A panic is one of those things in nature, which have existence without entity—something which may be felt, but can neither be traced nor followed. It has the power of motion and flight exceeding that of all cognoscible beings—for it can pass from city to city, on the wings of a single rumor. It has the power of making itself invisible, and can stalk through the streets in the day time unseen, frightening every body by its presence. It has the advantage of Archimedes’ lever, for it has a fulcrum in the credulity of the man; and you may easily turn the world upside down with it. It is, in fact, a kind of moral element, and, like the fire, a single spark may kindle into a conflagration, which the whole nation cannot extinguish; and it must be left to go out of itself, when it has no more fuel to nourish it. It may be called forth by a whisper, but a multitude cannot bind it. It is, therefore, one of the most important of agents, but like fire also it is dangerous to handle. It is a very good servant, but a very hard master, and sometimes consumes those who kindle it.
A PANIC—WHAT IS IT?
The causes of panic, must not be sought for among natural phenomena—no science of alchymy is necessary to compound it. It may be made up of truth, composed of falsehood, or combined from both. It may be produced by hatred, jealousy, or envy. It may arise from curiosity, or the love of the marvellous, or, from a more villainous cause still, the desire to profit by its effects. And with this knowledge of its causes, if men were wise, they would give less heed to it.
The beginning of a panic in a small country town, is usually indicated by the doctor’s riding through the village, without stopping to recognise his acquaintance, or an old woman hastily putting on her shawl, to run across the street to her neighbors.
What could it be for? says one.
Sure enough what could it be for? says another.
A PANIC IN THE COUNTRY.
Don’t you think there is some bad disease about? says a third, and before long, the interrogatory assumes the shape of a declaration, and if not explained, and in less than a week, half the people of the town are sick, through fear that they may be worse.
What is Mrs. Toddle running about the street for? says one.
I expect she has gone to enquire about the school mistress. Says another.