Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-01-15
WAR OF PRINCIPLES.

of Conservatism, which everywhere seeks 10 man-
tain the existing order Of shngs The other is spirit
or P,i;.oIe,a. which everywhere aims at the sub
version Of established forms and institutions 1t is
oh,;ops that these two principles are diametrically
oonos;,e. The one 10 the other. There can be no
h,raony between them. They are anlagonistical in
every relation in which they eau be contemplated
And We. it is from the conGct between them that we
are compelled to look for every benefit and every
hope that society can attribute to civilization. The
triumph OF either the other would be fatal TO the
hes, interests OF mankind. Co9serpahSm, in undis
puted ascendancy, would arrest the wheels of i'm
movement, stop The progress Of inquiry, siiae the
voice of truth, and consgn inevitably to a cond
lion similar to that Of many Of the Eastern nations,
in which stupid indifference reposes under unmu-
gated despotism. RadicaliSm, on the other hand, If
LEI, 10 work out its legitimate results without restraint
would soon break up the foundations o! society it.
self invade every sanctuary OF morals, dissolve every
consecraed tie, and cover the world with pail Of
horrors from which every virtuous mind turns in
ssnc,iyely away. Such are the teachings OF history,
OF which she has recorded convincing Illustrations
is the ex!orted testimony of revolutionary France
The present state of various nations exhibits the
operation of these opposite principles in very III
sruciive light, and shows us every degree and aspect
of the effects produced by the collision between them
In such countries as Russia aud Turkey there cannot
be said to exist an embodiment of Radicalism. Con-
servaIism regus supreme, and soceiy like immense
peiriiaciion, exhibits no symptoms of change. No
manly sentiment CLOVIS in the icy bosom Of the Rus
sian serf; no dream Of freedom ever visits the mar
cotized brain of the Turk. Their political condition
is as liked aud permanent their nationality, their
ignorance, aud their stubborn prejudices. But in
Germany and Italy there is a manifest struggle be-
tween The powers and the people. There, Conserva-
item is found in alliance with dicta,oral despotism
which aims not only to preserve the existing institu
lions Of those countries but to exiingush ii possible
aho last hope Of the masses Of the people for pro-
gressive Improvement And radicalism has, unloriu-
naIely for Europe, exhibited so much affinity for
loose system of morals, that its appeals have been in
efec:Ual and its efforts unavailing. Still il must be
acknowledged that the sympathies of free countries
arc oil in favour Of the popular parties in Germany,
Italy, and Spain, and our hopes for those nations
cling naturally to that spirit of radicalism which
the diplomatic wisdom Of Europe is now conspmug
TO exIingush forever.
IN England we find these two principles fully de-
veloPed. The one, in firm alliance with the most
powerful aristocracy in the world, is exerng all the
influence which free press and free Constitution
San afford, by argumeut by patronage, by the Gun
niSg devices of statesmen, to keep tina! system unm
paifsd 10 resist Innovations, and TO arrest the pro-
gressive movements Of the age. l. aims not -.
,,-oso., ,Ll ....1ss existing, but TO foster those
ABUSES which in addition to the necessary fruits ofsuch
system, have the tendency to accumulate the bes-
sings of life in few hands, whilst The many are con-
demned to be worn out with thankesS toll, or
stretched out for The charities of the great Were The
British Constitution practically what il is theoret-
cally-if fully secured the liberties Of the subject
in conformity with the supremacy of the law, the
great Conservative Party Of England would deserve
the admiration and the sympathy Of the world
Without wishing the Radicals all The success they
desire, we nevertheless rejoice that there is such
party there, whose numbers and influence, steadily
increasing encourage US to hope that progressive
and gradual amelioraon of the condition Of the peo
pie will result from their continued efforts. We shall
still hope that the principle of political equality will
so far triumph, in England as 10 equaze, in some
measure the social relations Of her people.
OF France, as she is, we have nothing TO say
She is an enigma which she herself is unable to solve
Blu. turning to our own country, what different
scene is presented Conservatism here is The guar
dian angel that watches and defends the free insIitu
lions of land which, in the eyes of the oppressed
of every other nation, appears Paradise. Always
exciting at every successive Improvement, its ouly
aim is to preserve the blessings that we have. 1t
chsrshes reverence for the opinions of fathers,
and sxhorts the inherors Of their fortunes AID their
rsnoun to contenment, sobriely, and peace. In the
Northern States, is now displaying most sauta-
ny power, in arraying all the good and great in de-
fence of order and the laws. Never before did this
spirit animate the friends of good government in a
cause more trying their virtue. Radicalism, in
close alliance with Fanacism, and employing all the
specous appeals of pretended philanthropy, is dali
ly endeavoring to diminish their reverence and love
for their 6!ood-boughI inheritance. 1t il tho Con-
serpatsns of the better portion of the Northern peo-
pie that constitutes the last hope Of the patriot for
his country and his kind 1t is the Radicaksm of
the fanatics and intdels of the same region, that
threatens and purposes to undo all the good which
4hs Revolution secured, and 10 food the country
with crimes and blood We await the result of the
contest now going on between these hostile princ-
pies with mingled emotions of anxiety and hope.
EcLECTfc MAGAzINE-We have received the ia
nuary number of this excellent work, in which will
be found copious and tasteful selection from late
Periodicals and Reviews that cannot Tail to interest
the lover of polite literature. The sketch of Lord
MoRPErH Earl CARLIsLE) whose name has become
prominent of late, in connection with lecture on