A poetic view in regard to the topic of our day and the signs of a coming reaction from the present tendency of laissez-faire" is opportune and for this reason all the more welcome. If the following verse lacks the more concise form of the sonnet (to dó Justice to the theme) it, possesses the enarm of improvisation, for it evidently seeks to give spontaneous expression to the thoughts and hopes of what probably constitutes a large majority of the international community of Shanghai.
All the world is topsy-tury, Threatening clouds are hanging low; War, and'fell disease, or scurvy Rampant are and spreading go! Monarchs rule in fact no longer.
For dictators are supreme, And their satellites wax stronger As of peace all others dream.
Let us be this once united, Or heroic means contrive Lest our wrongs remain un-righted While for harmony we strive, Deprecating persecution With the evils in its train, And no means of execution Of a common front restrain.
There is still a power in Heaven That will heed an honest prayer, If sincerely all have striven Right to do....and what is Jair!
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.