Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-03-13
PRUDENCE.


world two things are absolutely necessary.
These two things are simply prudence and
common sense. Some persons, no doubt, think
that many other things are Of more impor-
tance than either prudence or common sense,
or of both together. A little reflection, how
ever, will, we are satisfied, convince any one
that prudence is of itself an inexhaustible
source not only of comfort, but also of individ'
ual and national wealth. 1t happens often
in the lives of some men, and sometimes in the
lives of all men, that the only weapon of de-
fence which they haveis prudence. We have
the highest authority for saying that "a soft
answer turneth away wrath but angry words
stir up strife" can ancient philosopher of no
mean reputation, once remarked that he had
often been sorry that he had spoken, but new
er that he had kept silence. Such is the ex-
perience of every rejecting man. AS rule,
our tongues get US into more difficulties than
all the other members of our bodies combined.
The man that has perfect control over his own
tongue, has capital sufficient to take him
through this wor' j comfortably, and to the
grave in peace.
At present, there is no ordinary amount of
prudence necessary on the part of our people.
Recently, we have passed through scenes that
were any thing else than pleasant. Some ofour
people have suffered grievously, and all of us
have in some way or other suffered much.
Many are suffering yet, and in all human
probability will be subjected to suffering for
some time to come. With many, the suffer-
ing of the present is only reaexive or indirect,
and with all, we cherish the hope that bet
ter day is not far distant. There is no dis
guising the fact that the recent difficulties
which have taken place between the govern
ment of the United States and certain sections
of the Southern States with reference to the
ku.klux, have engendered state of feeling
that is by no means desirable. The passions
of the human soul have been stirred, and the
fires of hate kindled. On the part of the gov
ernment, at present, there seems to be dis
position to show some mercy. A number of
persons have been pardoned and permitted to
return to their homes. What the government
will do in the case of those still incarcerated,
and in the case of those whose trials are still
pending, we have no means of knowing. We
hope that mercy may be prominent in all the
acts of the government respecting these indi.
viduals In view of all the circumstances by
which we are surrounded, it does seem that, as
people, we should all be prudent in words
and actions. At present, in this section, the
utmost quiet prevails-no disturbance Of any
kind whatever having recently occurred.
Every individual is accorded all the rights
that the laws of the land grant him. This,
surely, is all that any one could ask. We
trust that our people will continue thus to
act, and that the good sense of those in au-
thority will treat us accordingly. Whatever
course the government of the United States
may pursue respecting US, we must be prudent.
Weare powerless. We must put bride
on our tongues and act with great caution.
We can say nothing that will in the least bet
ter our condition hence, on our part it is an
evidence of wisdom to keep silent. We can
do nothing in the way Of resistance that will
ameliorate our condition, even if resistance
we're iustifable; hence, the only safe and pru-
dent course for US is to attend to our own bus
mess and let every body else do the same. A
relapse is often more dangerous and harder to
control than the first attack. If there are
amongst US any individuals who conceive that
they are able to sway the masses, let such in
dividuals counsel the multitude to be prudent.
A poor prudent man once, we read, saved a
city, whilst many nation has been ruined by
recklessness.