The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-11-17
RIVER Ar s 4. NJ.
Radicaiism VS.. Conservatism.

Never since the close # the Civil war
have opinions with respect 10 a nationa
or political policy been so diversified
as at the present time. This is for
native period and direct result Of
our conflict with Spain. Radicalism
and conservatism are face to face with
one another now as they stood in the
days Of recOnstrucuOn at the close
% the War Of the Rebellion. Radical
ism triumphed then, and the ingenuity
of statesmen has been taxed ever since
10 undo much Of the mischief at that
time introduced into federal legislation.
a Ike danger cOnfronts the nation
today and what the final issue shall be
no man can accurately prophssy
Although President Mckinley is rep
resented as a chief magistrate who IS
seeking only to discover the VIII Of the
people. facts are constantly cropping
out which go 10 show that he is a
j; es.dent with "a policy" though par
TALLY concealed. just az much as An
drew Johnson was a president with "a
policy" which he made no effort to
conceal, hut on the contrary quite in
dustrousiy projected into the forum
OF public notice. Now I at the elections
are over. the veil is lifted. and the
truth Acknowledged that the thirty
eight speeches delivered by President
Mckinley on his trip 10 and from Oma-
ma last month were simply stump
speeches OF the regular cam
paign order. and that they
were delivered With view TO
infiuenc' ng voters in support Of the ad-
nlinistraJion. Mr. Mckinley did not
eHs%n ate any policy, though on certain
occasions Of unusual enthusiasm he
permitted his pei theory 10 peep forth
ard elicit applause from its suggestive
ness; but he did not risk discord by
open exposure. II was quite noticeable
To the conservative mind that the
president awaited himself OF the trip TO
feel his way as II he were anxious TO
know just how far he would be allow
ed TO go without risk IN the direction
OF ticking everything In sight. Robin
Hood also had very persuasive way
about him, and at the same time fully
appreciated the Importance OF feeling
lnia way. In our times this method Is
styled among statesmen. diplomatic
tact. but II really differs little from the
old-fashioned dark lantern practices OF
long ago
The people of this country are likely
L. witness during the next twelve
months another struggle between rad
icalsm and conservatism, with the en-
tire civilized world as spectators. The
new issues OF imperialism" and ter
ritorial expansion" born OF our recent
conQuests in war present the gravest
and the most dangerous problems with
which this republic has had 10 deal.
They cannot be disposed OF by the
swapping of fingers. by the cheering OF
crowds at railway stations. nor even
by the president Of the United States
himself. unsupported 10y the conserva-
tive second thought of the people.
Would Il not be weA Tor some OF
the imperisllsuc enthusiasts 10 go into
n religious retreat" and ponder for
a while over the situation2 Right is
right. and justice is justice. and. no
matter how far the radicalism Of the
present day may invite the people OF
this country to swerve from the true
course. the principles OF conservatism
must in the end prevail, II the repub-
lie is not destined 70 lose its self-poise
in the intoxication OF what must after
all be styled q victory lacking in GER
tain respects the element OF due con-
slderation for the strength OF the forces
involved