The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-01-06


adjournment is 2,e3J,T50. IF all this |
printed matter were put into volumes
Of ordinary size, it would make a
library larger than was the famous old
Alexandrian. In all this accumula-
ton of incipient legislation, it will be
if some advantage to the
country does not come from it.
VIReINIA--PoLITICAL CHANGES IN
THE SoTTH.
The political status OF the South is
now in transition state. In nearly
every Southern state there are indica-
tons that the Solid South will be dis
rupted, and the Bourbon Democratic
rule brought to an end. The reyolu-
ton of Virginia is one of the most sig
nificant events of the times. It's a
state in which the Bourbons have for
years borne almost undisputed sway.
The Republicans, who had not dared to
yindicate their rights at the polls, ex-
cept in some localities. at the last cleo
ton wheeled into the Republican line.
Gen. Malone was elected by the Legis.
latnre of Virginia to the United
States Senate, not as o Republican, or
a Democrat, nearly a year ago. The
public mind was kept in suspense for
months as to which political party he
would give his adhesion. When he
chose to act with the Republicans, a
political revolution was at once set in
motion in Virginia. Republicans who
had stood back, fearing to run the
hazard Of asserting their principles,
took courage, and came to the front.
The result Of the fall election was
more suspicious there than had been
expected; a Republican Governor, and
a Legislature, largely Republican in
both branches, made the triumph COM
plete.
And now follows the election of FL.
Il. Riddleberger to the e, S. Senate by
the Virginia Legislature. This is the
first distinctively national triumph IN
the South, Riddleberger has been
known as pronounced Republican.
1t seems almost marvellous that old
Virginia, the NEST powerful of all the
Southern States, should be the first to
acknow ledge the Republican idea, that
this is q nation, and not number of
independent State soyereignties. The
revolution is not to stop with Virginia.
Judging from the tone of the Southern
press, the people are agitating the sub.
iect of throwing off the Bourbon yoke
and coming into unity with the pro.
greSsive spirit Of the North. It is be-
lieVed a different policy will be pursued
by the present administration towards
the South than has hitherto prevailed.
President Hayes. with his well inten-
toned kindness, sought to conciliate
the South by appointing Democrats to
office. His policy failed to conciliate
any, except perhaps the appointees
themselves. Southern Republicans
were in the meantime disheartened
when they saw themselves ignored, and
their political enemies taken into favor
By the National Government. This
sort Of Cancellation is not likely to be
repeated; Southern Bourbons will not
be brought into harmony with Repub-
lican ideas by the distribution Of a few
crumbs Of patronage from Washing
ton. Hereafter Southern men will be
rewarded with official favor for what
they are already known to be--not for
what they are expected to become.
LOCALIZED HOLIDAYS THE OCCASIONS
OF DRUNKENNESS AND CRIME.
The remarkable prevalence Of crime
throughout the country during the late
holidays raises the question whether
legal holidays are not productive Of
more mischief than benefit. 1t has
been remarked that never before was
there such q long array Of terrible
crimes and casualties as appeared in
the newspapers on the day following
Christmas. From every quarter came
accounts Of Gendish murders and
crimes Of lesser magnitude. On no
other days Of the year is there SO much
drunkenness and crime ofeyery name
able sort as on legalized holiday.
Some we'll meaning people advocate an
increased number of holidays, to
afford the working classes more sea-
sons for recreation. But it is appa-
rent that greater number of holidays
would only add to the set occasions
for dissipation and riotousness. The
iails in every considerable town and
city receive larger installments of
criminals On the heels of a national
holiday than on any other day.
The original intent of holidays has
been widely departed from. Christ
mas was once O day Of religious OBJ
servance ; now the multitude make it
a time for feasting, reyelry and
drunkenness. Fifty years ago the
people came together on the 4th of
July to commemorate the deeds of
our revolutionary fathers, and to give
renewed expression Of their patriotism
and love Of country. Now the real
4th Of July orator declaims to empty
benches, while the crowds celebrate
the day with fire-erackers and senseless
clamor. The half century ago patriot
ism Of this national holiday has faded
out. The same may be said Of other
national holidays. Even Decoration
Day, the latest legalized, has already
fallen Off in interest. 1t is estimated
that the average attendance on the
ceremonies Of that day throughout
the country was not one-half last
year, compared with five and six years
ago. The repeal Of laws legalizing
holidays would not in the least inter-
fere with their observance by the PEG.
pie as now. 1t would sever the gov.
eminent from all responsibility for
the abuses which now attach
to days privileged by law.
Whether the excuses incident to our
holidays would be diminished if they
ceased to be legally privileged by the
Government is a question worth con-
sidering, But holidays are too popular
with the masses to allow of being
interfered with.
TRIAL or GCITEAU t NABATED IN
TEREST.
In the absence of the interest which
attaches to Congress, when in session,
the trial of Guiteau shares the atten.
ton of the public as much as usual.
The court room is daily crowded when
the trial is in progress. Those who
have tickets Of admission generally
find seats. while those without tickets
form @ compact standing mass Of hui
manity. The important incidents of
the trial are given in all the papers,
city and country, and need not be re-
f,natni