IMHO - It is just a creative form of Literature, that we use to engage in, called "Political Satire".

It was written when many U.S. Soldiers, were serving in Luzon, Philippine Islands, in the pursuit of Aguinaldo during the Philippine Insurrection.

The author clearly thought the Krag an adequate rifle and disagreed with the idea of seeking a new arm, especially, while engaged in a war.

He also did not agree with the sympathy for the insurgents and Anti-Imperialist passion being expressed by Journalist, ex-Senator, retired Union General Carl Schurz.

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