Byron Rufus Newton

Byron Rufus Newton (August 4, 1861 – March 20, 1938) was an American journalist, political figure, early aviation promoter, and author of satirical poetry. He was the publicity director of Woodrow Wilson's presidential campaign in 1912, and served as Collector of the Port of New York from 1917 to 1921.

Biography He was born in Wirt, New York, on August 4, 1861, the son of Laurens C. Newton, a farmer who claimed a remote relation to Sir Isaac Newton. He attended Oberlin College Preparatory School from 1882 to 1884.

"Owed To New York"

In 1905, while working at the Herald, he wrote the satirical poem "Owed to New York", which has been frequently quoted and republished. Vulgar of manner, overfed, Overdressed and underbred, Heartless, Godless, Hell's delight, Rude by day and lewd by night; Bedwarfed the man, o'ergrown the brute, Ruled by boss and prostitute: Purple-robed and pauper-clad, Raving, rotting, money-mad; A squirming herd in Mammon's mesh, A wilderness of human flesh; Crazed by avarice, lust and rum, New York, thy name's "Delirium."