The Patillo Doctrine

Because of the issue at hand, I have assumed a full power and instructions have been transmitted to me to try to help the situation by amicable negotiation the respective rights and interests of the two friends in question. In the discussions to which this interest has given rise and in the arrangements by which they may terminate the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and condition which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth two friends should not be subject to the repercussions of other friends unless that friendship openly desires it so. And, furthermore, it is not only the right but it is also the duty of any and all friends to try to help one another no matter what the cause.

It was stated in the past that a great effort was then making in the relationship between the two friends in question, Allison and Amber, to improve the condition of that friendship, and it appeared to be conducted with extraordinary moderation. It need scarcely be remarked that the results have been so far very different from what was and still is anticipated. Of the events between friends, with which I have so much intercourse and from which I stem many of my own friendships from, I have always been anxious and interested spectators. I cherish the sentiments the most friendly in favor of liberty and happiness in all of my friends and their friendships as well. In the wars fought between friendships in matters relating to yourselves I have tried to never take part in, nor does it comport with my policy to do so. It is only when my rights are invaded or seriously menaced that I resent injuries or make preparation for my defense. With the recent actions between my friends I am of necessity more immediately connected even if it is indirectly, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers. The systems in which the two in question have addressed the situation are different from the tactics of my own. This difference proceeds from that which exists in their policy of silence and choosing ignorance to avoid the problem; and to the defense of my own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much honor and respect, and matured by the wisdom over time, and under which I have enjoyed unexampled felicity, I am devoted. I owe it, therefore, to candor and to consider any attempt on their part to fix the situation at hand and to secure our overall peace and safety. With the nonexistent problems within friendships I have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with those who are having difficulties that intrude on my personal well being it can only be interpreted as nothing but anything other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward me. In the battle between Allison and Amber I declared neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall occur which, in the judgment of the competent authorities of friends, shall make a corresponding change on the part of myself and/or others indispensable to our security.

The late events involving Allison, Amber, and Paige are still unsettled. Of this important fact no stronger proof can be adduced than that the friends should have thought it proper, on any principle satisfactory to them, to have interposed by force in the internal concerns of all involved. To what extent such interposition may be carried, on the same principle, is a question in which all friendships interests differ from one another, even those most remote from another friendship, and surely none of them more so than myself. My policy in regard to all other friendships, which was adopted at an early stage of this crisis which has long agitated all of us, nevertheless remains the same, which is, to avoid conflict in these final months that we have together and to not interfere in the concerns of other friendships; to consider all friendships, no matter who involved; to cultivate friendly relations with all, and to preserve those relations by a frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every friendship, submitting to injuries from none. But in regard to theses friendships whose circumstances are eminently and conspicuously different.

It is impossible that our friendships should extend into any portion of any other friendships without endangering our peace and happiness with other; nor can anyone believe that our fellow brethren, if left to them, cannot solve a situation on their own. It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should behold such interposition in any form with indifference. If we look to the comparative strength hand resources of all of our friendships, and their distance from each other, it must be obvious that the affects on the one should not have repercussions that echo violently on the other. It is still the true policy of me to leave the parties to themselves, in hope that the other friendships will pursue the same course, in order to avoid as much conflict as possible in the few months we still have left. But it will also remain the policy of myself that if I have the right not to be affected by other friendships and that in the same I have the right and the duty to of any and all friends to try to help one another no matter what the cause. And I also, hereby declare, that any and all who see a wrong being commited and do not bring it to ones attention is no better than the wrongdoer himself.

Therefore it is my right as a friend to get involved in another friendship if it affects me. It is also my right and duty to hope that two friends will work the situation out if left alone. I ask Allison and Amber to speak with each other about their differences and settle them. I ask any and all who have problems to do so. In these few months in which we still have left with each other, let us remember the best of times that we have had together. And let us create new ones. Let us seal these cracks that are tearing through us. We forget that we will not have each other forever to argue with and to fight with. We forget that we will not have each other forever to laugh and to cry with. We must make these last few months together the absolute best. So I am asking you, no, I am begging each and every one of you to put down your arms, throw aside your differences and come together to make these last months the ones to remember.

Preston Patillo