Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-03-02

IN give nun law 10 dis EearC content,
the scoundrel!' said Mr.. Singleton, walking
backward and forward, id a state of angry
excitement.
Don't call harsh names, Mr. Singleton, ;
said Lawyer Truenian, looking UP from the
mass Of papers before him, ard smiling in a
quiet, benevolent way, that was peculiar to
him.
Every man should be known by his true
name. Williams is scoundrel, and so he
ought to be called responded the client,
with increasing wrath
Did you ever do reasonable thing in
your life. when you were angry ? asked Mr..
Trueman, whose age and responsibility gave
the license to speak thus freely to his young
friend, for whom he was endeavoring to ar
range sorne business difficulty With former
FARTHER.
I can't say that I ever did, Mr.. True
man. But now, | have good reason for be-
ing angry; and the language use in refer
ence to Williams is but the expression of a
sober and rational conviction replied Sin
gleton, little more calmly.
Did you pronounce him scoundrel be-
fore you received his reply to your last let
ter 2 asked Mr.. Trueman.
No did not. But that letter confirmed
my previously formed Impressions Of his
character,
But cannot find in that letter any evil
denoe proving yo;tr late partner to be dis
honest man. He will not agree to your pro-
posed mode of settlement, because he does
not see it to be the most proper way
He won't agree to it, because it is an
hottest and equitable method Of settlement
that is all. He wants to overreach me, and
is. determined to do SO if he can responded
Mr.. Singleton, still excited.
There you are decidedly wrong said the
lawyer. GU have both allowed yourselves
to become angry, aid both unreasonable,
and if I must speak plainly, | think you tt .
most unreasonable in the present case. Two
angry men can never settle any business
properly. You have very unnecessarily in
or ased the difficulties in the way ola speedy
settlement. BY writing Mr.. Williams an an
g J letter. which he has responded TO in a
like unhappy temper. Now, if | am to set
tie this business for you, must write all
letters that pass to Fir. Williams in future,
But how can you properly exprass my
views and feelingsY
THAT do not wish to do, if your views
ard feelings are to remain as they now are;
for anything like an adjustment of the diff
culties under such circumstances I consider
HELPLESS replied Mr. Trueman
We'll, let me answer this letter, and af-
ter that, | promise that you shall have your
own way
No shalt consent to 70 such thing It
is the reply to that letter which is to modify
the negotiotion for settlement in such a
way as to bring success or failure; and |
have no idea of allowing you in the present
state Of your mind, to write such one as
will most assuredly defeat an an,icable ar
Singleton paused for some time, before
making reply. He had been forming ia
his mind a most cutting and bitter rejoinder
to the letter just alluded to, and he was very
DESTROYS that Mr.. Williams should have the
benefit Of knowing that he thought him
tricky and deliberate scoundrel," with 9TH
er opinions ola similar character. He found
il, therefore. impossible to make up his mind
to let the unimpassioned Mr.. Trueman write
his most important eplstle.
Indeed, [ must write this letter, Mr.
Trueman, he said. There are some things
hat want to say to him, that know you
won't write You don't seem to consider
'hc position in which he has placed me by
hat letter, nor what is obligatory upon me
Is man Of honor. I never allow any man
% reflect upon nae directly or indirectly,
without prompt response
There is, in this Bible, said Mr.. True
nan, "a passage that is peculiarly applicable
% the present case. 1t is this-''A soft an
'wer turneth away wrath; but grievous words
stir up anger" I have found this precepk
IL life that has numbered more than dou-
ole your years, TO be one that may be safely
and honorably adopted, in all cases. You
blame Mr.. Williams for writing you an an
cry letter, and are indignant at certain ex-
pressions contained therein. Now, is it any
more right for yoti to write an angry letter,
with cutting epithets, than it is for him 2
But, Mr.. Trueman-'
I do assure you, my Young friend said
the lawyer, iuterrupting him, "that am
acting in this case for your benefit, and not
or my own; and as your legal adviser, you
must submit to my judgment or | cannot con-
sent to 60 on
If will promise not to use any harsh
language, will you not consent to let me
write the letter e urged the client.
You and I. In the present state Of your
mind. could not possibly come at the same
conclusion in reference to what is harsh and
what is mild said Mr.. Trueman;-'t there
fore connot consent chat you shall write
one word in reply. Unjust write it
We'll i suppose, then, l shall have to sub
nit. When will it be ready?
Come this afternoon, and will give you
,he draft, which you can copy and sign
En- the afternoon Mr.. Singleton came. and
received the letter prepared by Mr.. True
rau. It ran thus, after the date and formal
address:
4 regret that my proposition did not meet
your approval The mode of settlement
which suggested was the result of care
full consideration of our mutual interests
BE kind enough to suggest to Mr.. Trueman
my lawyer, any plan which you think will
lead to an early and amicable adjustment Of
our business. You may rely upon my con-
sent TO 1t, if it meets hts appreciation.
is it possible, Mr.. Trueman, that you
expect me to sign ssch cringing letter as