The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-01-20

WASHINGTON, ID. c., Jan. 16, 1882.
The past has been busy week in
Congress, although no legislation of
special Importance has been completed.
There are no hindrances to the pro-
gress of business, as has SO frequently
been the case during former sessions.
1t is probably too early to expect the
enactment of any prominent measures.
AS usual, there are no limitations to
talking; this American privilege is
wonderfully priced by our lawmakers
it must have its way.
Some newspaper writers are in the
practice of speaking disparagingly of
Congress and undertaking the average
talents Of it's members. They would
have the people believe there is little
or no craftsmanship in our national
legislature, and, therefore, it is entitled
to no particular respect. This is I'M
Unsuitable, and betrays viciousness or
| ignorance Of the facts. Congress de-
rives its power directly from the co.
pie, and it is essentially the Govern
ment. TO disparage Congress IS to
weaken the strength Of the Govern
ment. No nation can be strong that
has not the respect of the people
Those who are in the habit of throwing
discredit on the Government of the
country damage its influence for good
It will not be claimed that all men
who are elected to Congress are quail.
fed for the positions they hold. Money
strategy and wire-pulling secure cleo.
lions of many who have no fitness fol
the Office. These are excresences that
have to be tolerated. One thing is
clear: if there be no statesmen In Con.
lgress, then there are none in the
country, and the name statesman might
as we'll be dropped as obsolete, or ex.
pressing something of the past. II
there be no orators in Congress, then
oratory has become extinct, and only tc
be spoken Of as one of the "lost arts.
If there be no honest men in the Sen.
ate or House, then Diogenes, who
searched Athens with lighted candle
to find an honest man, might look in
vain over this great country to find one
Truth demands it to be said there are
men in Congress of unquestioned
moral worth, honesty and integrity
There are also those who for states.
manship wonld not suffer by compari.
son with the best talent in the English
Parliament. The acts of Congress al
ways have been, and always should be-
open to just criticism by the people and
the press.
I pOJyGANy pI-zzLER CoScpFSc
One Of the most perplexing ques.
tiOns in Congress is the proper method
of treating polygamy. 1t was made
the subject Of exciting debate last
week. Many people appear to wonder
why there should be any hesitation by
I the Government to at once wipe out
this plague spot in Utah. That is not
so easily done. There is a lawful and
Legitimate way to accomplish the end
sought, and that is what puzzles Con-
gress. The question which has agltat.
ed the House is which of the two dele
gates from Utah, claiming to have been
| elected, is rightfully entitled to the
seat. Cannon, the polygamist, and the
possessor of a plurality of wives, has
the certificate of election from the
board of canvassers. Campbell, the
anti-polygamist, holds his certificate OF
election from the Governor of the Ter
ritory. Both claimants are Demo
Gratis, so the contest cannot take a
political shape. The grounds upon
which they base their respective claims
cannot be stated in brief letter.
Strange as it may be, there are men
found in Congress who speak kindly of
polygamy. Cox, of New York, made
the assertion, that polygamy had some
Virtues not found in other commune