The Man Who Goes Without

The Postmaster-General says there is small hope for a reduction in the stage rates pending the extension of telephone facilities throughout the country districts.

If a stamp you have to lick,
Do not rave about and kick
At the extra little fraction that you
    pay;
For remember, friends (of foes)
That this little item goes
To helping poor old Hayseed on his
    way.

If you chance to post a letter,
And remark it would be better
If the penny thing was costing but
    a penny,
Count your blessings one by one
In the city and, when done,
Just recollect the country hasn't
    any.

Have you ever been Outback
Where the road is but a track;
(This is changing to a sentimental
    ditty.)
Have you ever known the need
Of a hurry call and speed
That is just a commonplace down in
    the city?

Have you ever listened (Hark!)
While a horseman, thro' the dark,
Goes galloping to bring the doctor up?
Have you waited there in dread
With a fellow nearly dead, ...
Friend, thank the gods you have not
    drained that cup.

In the city it's just—Ring!
And we'll soon fix up the thing."
Or, "Wire" there's never need to sit
    alone,
As they do there, far Outback,
Where to well they know the lack
Of that commonplace to you—a tele-
    phone.

Now, it's "Saddle up old Nell!
Quick, man! And ride like hell!"
And tell the doc to move: the man's
    a wreck!

Then, for hours you sit and stew,
For you don't know what to do
And you wonder if young Bill will
    break his neck.

So, when your post a letter,
And you think it might be better
If the beastly thing was costing but
    a penny,

Count your blessings, one by one—
City blessings, and, when done,
Be glad to help the man who hasn't
    any.