The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1912-05-10
Definitions That Will Help
Readers In the Campaign
[From Everybody's


less loosely used to characterize the
political theories and personalities
that are at issue. In order to put
discussion into terms of common
understanding it would be of serv-
ice to establish some definitions
that might find common accep-
tance. In any science & precise
terminology is Il prime necessity.
Even in n field as unscientific as
politics there may well be a CLOS
sary in order that when different
men use the same word they
may, preferably, mean the same
thing.
Here are some definitions which
we hope will he of assistance to
the public during the coming cam
paiGn. Nothing is more difficult
than to define and what follows is
surely fallible. But not the least
service of these definitions may lie
in discussion Of their precision.
REFORM.-A general term for
all propositions for change. Differs
in its application in different com
munities. For instance. in Ameri-
ca tariff reform means lower tar.
iff; in England, higher.
REFORMER. The original kick
er, father of the insurgent, grand
father of the progressive. great
grandfather of the radical. some
times all in one person. He thinks
to change things by changing the
form of things.
INSURGENT.-A reformer in pol
itics who is fighting, usually with
in his party, against some things
he thinks are wrong.
PROGRESSIVE.-An insurgent
who is fighting for certain definite
reforms, e. G., the initiative, refer.
endum and recall; the short ballot,
the direct election of United States
senators, etc.
LIBERAL.-One who is in SYM
pathy with progressive ideals. but
not limited by any hard and fast
program.
RADICAL.-A term applied to ad-
vanced progressives who, impa-
tient with treating only the symp-
toms of evil, would remove the
causes. They aim to change the
foundation of the social system.
CONSERVATIVE.-One who
views with timidity any effort to
change political conditions by un-
tried means; a useful, pessimistic
citizen, who thinks this is a static,
not an evolving, world; who honest
ly believes that things are as right
as can be.
STANDPATTER.-One to whom
any political change is necessarily
change for the worse; a conserv-
ative who has a personal or busi-
ness reason for resistance to prog
ress. Satisfied with the hand dealt
to him in the game Of life he
Stands pat"
REACTIONARY.-One who thinks
the future lies in the past, and gen.
) orally bears the same relation to
the conservative that the radical
} does to the progressive.
DEMAGOGUE.-One who appeals
to the prejudices and passions of
the people.
CONSERVATIONIST. A con
} servative liberal His particular
aim is to save from private exploi
tation our public lands, forests, wa,
ter power, minerals-all the so call
ed natural resources that have not
already been taken up by individ
uals.
DIRECT LBGISLATION.-A gen
eric term for the initiative, referen
dunn, recall, short ballot, etc.
INITIATIYE.-The right of Ger
tain percentage of all voters (say
!. 20 per cent TO force the legislature
to submit a given question to a ref
} erendum, even if the legislature fol
some reason doesn't want to.
REFERENDUM.-The act of re
} ferring a given question to all the
voters for decision; a sort of voters
veto over the legislature. All state
constitutions now require IA refer
endum on all amendments propos
ed by the legislature.
RECALL.-An instrument whicl
enables the voters 10 exercise the
right Of the employer to dismiss til,
employed-i e., the right of III,
voters who have placed a publ,
} servant in office to recall him from
that office at will. even before hi
term has expired.
RECALL OF DECISION.-Th,
right of the voters TO annul by l.;
) referendum any judicial decision OF
! a constitutional question.
} SHORT BALLOT.-A reform Il
reduce the number of offices to b,
! filled at any election and so concen
trate the attention of the voters anC
the authority and responsibility o.
) the few officials elected.
DIRECT NOMINATION. - Th,
plan Of nominating party candi
dates for Office by the direct vote O.
the voters Of the party without tn.
Intervention Of conventions.
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
! plan to let the voters of a party IL