Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1872-02-29
From Petersburg.
For the Fayetteville Observer.

PETERsBuRG, Feb. %, 1872.
Mr. ~ o. Wallace-DEAR SIR
After much confusion about law
and order in these parts, matters
seem to be quieting down to some
extent, and tits to be hoped that
we will soon have peace again in
this region. And / have conclu,
ded to drop you a few thoughts
on the subject of law and order.
1t is through Law and order we
understand better the benefits of
association for definite objects
We see it in the diffusion of prac.
tical Observation-Disclosures which
elevates and r,fines. By it we
have q better acquaintance aud a
better understanding with each
other. By it we learn the pro.
prieties and the improprieties of
life. Bound together by law and
order and honorable obligations
which true men will not disregard,
we cannot be shaken from our
solid basis, because the induce
ments are OF a staple kind ap.
proved by the common sense of
all friends of morality and respec-
liability. AS known members of
law and order, which commands
public respect, we are aInenable
10 public opinion; hence our life
by precept and example should be
such as to receive the approval of
the noblest men of our land
The minds of good men are con-
stantly wishing for the realizing
T, of an indefnable nope that some
thing will be evolved out of the
law and order system unfette-ed
by croeds and dogmas, which shall
be a bond of sympathy between
their fellows aud themselves
such a sympathy as will beget a
a friendship that will dispel all sci.
fishness. Cannot our own and
similar laws be made to subserye
this purpose3 Cannot the world
| be made to know that those laws,
whose tenets are of universal APP.
plication, contain living, endur.
ing principle, and not merely a
co operative union? Progressive
and cosmopolitan America peeds
earnest effort to preserve law and
order, and especially in these parts
between the different classes in
intellect, culture and wealth &c
promote law and order without
any encroachment on the peculiar
rights of each other. We believe
that the friends of law and order
can do much that conduces to this
subject, but tlrSt we must ourselves
know our true position better
know that we are an origi'
major and rot a poor imitator al
some would make us believe
know that we are an educator aDC
not a dull pupil. The combining
Iof abstract maxims into theories
that admit of daily application
to the ordinary affairs of life, Ii
OF itself a lew discovery in socia
science and in this respect Law
1 and order has been successful anc
substantially correct thus far
;. But this should be an incentive
to greater efforts, for if we ART
not laboring under a iallacy, thu
reward of our efforts will be EN-
Iinently satisfactory. The above
may not be clear and logical t.
some, tut i; is a subject tina
needs eliminating, for there mus
be something not yet revealed
that will tend US onward. LIE
the many talented friends Of Law
and order in this community giv'
us an exposition of their views
aud by provoking inquiry create
an interest" that will wake VI
many to renewed energy. linus
close this letter. | fear / hav,
made it too long already.
> Yours truly, PHILLoM.