The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1869-12-02
European Correspondence.
f4 For The Telegraph
FRANKFORT, GERMANY,
l5tttt-tlai 1885 " ~ No- an oc0 3

rtu y L :
az - FRANKFORT, GERMANY,
~ Nov. 10, 1869.
To THE EDITOR, KENosHA TELEGRAPHs
Q This old city for six hundred years and
upwards previous to the early part Of
this century was free, and in the German
Diet was entitled to representation, the
same as congressional district in our
own country is entitled to member in
Congress. Thus standing as it were iso
lated from others surrounding it became
a sort of nationality of itself. It's indi.
vldualism is at once recognized after a
short acquaintance. .Hste
Q AT very early period after the dark
ages, in fact it was one of the first events
that foreshadoWed the dawn of civillza-
ton, guilds began to be organised, not
only in England, but in all the principal
cities Of the continent. This was nomore
or less than what are known as trades
unions in American cities, The object
was seifprotection to every member in
all the various branches Of trade and
handicraft. After many years these in
stitutions became very useful. They not
only protected the persons of its mem
bels from violence, but extended its in
fuence in the way of improvement in the
various branches of skill in which they
were engaged, and also to the supportand
maintenance of the families of such mem
bers as should become disabled or in a
not to take care of themselves
These guilds had their meetings and
adopted rules and regulations in their own
bodies which for generations were recog
nizcd as binding not only upon members
but all others. go ..-.
Growing out of this state of facts
there are some strange customs that the
stranger soon notices-all we'll enough
perhaps once, when mankind could hard.
ly be called civilized, bnt now apparent
~ absurd, if not foolish We have all
read of caste In different countries in the
world particularly in the Orient; but
1 doubt if even then can there be found
more than in this very enlightened and
wealthy city of Frankfort on the Main.
! But in the outset will state that all
matters Of this kind as well as all other
matters involving the rights of persons
as we'll as their Liberties, are vested in
the police tribunal-an institution more
than civil, and from whose arbi-
trary powers there is no appeal. can
not say that this power is abused here in
Frankfort, but / do know that it ought
not to be lodged in any mortal hands
So far as / have seen, every policeman,
either principal or subordinate,is a gen
tleman. They are everywhere here, both
night and day, and yet. you see them not.
They know everything that is going on
in every private and public house in the
city, and no nook or corner, however
:
dark the alley, nor no mansion, however
pretentious and aristocratic, can escape
their eagle eyes. ''5 80. 8, ..5 p e..
But was speaking Of caste. Take
some examples. Every merchant is nearly
confined to one kind of goods-every
smith, to one kind of business-eyery .ba-
ker to one kind of bread, and every
butcher to one kind Of meat. If you
wish to have a steak for breakfast and
chop for dinner, you have to go to two
shops or if you want TO buy a pair of
boots and pair. of shoes, you have to 90
to two stores. 1t is true, for the last few
years foreign trade and commerce as we'll
as other ciy,lizing influences have ralax-
ed in measure the old customs in refer
ence to specialities; yet it will be long
time before such things are entirely done
away. e 81 bsa,
But there is no relaxation of the old
rules in reference to many callings which
follow few shades below. Hackmen are
obliged to wear the same kind of hat
butchers boys who deliver meat in the
from long trays on their shout
ders, have to wear white aprons, and SER
want girls cannot wear anything on their
heads. With regard to this latter class
there seems TO be peculiar hardship. S.
soon as one finds a place, she is obliged
&c go and have her books examined by
The police. This is NEARLY a record of all
the persons she has ever served. All en-
ployers are obliged to enter in this book
at the time onl leaves, the facts whether
she has been good and faithful or other
wise. From the police she takes the book
to her new employer who retains it
until she leaves. She is allowed but
few privileges. She cannot leave the
premises without leave only once in two
other sabbath afternoon she
has to herself. If she is not liked she