The traditional system, which they seek to restore, assumes almost as many shapes as there are leading reformers; and as the reforming movement develops, the disagreements among the reformers become more instead of less definite and acute.
The inability of the reformers to cooeperate in action or to agree as to the application of their principles is in part merely a natural result of their essential work.

Reformers are primarily protestants; and protestants are naturally insubordinate.

They have been protesting against the established order in American business and politics.

Their protest implies a certain degree of moral and intellectual independence, which makes them dislike to surrender or subordinate their own personal opinions and manner of action.

Such independence is a new and refreshing thing, which has suddenly made American politics much more interesting and significant than it has been at any time since the Civil War.