The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1860-06-14
POLITICS IN EGYPT.

There is no Free State in the Union, in which
SO large district of country is found enveloped
in intellectual and political darkness as Southern
Illinois Some twenty or more populous coun-
ties are entirely given up to the darkness Of de-
mocracy, with only the exception of few settle
ments at or near the railroad stations. These
settlements have of course been increasing du
ring the past three four years. and will con-
t tinue to expand until the great mass of democ-
racy is eventually reached or driven out. The
conversion Of the Egyptian democracy to the
Republican faith, is a work attended with embar-
easements; it is hard to reach these people with
the ordinary instrumental1ties of enlightenment.
They are with difficulty gotten out to hear Re.
publican speakers and in very many localities,
Republican speaker would run the hazard Of
being uncivilly treated. The circulation of prin-
ted documents among the people, especially
through the mails, cannot well be done the
great mass never go to a postofice, or know
where one is kept. Besides, there is still ano-
Their diff culty large proportion of the Egyp-
tian democracy cannot read. Any one has only
to examine the U. s. census documents tt-sat-
isfy himself of the ignorance of the people.
Republicans in Southern Illinois rely more on
accessons to the population from the North than
any other one agency, for the political regener-
alton of this region every Republican new
conner from the north is gladly welcomed There
is no obstacle in the way of reforms of any kind
so formidable as ignor apce; this bstruction
stands directly in the way of the dissemination
of Republicanism in Egypt. In a conversation
yesterday, with the Democratic Postmaster at
Anna, he volunteered the statement, that the
population of Southern Illinois, was mass Of
ignorance and stupidity, and destitute OF enter
prise that this region of country was entirely
indebted to the North, for all the good improve
ments that had been made. This same Postmas-
ter, said to friend of mine day or two since,
that the Post Office at Anna, would hardly need
the pains of being kept open, were it not for the
Republican families, who have lately settled in
the place-these were lbs chief patrons, while
the Democrats about there, sci dom received or
sent any letters or papers. This Postmaster, is
an honest Irishman, who does not hesitate to
speak what he believes to be the truth.
Notwithstanding all tho endorsements which
ignorance and prejudice interpose, Southern H.
linois will show far more Republican strength
next fall than ever before. Never in Wisconsin
or elsewhere have heard Republicans talk with
SO much earnestness, determination and resolu-
ton, as in the towns on the line of the Illinois
Central they are mostly young men, who have
come into Egypt to do business, and to make
this part of the State their future home they
speak out their sentiments at the public tables,
in the streets and in the stores, and egince a
purpose to work with all their might, to regen-
crate this benighted strong hold of the Democ-
racy. With such energy and intelligence, igno-
rance must give way, though perhapsbut slowly.
F.