"The Freedom of the Press" by Rev. Joseph C. Booth (1919)

The Freedom of the Press.

BY (REV.) JOSEPH C. BOOTH.

The freedom of the press is man's demand,

        In this progressive, democratic age;

        The people's mouthpiece is the printed page;

The forum of a great unfettered land!

With freedom righteous principles expand,

        As eagle's wings, that fetters disengage:

        A nation rises to her heritage,

As men each other better understand.

Yield not the press to any foreign power;

        To gag-law, boycott, favored set or clan;

Our Constitution let no hand deflower,

        Through selfish motives—un-American!

May freedom of the press, forever, be

        The glory of our grand democracy!

        Waterford, N. Y.

Troy Times. December 11, 1919: 13 col 1.