The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-02

"A prominent member of the New York
bar declares that not more than one-half
the witnesses before judicial tribunals tell
the truth, and that the other half are
conscious perjurers. Other lawyers inter-
viewed agree with him in a general way,
though all do not fix the proportion of
liars so high, and all admit that this laxity
of principle did not formerly prevail to any
such extent, but is a comparatively re-
cent failing. There were always perjur-
ers. of course, but a rule the sanctity of
an oath was respected in past times, when
now it is regarded lightly. The lawyers
who express this lack of confidence in their
fellow-citizens have various theories to ac-
count for the want of veracity complained
of, no one Of which is alone, quite con-
vincing. The probability is that the proper
ton of willfully untruthful witnesses is
by no means as great as the legal gentle
men believe. The tendency of the lawyers
calling is to make kila distrust the word of
witness, his every effort in cross-exami-
nation is to break down the testimony that
Injuries his side and so often does he sue
coed in confusing a witness that it is but
a natural outcome of experience in this line
If he becomes skeptical Of the honesty Of
all who testify. Even if it be true that one
half do not speak the truth it would be
easy to account for the failure by the habit
the lawyers have of browbeating and bad
gering witnesses until. with the most honest
intentions, the latter become so entangled
that they do not know what they say. And
if there is lack of respect for the oath.
who can wonder who has seen the fiippant
manner in which it is administered by court
officials, the tumble of muttered words and
the utter absence of dignity and serious
ness accompanying the ceremony? But. aft
err laying due blame upon the lawyers and
the courts for the shortcomings of wit
nesses and making allowance for their dis
position to see the worst side OF human
nature it cannot he denied that there is
measure of truth In what they say Of the
modern want of candor. That rigid regard
for accuracy of statement does not prevail
now as it did among our pious forefathers.
In most homes children are instructed TO
speak the truth; they are even spasmod-
ically punished for failure to do So but
they do not move in the atmosphere of
sincerity that begets a habit of truthful
ness and a love of it for its own sake. Alb
solute veracity is not held up before them
as one of the greatest of the virtues and
its beauties instilled into them by precept
and example. They see too many social
shams and note that their elders indulge in
white lies" and pretenses Of many kinds.
Moral training in the modern family is a
rather haphazard affair, and apt to be rele-
gated to the school and the Sunday school,
but it is in the home, not the school. that
such teachings make the most lasting inn
preston. The boy who is trained by his
parents to habitual accuracy of statement
and TO a respect for his own word is not
likely I'm later life to make a doubtful wit
ness under any provocation. Ills truthful
intent will manifest itself. no matter how
cunning cross-examiners may seek 10 en-
tangle him. The boy whose instruction has
been lax and who Is expected TO ADOPT all