The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-07-29
(. The Last New Buriesque.

This is the age Of burlesque. Neither
Shakespeare nor Boxer is safe. The facile
pen Of the parodying writer makes fun alter
nately of the sorrows OF Werther and the
agonies OF the dime novel, and the wide
range. Of popular subjects : social, lyrical
and dramatic-is sifed diligently and dex-
terously in the interest OF public kudos and
private pence. One class Of topics has, it is
true failed to receive its due share Of the
'bnriesquers attention. Political characters
and political platforms have not been done
into verse for public delectation. The op-
pprtunity was not: wanting. Oar smoky
Caesar at Long Branch, the antics OF Con-
gtess, the beauties of Observation-Disclosures
were themes upon which the burlesquers
would naturally seize. But they did mol.
They allow the opportunity to escape them
oishooting folly as it flies, and leave it to
notorious Congressman-not member ofthe
literary guild-to give to the world q living,
shining example Of a political burlesque.
This burlesque is-the so-called platform OF
the so-called Republican party Of South Car
oina; and the burlesquer is no less person
than B. F. Whittemore, the twice elected,
and doubly disgraced, member OF the Ma
tional Legislature from the First Congress
sionai District.
.Whittemore, as all the people know, re-.
Signed his seat in Congress, and so, with the
aid Of Governor Scott, avoided an ignomin-
ious expulsion. Congress declared him un-
worthy to represent the people, but, happily
for him, bis constituents could not read, and
did not know the difference between cadet
ship and an ocean steamer. Whittemore
was reelected, and Congress fatty fefused
to receive him. Away he buzzed, with a
merry. merry hum, to poor South Carolina,
putting in an appearance at Columbia. just
satjthe time of holding the State Radical Con-
EHsntion to which he was a worthy delegate.
IItahowingt just appreciation OF the more than
J Roman virtue OF the Congressman who sold
tGu Office within his gift as representative
.us the people, and who is charged with
$4,000 from Mr.. Shaw, Of Boston,
the convention appointed .Whittemore the
chairman Of the committee on credentials.
Who, OF the Ring might not enter in while
Wbittemore held the key He was then ap.
pointed chairman Of the committee on plat
form, and, in that capacity, submitted to
the convention. platform, or declaration OF
principles, which, as printed in our issue OF
Yesterday, was unanimously adopted.
es It was necessary in the first place, that
Whittemore should soft-sawder President
Grant, and give Congress a big dose OF
praise: This must be done to strengthen
.Whittenore's game it,, perchance, his be-
nightsd constituents should elect him for the
third time. TIL explains the fact that, on
the threshold Of a purelylocal canvass, three
of the seven resolutions of which the Radical
platform consists, are exclusively addressed
to questions Of national policy; This being
done. in real en- nest, for the benefit Of Whit
temore, that pntiring intriguer gave rein
ito his fancy aud .perpetrated the heaviest
joke of the age. rss
/ No one would dare to suppose that MIR.
Whittemore was jesting, when he framed
that portion Of the Radical party platform
(which refers to the Fifteenth amendment
and the Civil Rights bill. The Union Re-
form party recognize that Amendment and
that Bill as the law of the land, and will
obey them in letter and spirit: Even Mr..