The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1909-12-09
BURNS, THE DEMOCRAT.
c. A. G. Jackson Contributes Inter-
esting Article to the Twentieth
Century Magazine.

The December issue of the Twenti-
eth Century Magazine contains an
interesting article by c. A. G. jack
son, of this city, on Burns, the DEM
| ocrat," in which the writer states:
Liberty, independence, the real
spirit of Democracy, were in the air
a century and half ago, profound
ly influencing mems thoughts pre-
pairing the way for the French Rev.
olution that overturned old ideas of
caste and privilege and the Ameri-
can Revolution that, overthrowing
old forms of government, made the
| ideals of our British forefathers an
| accomplished fact. There had al
ways been strong undercurrent of
| independence among the British peo-
pie and it is small matter for sur
prise that amid the broader influen-
| ces of the new world their descend
ants should have developed that
spirit to the full.
France and America had their
writer's and orators, their statesmen
| philosophers and warriors, whose
| names will always be associated with
one of the great forward movements
of humanity. They achieved great
ness because the opportunity came
to them to be actors in tremendous
times, because they were in the midst
of the movement and felt the thrill
of the mighty impulse that was in
fiuencing the world
THE Scotch farmer, who from be-
yond the sea, sent gift of captured
cannon to the French Revolutionists,
who toasted Washington as better
man than Pitt, and who came into
| disfavor with his government because
| he entertained and declared senti-
| ments that were deemed almost
reasonable, was denied any par
| ticipation in these great occasions,
! any association. with the great men
with whom he fully sympathized.
Yet while their names are connect
ed in history with specific events and
accomplishments, he became the rec
ognized mouthpiece for the deep SEN
timents that have in all times ami
, mated men to achieve great deeds
/ for themselves and their country. He
urged the rights of man as strongly
as Paine; he believed in indepen-
dence as firmly as Henry. Genera
tons yet unborn will find in his
words as great inspiration as in the
deeds of any of the leaders of that
time, for his glowing words express
the fundamental ideas that animate
men to attempt great things for
their kind
Born in an inferior station in life
suffering from poverty most of the
time, in spite of his recognized abil-
tiles, never admitted to real associa-
ton with the upper class, Burns never
fawned or truckled, For himself and
his class he resented the claims OF
superiority based on birth and
wealth and stated his resentment il
words that still burn and sting.
"'If I'm designed yon lordling's
slave,
By natures law designed,
Why was an independent wish
Fer planted in my mind?
If not, why am l subject to
His cruelty and scorn?
Or why has man the will and power
To make his fellow mourn
"'Ye see yon birkie cad a lord,
Wha struts, and stares, and a that
Though thousands worship at hi
word
He's but coof for a. that
He was not content, however, t
castigate those of higher rank an,
: to puncture their pretensions, bu
: held out hope to those of his owl
l class:
/; "'What though on namely fare W
= dine,
a Wear holden gray and a. that?
s Gle fools their silks, and knave
: their wine,