The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-07-12
Grening State sp,sraal.
THE PETERspuRa APpEAL, which we

The PETERSBURG APPEAL, which we
regard very able paper, makes some
sharp criticisms upon our use of the word
Conservative in recent editorial.
We desire to say that we did not use the
word in any political sense. Although
one party has adopted it as aname in this
state, we presume that our neighbor will
not debar the rest Of the world from using
it in its accepted meaning. The APP
peal suggests that instead we might have
used old fogyism. That would perhaps
have been better; but we fear that our
usually accurate cotemporary is scarcely
justified by its definition Of the word, when
it says, Conservatism means enlightened
progress, and careful guardianship of the
present rights and interests Of the commu-
nity." 1tJFAiasA AW
Webster defines it "The disposition and
tendency to preserve what is established
opposition to change.o Worcester sub
stantially agrees with him. This is the
sense in which we used the word, and
which is recognized in daily use both in
this country and Europe. A conserva-
tive is one who is ayerse to change, s,Te-
spective of the ne,o direction, sohether for
better or for Worse. He insists upon
maintaining things as they are. Without
change there can be no improvement. He
who opposes change therefore opposes pro-
gress. If conservatism means enlight-
ened progress, as The Appeal says, our
dictionaries need revising sadly.
We don't like war Of words, but in
this case terms are vital, because the same
word is held by The Appeal to mean one
thing, and by ourselves its very opposite.
We have noticed disposition on
the part Of young men in this state
to acquiesce in existing abuses because
they were sustained by authority, and
were revered with age. This dispo-
sition often comes from an amiable defer
ence to older men. We meant to point
out its danger. What has built up the |
West is, the spirit Of lusty enterprise and
growth, and the control Of affairs by |
young men. We want to see the same
spirit here. We believe it is the prime need
Of the state, that, her young men should
earnestly undertake her social reconstrnc- |
ton with an eve to the present and the
future, rather than the past; and this,
wholly aside from politics. We are far
more interested in social than political
questions. Finance, Education, Industry.
Trade and Immigration concern us far
more, as they do the great body of the
people, than the question who shall fill
the offices. We do not expect to be
benefited personally at all by any
political triumph. The politicians care
nothing for the press except to ride
it. The Appeal knows how that is. But |
in the general prosperity and happiness Of
the people we haze large stake. We labor
honestly in our humble way to secure that
end, and we would gladly see all political
parties sacrificed, if necessary, to gain it.
Excessive partisan politics is the chronic |
disease with which the life Of this state. and
the whole south, is struggling. 1t taints
and poisons the very atmosphere. We
want tornado Of free thought to drive it
away. If we mistake not, our neighbor,
down in the deep heart Of him, feels SO
too.