The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-11-09
RADICALISM AND REFORM.

KADlCALlSM AND REFORM.
In the contemplation and discussion
of political questions and political
leaders it is popular fallacy to i'm
agine that so-called conservatism and
radicalism represent qualities that are
irreconcilable. This is only true, how
ever, in SO far as conservatism and
radicalism are themselves merely rela-
tive terms. The radicalism of today
may become the conservatism of to-
morrow. and it even occasionally hap
pens that certain principles and
theories regarded as thoroughly con-
sentative at one time, become, under
slight notifications perhaps. so nearly
allied to radical teachings that they
are classed as such in the consensus
of public opinion.
1t is naturally more difficult to def
initely analyze and classify conserva-
tism and radicalism than it is to an
alyze and place the men who re-
present these contending and opposite
forces. Possibly it is correct to say
that the basic quality of conservatism
is =, tendency to stand patio hold
to. practices, theories and principles
that, have been tried, instead of seek
Ing for: innovations and changes in
the line Of something dew, and gene,
ally therefore, partaking of the nature
Of experiment. Radicalism, on the
other hand is distinguished by it's quest
for something different, the desire for
change and alteration of what already
exists, usually with disregard for
precedent and, of course, in the opinion
of its advocates, with the intention of
securing something better.
Where the teachings and practices
OF radicalism and conservatism clash.
however, it is easier to Judge and de-
termine respective merits by the char
acter of the men who stand back of
such, teachings and practices. For in
stance, few will attempt to deny that
President Roosevelt is himself an ex-,
lponent7 of radicalism. This is shown
Thy his frequent. disregard ofprecedent,
!his Contempt for red tape and estab-
Hshed customs, especially if they hap
peh to stand In the way and interfere.
with We accomplishment 81 what he
tgeeards as right or essential. and his
|arm determination. carried out in
h%ny ways. to see that every question
met Is settled promptly and correctly,
even If he has to "cut cross lots" in
order to gain his end. The brand
of radicalism which he bears, however,
is of the safe and sane variety, and
bears little resemblance to the radical
ism Of some other men of the day,
whose windy clamor for change, re-
vision and reform" is usually based
on motives of pure selfishness. The
radicalism of Roosevelt justifies itself
by the ends attained, and the people
have therefore come to indorse both
Roosevelt and his methods, for he has
always shown ability to deliver the
goods" and in every instance they have
proven advantageous to the general
good and welfare.
Many probably fail to distinguish be-
tween the radicalism of President
Roosevelt and the radicalism of such
men as Bryan and Hearst. These men
are also radicals, but of far different
type than Roosevelt. In teachings and
practices they onaearcr to stir up dis
content and dissatisfaction among the
people, impugning the motives and
even the honesty of men in Office and
those who represent the larger
property interests, and promulgating
so-called reforms that are wild and
visionary, and bordering on the revolu-
tionary. OF this brand of radicalis,n
the people may we'll beware. for it
BODIES no good for the institutions OF
the government or the best interests
of the people themselves, while there
is good reason to suspect the motives
of the men who advocate it. No danger
may be feared fror radicalism of the
right sort, in fact the disinterested,
unselfish radicalism of Roosevelt may
we'll be encouraged and approved as in
harmony with the popular sentiment
which favors progress and advance
ment. The less the people have to do
with the radicalism Of the. other kind.
however, the better it will be for them