Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-02-20
The Falsa usa of Words.

Ane raise Use OF Wofus.
IL is undeniable that very many Of the
strifes and unpleasant divisions among men,
arise from the false and unfair use Of words
and names.
Differences among scientific men, striles
aud unhallowed contentious in matters of
theology, often arise and are carried forward,
perhaps with great bitterness, simply by
reason Of difference in terminology. In
this, the saying of the great Frenehman
seems literally realized-thAt language was
invented to conceal or disguise thought.
The most violent dissensohs that have agi-
tated the churches of christendom, original
ing in this mere peryersion of words. But
perhaps, in no department has the false and
unfair use of words been more mischievous,
than in the political world. Men have
wrangled with the greatest iferceness--par-
ties aud factions have originated through
this careless or wilful misunderstanding or
perversion of some name, or term, or word.
AS fair illustration of what we are writing,
we may refer 10 the extremely unfair use and
application of the words Ant-slavery aud
Abolitionism. For many years these words
have been used interchangeably as if they
were synonymous TO suit partisan pur-
poses and make capital against a growing
and powerful sentiment opposed to the in
iquitous system of human chattleism, il has
been fashionable to brand every one who
took ground--however ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
this unholy institution as an abolitionist,
and attach to him all that is obnoxious, that
could be wrought into that word. The mo.
ment man dissented from the party OF
platform that would use Northern men tc
make Southern Presidents and extend the
area of slavery indefinitely, he was branded
as an abolitionist' and associated with in
fdels and every thing that is profane, rad
cal and fanatic. II has not been enough
that man honestly and emphatically de-
clared himself opposed to the immediate
and unconditional emancipation, as held by
very small and peculiar faction in the
/ North. He was still an abolitionist, niger
worshipper, etc. Every sane man who woult
free himself for a moment from bitter party
prejudice, could but confess that his neigh
Dor might be opposed to slavery and, loving
freedom better, might honestly be in fayoi
Of making it national and slavery sectional
might be anxious to see the time when
as the Southern people professedly desired
it might be done away, by the influences O
christianity and higher civilization, ant
yet be as truly opposed to Mr. Garrison,
ultra and nnwise measures.
But men have not been fair and mani,
enough for this 1t has been the fashion
especially in times of high political excite
ment to make capital of this senseess mad
dog cry of abolitionism '--aud by a com
plete perversion of terms, men have beer
willing to turn their backs upon every prin.
eiple of honor and decency.
In the same senseless way do many nova
days cry out against purtanism," "puri-
tanical preachers" "ianatica yankees" sc.
without the remotest idea of what they meal
by such senseless jargon, II is quite time
that sensible people cease all this unfair ant
false use of terms. The words "abolition,
and " abolitionist' have lost their terrors
Among truly loyal people there is little diff
ference of opinion as to this whole subject
When it comes to choice between abol
ishing the government of the United State
and thus sailing ont into the open sea o
anarchy and despotism, or abolshing thu
execrable system of slavery which has bre
and ripened our ruin, we do not doubt ID
decision will be to put the latter overboa .rd
Meanwhile let no man be swerved from HI
loyalty by being branded as an abolitic,nist
remembering that nothing is easier or NOR
common than the false use of words.