The loyal Georgian., 1866-03-10
GbR Ioypl Gearglan.
AUGUSTA, GA, MARCH 10 1866.
RADICALISM

stood and used as term Of reproacn.
1t is not such in its true chronological
sense. 1t comes from the Latin radix,
root; and means that which regards the
root, origin, what has to do with first
principles. It does not therefore mean
though this is the sense in which it is
generally used, "a restless agitator,
reckless innovator, disturber of the
peace and harmony Of society, one who
introduces change, or who tries to do so,
for the sake Of making himselfconspicuous,
or famous, or for some other unworthy
and sinister end, or, who indiscrimonately
condemns whatever time has sanctioned
and wise conservatism cherishes and
upholds, and no other appal ent reason for
than that that it has been long e, tablish>
ed, and ought, therefore, to be overturn-
ed. 1t can be only by an ohvius perver
sion that the term is restricted to such
an use as this. 1t is almost like utter
ing truism, to sny that all true reform,
all genuine goodness is radical, and must
be so, in order to accomplish any thing
truly valuable. For, as in culture,
the condition of the roots is matter of
primary Importance, as he would vain!y
try - sseSra 8 beautiful and lu4uTfunt
growth who should conine all his atten-
ton to the branches and leaves, or who
should concern himself only in pruning a
too redundant development, or in keep
ing the bark pure and smooth, while the
all-important roots were overlooked, no
pains taken to see that room was given to
their 6bres to spread, or that they were
imbedded in the right kiLd of soil, and
fed with due supplies Of moisture fed in:
asmuch as it is through the roots that
stock, and branch, and leaf. and bud, and
fruit are norished, and, if there be fail.
ure here, all is gone-so are principles
the life Of character, SO is the source of
all that is true and good in the outward
conduct, in the life lived among men, to
be found il the hidden motives whence
actions spring. So also, and by conse-
ouence. must all the methods which look
to the improvement Of character, to the
removal Of what hinders, or to the effee>
tive influence of what helps its develop.
ment. be directed to these, as to the sup-
porting and nourishing roots in the spiri>
tual culture.
1t has been owing to the oversight of
this obvious truth, that schemes for pro-
noting human Improvement, plans of
reformers and philanthropists have 50
often failed. It is because they have
directed their efforts to superficial effects,
instead of seeking to remove radical
causes; working outside the soul, IN at
tempts to repress the manifestation Of
evil. rather than in the endeavor to effect
a radical cure of the inward disorder
whence it springs, and Of the existence
of which it is one of the signs or strlv-
ing to produce the poor imitation OF
goodness by some form or rule, instead OF
making it the outgrowth and birth of an
inward, life-giving principle. So they
have failed Of any deep and permanent
result, any decided amclioration.
All true reform--we reiterate the state
ment-is radical; all true goodness is
radical,-it grows from the root. The
same is true of the vices; they, too,
spring from roots, which shoot down into
the soil; and the eultivator had as well
try to eradicate the weeds, which mar
the beauty Of his garden, as much as they
interfere with the growth Of its products,
BY cutting them off above the ground
in which case they would only spring up
again. and With ranker lnxuriance than
before--as be, who would work for the
substantial Improvement of his fellow