Judge M.C. Brown in a
felicitous introduction presented Mrs. I.S. Bartlett, the poet of the day, to
the audience. The True Republic by Mrs. I. S. Bartlett The first republic of the world Now greets the day, its flag unfurled To the pure mountain air; On plains, in canon, shop and mine, The star of equal rights shall shine. From its blue folds, with light divine- A symbol bright and fair. The flashing presence of to-day Startles our ancient dreams away. Wrapped in her shadows dim Old memory flees, with vivid glance To-day uplift her shining lance, Her arm is might, her brow is light, Her voice a thrilling hymn. Shine on, oh star! No flag of old, No standard raised by warrior bold In all the days of yore, For chivalrie or knightly claim For honor bright or woman's name Has ever shone with brighter flame, Than peerless forty-four. Fair state of honor, freedom's pride, |