The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-06-14
THE NEW YORK WORLD ADVOCATING RAD.
ICALISM.

From the Washington Integencer, June 12.l
We have been favored lately with very large
amount of matter from the New York World on the
subject of what the Conservative Convention at New
York should or should not say; what IL should do
and what omit. These dissertations promised in
q very oracular strain but we far from regarding
them as valuable contributions to human thought.
SO far as they democratic ideas they are but the
reaflrmatlons of what has been often and better ex-
pressed before, even by the World ITSELF and far
as they are republican radical, which, we regret
to say, they in large measure, they but the
feeble utterances Of neophyte and half ashamed
convert, and lack the breadth, vigor, earnestness
and ability of full blown saint in that church.
We are not certain that we should deem
these articles ., worthy v OF reference it
quently quoted as an exponent of conservative
opinion. THAT 1t often maintains democratic or con-
servative sentiments, and that it affects to speak by
authority IL quite true but that IL Is an orthodox
exponent OF conservative doctrine emphaticay
deny. Time and time again 1t has advanced PROPOSE
tons offensive the convictions OF the conservative
masses, and made admissions eagerly seized upon by
the enemy. such as would have been conceded by no
steadlast and loyal conservative organ. Even when
1t has urged not without certain sort of ability,
conservative views IL has done IL In manner which
out much difficulty they could have argued quite as
well on the side as the other Hence Its utter failure
to guide and mould public opinion, to which function
1t ambiousy aspires In order to convince others
q man must begin by himself believing. The people
will follow no shifting or uncertain standard bearer.
They cannot he made to right about face every week
or 80 by any editorial caprice, even OF those whom
they trust and they do much larger part OF their
own thinking than Is commonly supposed. And
thus 10 Is that papers like the World, which lump
about here and there and think they are accomplish
ing wonders, are really no more than the fly which
undertook to start the carriage and horses which
had halted for q rest. AT last we movev said the
fiy: but really the nv had nothing to do with It, The
question Of delay or progress not affected one
moment by its most active exertions. And 80 the
World moves while the people stand flrm
The World, like q free lancer, fights sometimes on
one side and then on the otner No prudent general
ever put such force down on his mllster-roll with
out making provision for possible desertions. In
deed, fairly considered, the World Is not so much
democratic journal az the NEW YORK HERALD,
which makes no pretence OF that sort. Since the re-
construction acts were passed the HERALD has de-
voted itself with unrivalled ability TO the work Of
exposing their enormitics and the outrage OF fasten
Ing AfrCanzed governments on the South. The
World followed on the track with unequal
steps, and much inferior order OF ability. There
was more argument more ideas ana more force
in single number of the HERALD last autumn than
In file OF the World for whole month. And yet
when the HERALD undertakes to offer suggestions
to the conservatives IL Is as an outsider. 1t holds
itself free and uncommitted TO Join any party 1t
pleases.
We might say much more on this point of the
subject OF PLATFORM but forbear 1t is no part
OF purpose to notice its suggestions otherwise
than briefly; nor after what have sad Is 1t neces-
sary. II we examine the history OF radicasm for
the past two or three years shall find that after
setting out with the proposition that suffrage
belonged TO the States that negro suffrage was mex
pedlent and unwise; that the radical leaders nndng
at length that different policy was essential to their
interests, proceeded to declare void the Southern
| state governments they had already formally
| recognized and thereupon founded Africanized
| governments, based upon universal negro sui
rage and sweeping acknowledgements Of the white
population. THESE governments and constitutions
set up by the sword, under the orders Of Con-
gress; they were endured simply because the white
nopVlAY0p weD poworaess ard dissrmeai they were