The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-04-03
Extracts from Jonathan and his Con
tinent.
BY MAN O'RELL.

In America, as in England, there are
two great political parties; instead o
being called Conservatives ana Llper
ais, they are called Republicans ah'
Democrats. The difference which eA
lists between these two parties is this
One is in power and tries to stay Ill
the other is out of it and tries To gel
in.
All that is done by one is condemn
ed in advance by the other, whichever
the other may be. 1t is parti-otlsm.
Good society keeps prudently alool
from politics and politicians. When /;
servant announces politician his
master whispers in his ear: John
lock up the plate and take care there
is nothing lying about" John, faith
full to orders, stands sentinel III tht
hall, and while he is showing out TIC
politician, keeps an eye on the umbrel'
las and overcoats.
For that matter, the American de-
mocracy is no exception to theu RUE
TO become chemist, you must STUDY
chemistry; to become lawyer, you
must study law; but, in democracy
to be a-politician you need only STUDY
your interests.
The American constitution was cop
led from that of the England OF iIIO,
and the president of the United States
was invested with power about e4 ual
to that of George Ill. Since that date
the English have advanced, and the
Americans have not-politically. The
English of the year of grace 1883 would
soon give the Queen notice to quit, II
she took it into her head to ask Tor pow
er equal to that possessed by the presi-
dent of the United States; 1T would
take less time, perhaps, than the
Americans would need to get rid OF q
troublesome president.
The presidential election, which
takes place every fourth year, Is tht
most fevcrsh phase OF the ieverish
American life. The whole nation be-
comes dclirious. Several mouths he
fore the day fixed, every mind is pre-
occupied with but one thing, the eicc'
ton. The newspapers are lull OF IL,
conversation has no other subject
Passions are let loose, intrigues are Oh
foot, the most odious calumn!eS --aIt
circulated, men stop ut nothing thai
may give the victory to their party
For three or four weeks prior to the
election, the country is given over t.
professions, meetings, banners, stuml
Speeches, t0rchlight marches, etc. As
soon as Fate has pronounced between
the candidates, calm is retored, the
fray ceases, arms are extended only II
handshakingS, the vanquishcd arcep'
their defeat with as much bravery Il:
they had displayed in tie struggle, am
every one goes once more about III:
business.
Nothing is ordinary in America.
The ordinary American himself l.
extraordinarily ordinary.
Tfe takes liberties with his fellow
creatures and with the English gram
mar. He murders your ears and tho
mother tongue of Shakespeare.
He chews, hawks and spits; but he
has certain good humOrcd hrag and
liveliness Which invite further ac'
quaintance.
His fingers, cravat and shirt front
sparkle with diamonds.
In conversation he attacks all sub
iects imaginable with complete assur'
ance. He talks tall and through the
nose. He does not raise his voice
much. He buzzes rather than speaks
at a certain distance yol think you heal
the tlroning of bagpipes.
This man, whom you began 10y talk
ing for some ignorant babbler, pres
emily gives to his conversation Il turn
that astonishes you. He speaks to you
of France in way which shows you
that he isconversant with all that is
going OH there.
The Americans do not walk much.
1t is not that they are indolent. Fan
from it. 1t is because their legs will
not carry them fast enough.
The American complains that it Is
impossible to lunch or dine in less than
ten minutes. This evil will be rene
died shortly.
If you want really striking sight,
90 to one of the great restaurants OF
Chicago or New York at lunch time.
Those Americans using their knife and
fork will make your head swim. At Il
little distance, they look as if they
were all playing tie dulcimer.
-. Those Americans are never still, nev-
erat rest. Even when they are sitting
they must be on the move witness the
rocking chair habit.
It is not true that love makes all