"
THE soldiers of King Bacchus are
nervous in their camp;
For 10! Bill Rose, the hero, will
send them on tramp,
Along down Salt river. to purify their
stencil.
From lager beer and whiskey, that
makes mortal wretch
His Staying of King Bacchus, in his
forts Of solid gold,
Built by the hands Of toilers, who
thirst for poison sold.
Dear servant of King Satan, drop from
his ranks today,
And be a man Of courage-reserve
your gold each pay"
And John Rees isn't temperance
fanatic.
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