Editorial October 19, 1899 ISSUE

Reforms

Editor

Ultra-conservatism has never established reforms and never will do so. Finical adherence to traditionalism and conventionalism has never been characteristic of the reformer, and, in the nature of things, cannot be. Reform is radical. Its mission is to break down the traditions and conventionalities which have crystalized into such shapes that, although wrong and delusive, they have the semblance of right and reality. History clearly proves this. By way of illustration we instance the delusion of African slavery in this country. Its history is of such recent date as to take from it the taint of antiquity that would place it on the shelf of the forgotten, and thereby detract from its value as an instructive lesson.

This monster delusion even took on the character of a religion, and its existence was stoutly and conscientiously defended on Scriptural ground. The radicalism and violent disregard of private feeling and personal rights, of time-honored usage and long-established custom and belief, on the part of those bringing about its abolition, are well-known matters of history.

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