injury done to the morahty of the nation by this wide- spread contempt for truth ? The example of men con- spicuous for talents, influence, and station, must be ope- rative for good or for evil. " Wheft the righteous are in authority the people rejoice ; but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn." It has been well said that truth and the confidence it inspires, is the basis of human society, and that error is the source of every iniquity. How de- plorable, then, that the love of tmth and abhorrence of falsehood should be weakened by the authority and exam- ple of those in high places ! But with this subject are connected considerations more momentous than any that belong to this transitory scene ;—we are all soon to enter upon an endless existence in a world in which sorrow and falsehood are alike unknown, or in a place from which joy and truth are for ever banished.
Surely, among the awful responsibilities resting upon the authors and supporters of the Mexican war, will be included the corruption of public opinioa and the depra- vation of public morals to which it has given birth.