Iowa
Old Press
THE FREMONT COUNTY HERALD
August 4, 1927
Some Advancement
When I first I saw the horseless carrriage, my laughter echoed
long and shrill; it seemed the offspring of a marriage of bicyle
and fanning mill. I used to drive my creeping surry along the
dusty thoroughfare; it gave me little grief or worry, it didn't
fill my life with care. And everywhere stalled cars were standing
with something busted in their works, and fierce-eyed drivers
were outhanding such language as disturbs the kirks. Fat men were
gamely crawling under their cars in agony and woe and asking why
in purple thunder they ever let the old horse go. And others
called aloud for grangers who lived along the country road to
bring their mules from barns and mangers and hall the cars to
their abode. And others went to phones imploring some town
mechanic to make hasts and come and set their engines roaring,
there was no moment they should waste. And I would say to my fat
sister who rode beside me in the cart, "A horse may
sometimes raise a blister upon my patience and my heart, but
still its better to be going, though we don't journey fast or
far, than be like yonder fellow, throwing all kinds of fits
beneath a car. These fool contrivances will vanish without a sigh
on them bestowed; the trouble they impart will banish the crazy
tumbrils from the road." But I have lived to see them
scooting by millions on the thoroughfare, their works a-throb,
their horns a-hooting, the people in them free from care. I tool
my car around the city while all the cops admire my speed, and I
have lived to look with pity on anyone who drives a steed.-- Walt
Mason.
[submitted by W.F., Oct. 2003]