Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1867-04-26
Radicalism.

To fasten an epithet upon an oppo-
nent is q very common, and to some
O very convenient method OF conduct
ing controversy. 1t may be very
effective with certain class of minds,
and certainly to, call names is not very
hard nor tasking to the brain power
of party. - a
Yet in moral causes and in political
agitation the resort to this method of
augmentation, is as natural as 1t is
for the adherents and the opponents
Of any principle or policy to differ
and misjudge, the motives and views
of each other. There probably new
err was heated political contest, in
which each party did not indulge in
vitrperation and in which the appro-
priateness of some epithet applied to
one or the other party, did not have
a good deal of influence in deciding
the issue. This being the case, it is
a m tier of selfcongratulation to
those who stand by the staunch prin-
ciples of true democracy and genuine
republicanism, that the principal cpl
tibet applied to them by their oppo-
nents is, "radical."
If we understand the meaning of
that term, it is one of honor, rather
than of disgrace, at least we believe
in radicalism. The readers of this
paper will not doubt this confession
of our faith" We believe that we
have never sinned by taking the indie
terminate side of any moral or politi-
cal question. We believe in a radi-
cal position upon all of the questions
that agitate social or civil life. By
this we do not mean that we would
take an extreme position, but that we
would place ourselves upon the basis
of principle, and fight our battles from
that stand point. In all these ques-
tions recurs the old fight between so
called policy and radical principle
We would be governed by no mere
policy to adopt halfway measures
when right demands more uncom
promising course. We have no heart
to fight any battles for anything less
than truth and principle.
This we understand to be radical
ism, and we believe in it. Whatever
be the cause-whether a moral re
form, or fight against corruption, OF
an effort to change the existing order
of things in any respect by which
right may be done and humanity
blessed-we do not hesitate to throw
the full weight Of our influence, how
ever little that may be, in behalf of the
radical principles involved in the issue
We do not believe in the doctrine 81
successfully acted upon by the Lon
don Times, the n. Y. Herald. anC
some other papers, that newspaper
is to be only the reflex of the popu
lar sentiment Of the day, but we be
lieve that the press has a vast respon
sibility with reference to that public
sentiment, and that it is the duty. oil
the newspaper to seek to lead arigh
the feelings and opinions of its readers
For this reason we are conscientious
ly believer in radicalism, and thinl
the epithet radical the highest homo
man can expect to obtain from tn
enemies of progress, freedom, an
morality.
Radicalism is in itself strong. Fo
this reason also we believe in it.
is strong in its being so definite an
plain. There is no need of mistak
about the proper ground to be take
in any controversy, for radical groun
is as plain as right itself. All ma
understand where radicalism will ca
ry a man. Till he plants his feet VI
on the principles that underlie til
controversy, he has not gained hi
proper foothold. The position @
radicalism therefore commends itsel
to every decided, positive man.
Timidity and doubt are the stoc
in trade Of naturally conservatiy
men; corruption and wickedness a,
the capital of those who adopt conse
vative measures for selfish ends.-
Those who would be radical will n,
need 10 hesitate about the stand the
are to take. They must plant Their
selves upon the farthest ground ten
BILE in the direction of the right, an
that will be nowhere short of right
sell. In any contest this fact of
dehnlteissue and an ineligible grour
OF defense is worth a great deal.
is itself half the battle, and that eau
is strong which presents a defini
and plain platform to the public
Again, radicalism is strong, becau
1t is and must be selfconsistent
policy man must look close to \
ways, must turn many short corne,
and even often change front entire
to avoid being RIM over hv tha mo =