The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1902-08-30

it's generally regarded as in itself contemplate, and if approved at
ALL it is because of the curaing that frequently is displayed in the
manipulation OF the lie; rather than because Of the lie itself. 1t is
considered mertorious to lie, if Undecided, but disgraceful to be
caught in a lie So stealing is, by some, regarded as commendabe,
provided the thief is shrewd enough to avoid detection in his
tievery.
Among the more civilized, it is a noteworthy coincidence that
the nations most distinguished for polteness of manners generally
bear a reputation for untrWthfdRes They are not malicious liars
about others, but their notions Of politeness require an unlimited
variety Of prevancations-it being deemed less rude to tell an agree
able lie than to speak an unpleasant truth. The truth is sometimes
uninvitng of garb and harsh Of aspect, and those whose highest con-
cptions of duty to society consist in being agreeable often deem the
sacrifice Of veracty Of less consequence than the obsequous observ-
ance OF the rules of propriety, and so lying becomes an apparently
essential feature of modern poiteness.
But among Christian people, specially those of the Anglo
Saxon race, Lying is considered NOT Smy criminal, but peculiarly dis
graceful. No insult is more keenly hlt or more swiftly resented than
an impuation Of fasehood. 1t is universally conceded that a blow
IS the appropriate reply to such a &arge When the "ie is passed.
argument gives place at once to the aPpeal to armsl
With such a view Of ~truthfulnsn as an element in personal char
acter, it is strange that falsehood sAould be tolerated in any Of the
relations of life. But it is undoub@&y the fact, that the high stand
ard of veraciy demanded betweo4 hdividuas is not SO rgdly ex-
acted when dealing with the public ~ with society in general. Lying
seems to be a legitimate semera ct diplomacy; and where truth
should be most sacredy observed. - in the dealings of nations with
one another, deception and fabchasa are esteemed an indication Of
shrewdness and ability rather than Il want Of principle.
In the courts the ends Of justice are defeated, not by the false
testimony of the ltgants or the accused-which, perhaps, might be
expected-but by the volunteer perjury Of witnesses, influenced by
no worther motive than a desire to shield a friend or punish an en-
envy. 1t is a remarkable fact that expert testmony-whch being
Of a scientific nature, ought to be absolutely free from basis easily
o~btanabIe in favor Of either side Of = controversy And what is the
jury1nan, who was selected principals because he knew nothing, to
do, when learned experts, who are supposed to know all about it,
give directly opposite testimony regarding the matter in dispute?
Concerning the facts Of science, experts should agree, if they
know, and should honestly confess caeir ignorance, if they do not
know; and because they do rot do this, the jury is bewldered and
the verdict becomes matter of chsase.
In like manner the very fouads&ens of society are undermined
by the untruthfulness that SO g~eAetpSy characterizcs transactions Of
a public or sem-pubic nature.
THE REMED FOR ALL THIS IS TO BE FOUND ONLY
IN THE TRAINING OF Fl RISING GENERATION re
LOVE TRUTH AND TO HATE AND DESPISE TIKI
LIE.
Children are naturally tr%uthful-they learn to lie; and too fire.
quenty this baleful lesson is taugk them, unwittingly BY thel
parents and nearest friends.
The child that is deceived soon harAs to deceive; # punished fol
a confessed fault, it will seek to escape punishment in the future By
denying, and SO become addicted to falsehood; and witnessing th
presentations Of others, it VII not BE slow to follow the perniciou
example. MALk~