Oxford Democrat

Rich Monopolists.

The maxim of this class of men is, "We govern, you must obey. We are the Lords of the land; protection is for our noble selves. You are the servants of our will to minister to our pleasures." Farmers and mechanics are not fit to associate with our gentry—they are too vulgar: their dress is too coarse, and there's their "huge paws"—how would they look "along side of our little delicate fingers."

It is our privilege to monopolize all the rights all the property, all the honor, and take care of the poor--that is, just keep them from starving, so that we can enjoy their service.

But, when they behold their property enveloped in the devouring flame, or laid waste by the sweeping torrent-or when the armies and fleets of a powerful foe invade our shores and threaten to spread desolation and ruin in their track, then the rich can condescend to look to the poor for the safety and protection of themselves and their property-to place them in the front of the battle, and at the post of danger-urge them on to the conflict, reap the fruits of victory, and leave them to their fates, unrewarded and forgotten. Let the property holders look around them, and see on whom they are dependent, for the protection and safety of that property. And if they wish for that feeling and spirit in the community, that will prompt its members to voluntary and vigorous efforts in its defence, let them merit it by their conduct towards them: and gratitude will produce what the force of law never yet effected. Otherwise let the rich extinguish their own fires and fight their own battles-they that have the property, let them protect it. Let every working man say to them, Keep your wealth, but give us our rights.