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Poem
September 5, 1897
The News & Observer
Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina
What is this article about?
Satirical ballad in which Senator Butler recounts how politicians, intending to reform in Raleigh, were corrupted and bought by wealthy 'goldbugs,' leading to their betrayal of public trust.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
SENATOR BUTLER TELLS WHY
THEY DIDN'T REFORM.
Come all ye patriots, young and old.
And listen while I tell:
To you I will the tale unfold
Of how your trustees fell-
For they bought us.
We went to Raleigh to reform
All things both high and low:
But goldbugs there us did ensnare
And "done" us fast and slow-
Cause they bought us.
On stump and stand we did proclaim
Ourselves the chosen few,
Who by the people's rights would stand
Always, forever true
But they bought us.
The only true and faithful band,
(We'll e'er sing that ditty)
For. pledged to stand on every hand.
It was the greatest pity-
That they bought us.
Though warriors 'gainst the yellow gold
And bank notes crisp and new,
How could we help a change of mind
When they shook them at us-
So they bought us.
Now one more chance is all we ask,
To smite them hip and thigh;
We'll regulate both freights and fares
And make the goldbugs sigh-
Unless they buy us.
-Monroe Journal,
THEY DIDN'T REFORM.
Come all ye patriots, young and old.
And listen while I tell:
To you I will the tale unfold
Of how your trustees fell-
For they bought us.
We went to Raleigh to reform
All things both high and low:
But goldbugs there us did ensnare
And "done" us fast and slow-
Cause they bought us.
On stump and stand we did proclaim
Ourselves the chosen few,
Who by the people's rights would stand
Always, forever true
But they bought us.
The only true and faithful band,
(We'll e'er sing that ditty)
For. pledged to stand on every hand.
It was the greatest pity-
That they bought us.
Though warriors 'gainst the yellow gold
And bank notes crisp and new,
How could we help a change of mind
When they shook them at us-
So they bought us.
Now one more chance is all we ask,
To smite them hip and thigh;
We'll regulate both freights and fares
And make the goldbugs sigh-
Unless they buy us.
-Monroe Journal,
What sub-type of article is it?
Ballad
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Political
Satire Society
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Political Corruption
Goldbugs
Reform Failure
Senator Butler
Satirical Ballad
What entities or persons were involved?
Monroe Journal
Poem Details
Title
Senator Butler Tells Why They Didn't Reform.
Author
Monroe Journal
Subject
Why Politicians Failed To Reform Due To Corruption
Form / Style
Rhymed Stanzas With Refrain
Key Lines
Come All Ye Patriots, Young And Old.
And Listen While I Tell:
For They Bought Us.
We'll Regulate Both Freights And Fares
And Make The Goldbugs Sigh
Unless They Buy Us.