The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-10-03
RcnlN to Red Gnnntlct.

DEAR SlR:-Wc noticed IN article in
your last isSllc, signed "llcd Gaunllct,'
and whilc reading it, wc liked the stand
that the y0Ung man took. or ut least Il
part of it. But, rs an old gentleman in
this community expresses it, ut left an
unpleasant FAREWELL
We certainly believe that young me
have ali important duty to perform, in
advancing and protecting the interest OF
our dear old commonwealth. We believe
that the old State looks to them is the flu
ture guardians of her rights, and dircc-
tors in the proud career that awaits her,
and We would say to the young mel OF
AhIrvillr county, work! bend every
nerve! exert every energy to promote
and advance tho s~tupendous work of re-
f0rm, which hats already begun. TO
do this Alright, 1t will he necessary to de-
vclop tl,vse faculties of body and mind
with whici, God and nature have ell
dowcd yau. Let not tho thirst for power,
and for the donors of office bcwildor, and
dclude YOU. Older heads are better fitted
to solve the intricate complications OF
governmental problems, which now meet
the honest patriotic statesman ut cvcrturn
and step in his public life. Claim for
yourselves a part in the grand drama OF
life, and "bltc not nj Ijot' the right to
act meit thy part. -,
Aim high! be men !! honcst, upright
lmcn! "mncompromising and unpurchas-
able men! But mover reject the coun-
sci of the aged and wise. Never seek to
cut loose from the influence of those who,
bv reason of experience and aye, arr
c0mpetcnt to advise. Never! seek to
grasp responsibilities, which you are un-
able to bear. You might, like the tabled
youth, who attempted to drive the chariot
of the sun, dazzle and bewilder the world
! but vour path, like his, might be marked
by ruin and wide spfead desolation, the
effects of youthful ~1ool-hardincss and a
young mans advice.
Our State now needs true men, nctipe,
live men, young "herOcs in the strife
who, without the eInolumcnts Of office,
or the applause of an adlniring people,
will work ut home, and cooperate cara
ncstly. and zealollsly with tho wise men,
who have already accomplished SO much,
and will do much more for South Caro-
lima. The ancicnts used to say that
"mind, skill and wisdom are with the
agcd,' the same is true to-day. Then lei
us follow where they may lead. Hold VI
their hands, and in thus performing on
duty to our country, we will fit ourselves
to receive "the mantle as it falls from
their shoulders. l am comparatively
speaking, a young man, and can appre
clate "Itcd Gauntlet's" feelings, but
would hesitate long before I would take
step that can do no good, and Nigh
breed di~ssensions and divisions in TIN
Democratic ranks. If We would enio,
the fruits of the mighty victory of No
vclnbcr eth, 1876, we must be united
united by bonds stronger than tics q
blood, by true unseltish principles. ]
we wish the glorious results of last year
work to be enduring, our people oAi an
young must work together, under on
and the same leader. Divide, let til
young antagonizc the aged, and the pres
cnt ilattering prospects of future peac
and prosperity, will vanish like til
| "baSclcss fabric Of u DREAM
RCSTlCUS.