Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1849-03-29

fully gave place to these articles, knowing,
as we did that they were written by gentle
men of the highest standing, all of whom were
fully competent to carry on an interesting ar
gunent on the subject.
When 4" G." handed us his first article, ho
stated explicitly iha, we were at Liberty to
give his name rs the author of the articles
which he might write, at any lime, when de-
manded of us by any one who had a right so
to do, or whenever We might think il neces-
sary,-also avowing that he simply wished
TO reply TO some olthr sentiments Of Mr.. Sum
ner's lecture, which he considered exceedingly
Objectionable, and saying that as far as mere
idle curiosity and common gossip was con-
ccIned, the authorship Of his articles was a
matter of no importance. We make this
statement, as a disnterested party, in justice
to /" G." because we have heard it said that
he was carrying on an anonymous controversy,
and did not wish to have his name known as
the author of the articles he has also repeat
edly authorized us to give his name, as above
stated, since that time. Similar requests of
secrecy were made of us, by the other two
correspondents, when their irst articles were
handed in ,and for similar reasons, we presume,
although the injunction was soon removed,
by one Of them.
AS we stated, some days ago, no man
could regret more than ourselves that the con-
troversy was rapidly assuming personal as
pect but still, we had no control over the
parties, and could not fairly refuse the admis-
sion of their articles. We make these re-
marks somewhat in justice to ourselves, be-
cause we hear that some few have said that
we ought not to have commented on Mr. Sum-
ncr's lecture, unless we approved of it, and
could consistently speak tavorably of all the
sentiments which he advanced and also that
we ought not TO have opened our columns for
the controversy. Now we have a few words
to say on these two points, and we mean TO
be distinctly and Enthusiastically understood by
every reader. In the fist place, as the editor
of public journal, achroncler Of the doings
of the day. an observer OF the transactions of
men, &C., we claim il as our right, and one
which we shall always boldly and honestly
exercise, to express our opinion, be it what
it may, on all the topics of a public nature
which may arise, Of every kind and descnp-
ton, which we conceive to be interesting to
oul readers, We intend always to be gentle
manly and impartial in the discharge of this
duty ; to praise no man, no measure and no
thing merely from personal considerations,
and to oppose or censurc none and nothing,
simply from an individual dislike or a private
prejudice.
During the Course Of Lectures this winter,
we have given fair and impartial notices of
them, such as we have heard, to the extent
that our time and limits would permit. II
any o. the gentlemen advanced sentiments
which were not consonant with our views Of
the subjects Of which they treated, we hesita
ted not to express our difference Of opinion ,
and to give our reasons therefore. We ac-
corded to Mr.. Sumner high and unexception-
able character, brilliant talents and rare schol.
arship,-but we as promptly expressed cur
objection 10 some Of his progressive notions,
particularly in regard to his views of conserv.
atism We hold to the doctrine that strong
conservatism, particularly in this progressive
age, when the Socialism of French and Ger.
man philosophers, and their less powerful! imi
tators this side of the water, is so rife, and
we say so dangerous to society, and so des.
tions OF the ear,h,- of vital importance to
maintain the just gravity ofa healthy and NOR
al atmosphere. And was it not for the strong
conservators Of the day, all our ancient land
marks, all our most valued principles both
civil and religious, ay, and the very morality
Of society (and we speak now in its broadcsl
sense) would be subverted by the Aerarian
vagaries and reformatory fancies of those
whose brains are whirlng like splendid COM
cts, without guiding principle or a motive
power for positive good. These Rcformers,
so called, would strike the axe to the root of
what they conceive to be momentous evils.
while the effect Of the blow would palsy the
arm that struck it, and the concussion would
produce chaotic confusion, from which it
would require more than human wisdom TO
extricate US.
A single word now as to our responsibility, ;,
as some may call it, in the controversy abcu,
which we have spoken. 1t is true that an
editor has the entire control of his paper, and
may at any and all times refuse admission to
such articles as he pleases /; but it would not
be fair or honorable for him to do so. A pa
per is published for the public good, and per-
sons expect the privilege of expressing theiI
views upon such matters, of a public nature
as may directly interest them, through its col
umns. We adhere to this rule and we al
ways shall After this controversy was COM
menced, it was for the gentlemen themselves
to end it whenever they felt disposed and
not for us to interpose a barrier against them,
thus offending one or the other, and refusing