The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-11-21
Radicalism the Doctrine OF the Hour.

Ha01Caltsm the Doctrine OF the Hour.
IT can no longer be denied that the senti-
ments of the masses of the people are of that
class denominated radical, and for that fact
the country has to thank the so-called con-
seryative party. The character of the Anglo
Saxon has ever had a tendency towards
conservatism. The nature of British institu-
tions, after which our own are to a great
extent modelled, has furnished q living
proof of the advantages of enlightened yet
moderate reform. With the close of the war,
the great majority of the citizens of the
United States were decidedly opposed to any
extreme measures; and had the Democratic
party possessed even common intelligence, !,
or had the Republican party been particle
less courageous, the victory would have been
with the Administration. As 1t was, while
assuming the name Conservative" the
friends of the President really went over to
he Rebel element, and became not what
heir name implied, but ultra-Southern SYM
pathizers' At this stage, with a heroism
deserving all credit, the Republican party
.eized on the opprobrious epithet of "Radi-
CAL" and boldly declaring, "If your principles
are conservative, then we are indeed radi-
calls, carried the elections despite of all the
opposition of Office, the threats of traitors,
and the largest distribution of every induce
ment to corruption and betrayal.
We have said that it was due to the Ad-
ministration that the people are radical, for
no one who was present at the Academy Of
Music last night can for moment doubt
that such title is most applicable. The ad-
dress of Mr.. Wendell Phillips, which we pub
lish in full elsewhere, is no ambiguous decla-
ration Of principles. 1t is a clear ultra
radical utterance. 1t COOS farther than any
man has dared to go; it is in advance of the
sentiments of the people. Yet how rapidly
rhe people are being educated up to that
standard, the tremendous applause which
continually greeted his doctrines best attests.
The Academy was crowded by our leading
citizens, and although at first they could not
yield assent to all the orator declared, before
the evening had closed the warm cheers
proved that the arguments of the speaker had
answered even the most doubling.
In view of the enthusiasm with which the
sentiments of Mr.. Phillips were received, it
behooves certain of our public men to see to
their reputation, and not forfeit their popu-
larity by learning to act like certain ami
mails denominated amphibious, on which
naturalists can iorm no opinion, whether they
be bird, beast, or fish. While it is possible
for such amphibious creatures to be claimed
by both land and sea, yet it is more than pro-
bable that they will be desired by neither.
There is quite large class of our public
men who occupy this anomalous position, and
prominent among them stands General Grant.
Had the General heard the reception with
which the caustic review of his course deli
yered by Mr.. Phillips was listened to, he
might see the folly of trying to ride
two horses, each running in opposite
directions. 1t is time for the opinion
OF each public man to be openly declared,
and, as the orator last evening observed, we
intend to accept no man on trust" In the
hour of our national danger, it is time that
every man should write his sentiments on
his forehead, so that all the world could read
them. Unless he does, no man, be his record
what 1t may, can maintain any hold on the
popular feeling. The day for personal infiu-
ence, in changing mems views, is fast passing
away. The cardinal principle for which all
The nation is now crying, is exact and equal
justice. Let the Goddess deal out, blind
folded, alike to the pauper and the million
aire, to the highest and the lowest in the
land. Whoever declares boldly for that doc
trihe will merit the popular confidence; who
ever occupies doubtful position will be
viewed with doubt. The rock on which the
nation is fast planting itself is that Of uni
versal equality to all; and whomsoVer falleth
upon it shall be broken, but on whomsoever
shall fall, it shall grind him to powder.