New-York tribune., 1907-06-30
SOCIAL LIES.

Il : not. however, so much the white lies OF
political and official life that constitute prom
lem to the young university graduate VINO Is
starting out TO make his way IN the world as II
is the distortions Of truth that absolutely
Indispensable 10 the welfare and continuance OF
the social system as to-day constituted Inc
difficulty IS to define where the white lies elid
ard the black lies begin, and II IS THIS uHcef-
rainty as To the whereabouts Of the exact border
line which contributes in small measure to
deaden our qualnls Of conscience on the subject
of strict veraciJy.
Society white lies are those which President
FIadley describes as dictated by 'unselfish con-
siderations" and III nnetY-nine cases out of
hundred their existence TO desire TO avoid
giving pain. When a man has unwittingly SAID
something about a third party that wounds his
friend, the more anable he is the more strenu-
ously viii he lie in order to wipe away the Of
fence There is the story of Constable, the
artist, who had expressed his opinion that a
certain landscape painters pictures looked Ike
putty. This criticism came to the latter's ears,
and some time afterward on meeting Constable
he said: Il am told you say my pictures are
like putty" If the Royal Academican had ad-
hered strictly to the truth he would have said,
Yes; and / viii explain TO you exactly what
meant" and would have told him his objections
to the paintings in question But, being a kind
hearted man and unwilling TO give unnecessary
pain offence. he exclaimed: well, what CT
that? 1 like putty" It is hardly necessary to
point out that Constable did not and could not
like putty IN pictures, but his excuse soothed the
feelings of his fellow artist.
General Chinese" Gordon, the hero Of Khar-
touna was more strict in bis regard for truth
than Constable, and it was his scruples on this
score that led the various governments which
employed him TO regard him as so utterly up-
practical. He was more fitted for the ancient
times Of Crusaders and Christian martyrdom
than for the life of the present day, and he gave
a curious illustration thereof on the occasion Of
hts odd quarrel with the Marquis OF Eipon. now
Lord Priyy Seal. Lord Ripon. who is a most
deeply religious man OF the highest honor and
integrity, IN 1880 appointed Governor Gen
eral of India and had induced Gordon TO ac-
company him TO the Orient as his private secre-
fery. The private secretary OF a Viceroy of In
dia is far more important parsonage than his
title would Indicate He is the alter ego Of his
chief his principal lieutenant and the power
indeed behind the viceregal throne. AS such he
draws large pay and allowances. On landing at
Bombay TO assume the reins of government
Lord Ripon received a voluminous pamphlet.
written by so1se local magnate whom IT was nee
essary TO conciliate and 20 keep IN good humor.
Lord Ripon turned II over to Gordon with a re-
quest that he would write reply to the man
stating that the Viceroy was greatly indebted to
him for the screed, which he had read with the
greatest interest. Gordon pointed out TO Lord
Ripon that inasmuch the pages Of the pam
phlet had not been cut IL was impossible TO de-
scribe the pamphlet having been read with
great interest,": and on the Viceroy pointing out
that il was g. mere figure of speech, and that he
had neither the time the inclination to read
all the voluminous printed matter sent TO him
from various sources Gordon declared that he
could not reconcile his conscience 10 stating that
the Governor General had read" a pamphlet
and enjoyed Il" when it untrue, and that
sooner than be party 10 such a deception he
would prefer TO resign his appointment. This
he did then and there, sailing for China by the
next steamer and leaving Lord Ripon not only
In great quandary through the lack OF an effi-
cient private secretary. but likewise under the
public inputation OF having quarrelled with one
OF the most popular heroes in England by at
tempting 20 force him 10 write lie. Had II
not been for this dispute Gordon would probably
have served ott his term OF Office In India with
Lord Ripon and might never have been sent to
Khartoum and 10 his death at the hands of the
derVishes there.