“Their love of peace no people could excel, Their dash in war the poet’s pen awaits; Their sterling loyalty made possible Pacific’s golden galaxy of states.
“They had no time to bother much about Contending creeds that vex the nation’s Hub, But then they left their leather latches out To every wandering Arab short of grub.
“Cut off from all courts, man’s earthly shield from harm, They looked for help to Him whose court’s above, And learned to lean on labor’s honest arm, And live the higher law, the law of love.
“Not one but ought to wear a crown of gold, If crowns were made for men who do their best Amid privations cast and manifold That unborn generations may be blest.
“Among these rugged pioneers the rule Was equal rights, and all took special pride In ’tending Mother Nature’s matchless school, And on her lessons lovingly relied.
“And this is doubtless why they are in touch With Nature’s noblemen neath other skies; And though of books they may not know as much Their wisdom lasts, as Nature never lies.
“And trusting God and His unerring plan As only altruistic natures could Their faith extended to their fellow man, The image of the Author of all good.
“Since Nature here has done her best to please By making everything in beauty’s mold, Loads down with balm of flowers every breeze, And runs her rivers over reefs of gold,
“It seems but natural that men who yearn For native skies, and visit scenes of yore, Are seldom satisfied till they return To roam the Gardens of the Gods once more!
“And since they fell in love with nature here How fitting they should wish to fall asleep Where sparkling mountain spires soar and spear The stainless azure of the upper deep.