“I PROTEST.”

White Ribbon, Volume 24, Issue 285, 18 March 1919, Page 12

“I PROTEST.”

To sit in silence 1 when we should piotest Makes towards out of men. Ihe human race Has climbed on protest. Had no veiice l be*en raise'd Against injustice, igne>rance and lust, The inquisition yet would serve the law, And guillotines decide our least disputes. The few who dare* must sjreak, and s|M*ak again, To right the wrongs of many. Speech, thank (ioel. No vest 'd |K>wer in this great day and land Can gag or throttle. Pre ss and voice V may cry Loud disapproval of existing ills; May c ritic ise oppression and condemn The lawlessness of wealth-protecting laws That let the children and childbearers toil to purchase e ase- for idle- millionaires. Therefore, 1 do protest against ti* boast Of inde‘|x*ndence in this might) land Call no chain strong which holds one rusted link. tall no lane! free 1 that holds one fettere*d slave*. Cntil the manacled slim wrists erf babes Arc loosed to toss in e liildish spoit and glee ; I ntil the* mother bears no burden, sjve

The* pre< mils one beneath he r heart, until (ierd’s soil is res. ued from the clutk h erf greed, And given back to labour, let no man (’all this the 1 land of freedom. Klla Wheeler Wilcox.