St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-12-23
CAN TRUTH LIE9

Can truth be libelerl 1t may not in the
broadest acceptstion OF the term be exactly
that; but It is said nevertheless that ''t5r
truth is not to be spoken at all times" The
Albany Times cites homily from the n. Y.
Tribune on wantOn truth telling. The truth
uttered under certain Circumstances is as
scandalous, and often more fatal than a posi-
tive, living fabrication. An error or a mis-
step, repented OF and buried by a subsequent
life Of virtue and purity, ought no more 70
be resurrected and blazoned than fahrica-
ted libel. Such an act is, in essence, libel
Gus and slanderous. The Tribune cites the
case of an English lady Of high standing,
who commenced a suit for libel for the defa
nation Of her character, aud subsequently,
withdrew the suit because she knew she
would lose 1t, If It were tried, aud fed from
society, ruined and blighted.
This recalls the late withdrawal Of an In
dianapolis libel suit, whether for the reason
which impelled the English lady TO with
draw hers, the public is entitled TO the enjoy
ment Of its own opinion. The Tribune it.
self, Notwithstanding its very just and sens
ible homily, was guilty of wanion truth tell
ing in as fragrant and uniusiiGsble a manner
as was the defendant in the case OF the Eng
lish lady cited, and is, as justly amenable to
as sharp and blistering a condemnation rs
that pronounced by the judge on the wicked
and vindictive defendant in that case.
The variance between the Ty16s,ae's preach
ing practice and does not derogate from. the
business of its utteranees in regard TO the re IL
val truth, long buried aud worthy to be forgot
ton. To revive such partakes of the spirit of
the pit, rather than Of that charity which
thinkest no evil, hopest all things, endureth
all things.
The Albany Times thus comments upon
and cites the Tribune article referred to:
The New York Tribune, in = sensible article.
denounees wanton truth telling. Even suppos-
ing, il says, that Norm, the private detective
who was shot by Nine. Hugues in Paris. told the
truth when he acknowledged her Of misdeeds, the
case would not be much better. Nine. Hugues
was loved and respected. Both she ard her
husband had labored In the hospitals in nursing
cholera patients when few dared 70 take such
risks. aud for man TO step forward and say
even IL be could bring forward witnesses TO
prove the truth OF his words, that years ago she
was no better than she ought to hsve been, would
have been, nevertheless, foul SANDER. The
Tribune cites well known case in very recent
English trials, of lady OF high social position an
distinguished family, against whom similar
charges were brought. She sought 70 defend her
self by prosecuting her defamer. but finding thai
she wonli surely lose her case, she suddenly
abandoned It. left her husbands house and dis
appeared from the social circle where she had
been leading q useful and honorable life devoted
TO works OF charity and piety. The successful
defendant, who claimed TO have vindicafed the
the honor of society. received a scathing rebuke
from the court. ssTo the end of your DAYS -
said the judge, ''for your conduct in making
these charges YOU viii probably be an object OF
contempt TO all right-thnking men," The judge
was right. The man committed a crime scarcely
less than II he had borne false witness
Dickens gives & Somewhat similar instance IN
the character OF Lady Dedlock, but we need not
go 10 fiction for instances when there are enough
in actual life. The history Of recent political
campaigns In this country furnishes another eyi-
dence OF the hbellouSnes OF wanton truth tell
ing. The life Of no man is perfect; nor should
an act OF folly, repentcd q thousand times, be
allowed TO blight career OF usefulness. But
even the journal from whose edifying lay ser
mon we have quoted, has not been free from the
sin IL condemns, Coupled with others that have
commoner names. But we forbeSr, Ii lie right
thar charity should cover a multitude OF sins
When people learn 10 exercise true charity in
their relations with each other, public and pri-
vate, they viii be crest deal nearer the millen-
mimi