DRY-FARMING CONGRESS, WICHITA, 1914 



53 



this conference, but before I leave I want to tell a story which illustrates 

 just what is the matter with us out here in the West. The story may be 

 an old one to some of you, but it explains my point and I want to tell it. 

 Two Irishmen, Pat and Mike, died, and one of them went to Heaven and 

 the other one went down below. Pat, down below, called up to Mike and 

 asked how he was getting along. Mike said, "Oh, not very well, I am 

 having a hard time." Pat said, "Why, how's that?" and Mike said, "Well, 

 there are not enough of us up here to have a good time — it is too lonely!" 

 And that is just what is the matter with this Western country out here. 

 We have everything in the world we could desire but there are not enough 

 of us to build the country to make educational and social conditions what 

 they should be. We must have many more people. 



We have, in Colorado, some little verses, which illustrate our senti- 

 ments. They are the sentiments of Kansas. You can change one word 

 if you please, and they will express the sentiments of any state, but they 

 express my sentiments and the sentiments of all good Coloradans. They 

 are these: 



THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST. 



The spirit that conquered the desert, 



And made it rich with grain; 

 That scaled the peaks of the mountains, 



Their hidden treasure to gain; 

 That chiseled through rocky gorges 



The paths to the parks of rest — 

 'Tis the spirit of Colorado, 



The spirit of the West. 



The breezes that sigh in the forest, 



Of balsam and pine all breathe 

 Life-saving balm to the ailing, 



Pure roses of health to wreathe, 

 From a clime of enticing enchantment 



A people of vigor will wrest 

 The spirit of Colorado, 



The spirit of the West. 



The state spruce bedecked in its silver; 



Our flowers of lavender hue; 

 Brooks tinkling music in echo, 



And birds thrilling sonnets anew; 

 Appeal from a union of effort 



To strive at the state's behest 

 For the spirit of Colorado, 



The spirit of the West. 



