The item on “centralization” of government reminds us that the NYT hasn’t changed its views much over 160 years.
Well, first, this is Harper's Weekly, not the New York Times.
Harper's was published from 1857 until 1916 by which time it was a strong supporter of Southern Democrat President Woodrow Wilson.
Second, the editorial's argument for "centralization" here is neither profound nor controversial, it simply notes that throughout history countries united under one government prosper peacefully far more than when divided into many tiny & warring principalities.
It cites the examples of Germany, Italy, France and England which prospered when united, were weak & warring when divided.
And, this particular editorial makes no efforts to discuss the uniqueness of the American experiment in federal government, of states united voluntarily by a democratically ratified Constitution, or of the constitutional problems represented by unilateral, unapproved declarations of secession at pleasure.
But we have, and will, as needed.