The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1864-03-03
Our Madison letter.
MADISON, Wis, FEB. 90, 1864.
Mr.. EDITOR: =

Friday, and has eliminated this week in
Balls, Concerts, and Entertainments the-
opian and Presti-digit-oria The throngs
of Soldiers, Recruits and Representatives Of
Towns, in pursuit of quotas and credits have
found it a charming time and, amid it all,
Legislation goes on joyously.
To select from such a Programme would
be invidious yet, one of the diversions de-
serves notice from its unique character. A !
large addition has lately been made to |
the Harvey Hospital, which is just compile
ted To mark the event in Hospital life |
the officers and convalescents with the aid
of the ladies-sympathizers in joy and sor-
row-improvised an entertainment consist
ing of Y'ableaux, Songs and Speeches, which
pleased all who were present, exceedingly.
The representation of Planters Life and Ne
groes at home, were novel and interesting,
while mock combats of the Feds" and Sc
oesh' were the more impressive, inasmuch as
the actors had themselves performed an he
roic part amid scenes of actual strife which
these but illustrated The Post Surgeon &C.
cupied brief space, in a short address, CON
cisely reviewing the history of Hospitals and
| their conduct subject of sad sad inter
est to us all at the present moment One
fact which he stated is worth remembering
The cost to tile nation for the care of each
man i'll our hospitals, he estimated at $50
per month, exclusive of his monthly pay.
At that rate Uncle Sam may keep his mill
at work for some time On ''Green Backs
and 'Fellow Leaves"
There are many things at this Hospital
The edifice you may remember as Governor
| Farwell former residence-never to be for
gotten, if you have once enjoyed its charm
ing prospect of the lakes. Two hundred
men are cared for here, in cheerful and clean
ly apartments, now arranged in four wards.
As l passed through these few days before,
it was sad luxury to witness the compar
alive comfort Of ourpoor boys as they lounged
on their cots, or gathered in cheerful groups
by the stoves, or the windows-many ap-
palently in that pleasant state Of GONZALES
cence which follows the assurance of relief
from pain and danger. There were some
painful cases of mutilation. One poor fell
low had quite recently had three balls ex-
tracted. He had never flinched though chic
reform had not been used. One was dying
as l walked by. 1t seemed hard, away
from home, and friends even with the as
siduous attentions Of those in charge, yet,
how enviable the fate compared with that
of thousands. They are at least in Wiscen-
sin. Loyal men minister to their wants,
and no fears of outrage disturb the thought
of their last repose. AS watched the con-
valescents enjoying the beautiful scenery
around, l could not but rejoice that our no.
bic defenders were permitted to enjoy its
beauties. We do well to yield to them our
temples and palaces
The military are here in great numbers
of all grades and aspects-the General, two
in hand with his CONFERENCE.-The Sentinel,
forlornly breasting wind and weather-grim
war worn veterans-green youths, proud OF
| their uniforms-earnest, austere fanatical
looking warriors-and jolly boys bent on a
carousal.
1t is a scene to see them mingle at Camp
1 Ill H.. oh II
plays, and mournfully suggestive to listen
to the wild clamor and uproar so soon to
give place on distant fields to the shout of
battle.
There are two things at Camp Randall l
do not like-one is the Bull Pen-an enclo-
sure with high fences in which to confne
the refractory boys especially drafted men
and substitutes. The other-a ball and
chain, fot deserters. Military men say they ,
are necessary, but have little faith in de-
grading punishments, and cannot doubt
that many a noble spirit, nsled by the de-
sire to see home and loved ones, has suffer
ed penalties which should be reserved only
for criminals and their country's enemies.
The Legislature has not done much since
| last wrote you, that would meet with |
your approval. Amendments repeal, and
Special Legislation still occupy large
place in its acts The truth is that many
General Laws have become so perplexed by |
attempts to remedy their defects, that until
Il l. e IL IL.
subject, special legislation and amendments
are unavoidable. The act in relation to the |
monthly allowance to families of volunteers,
has passed the Assembly. You will renem
Der that the last act relating to this
subject, has been construed to apply only |
SO the families of soldiers who were at the
time of its passage in the service. This is
intended to extend its bene fits to those who
have since or shall henceforth enlist. It is
a humorous question whether the provision
in this Bill for those 'who shall marry" is
intended as bounty on matrimony and
a graver one, whether at the rate of Fifty
Dollars per month, thus appropri-
ated, the State can afford such munifcence.
The Agricultural College Bill is in process
Of discussion. 1t has many opponents. Al
though it is unfortunate that the conditions
IF the Grant by Congress seem to impose the n
necessity of immediate action, the prospect a
If obtaining two hundred and forty thous- a
md acres of land with the moderate appro- I
2riation of Thirty thousand dollars is quite =
90 attractive to be declined
The Rail Road Bills which some two
weeks since were introduced in the Assem-
by to the dismay of many interested parties
ire neither passed nor defeated, but quies-
entlv wait the return of some members,