Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-08-07

the figure, we suppose, vii, e&cite HuCh
warmth of controversy. According to the
theory of the modern Italian school, all STA
tutary should be 10 the antique taste. Canova
has represented Washington seated, his DO
dy erect, with tablet resting on his Knee
and style in bis hand, composing, as may
be supposed, the farewell address to his tel
low citizens. The sword lays neglected al
his feet. His arms and legs are bare land be
has some loose drspery thrown over him. IN
Grecian folds. The Statue is noble and dig
nifed- but it is neither Washington, nor the
figure OF modern parsonage.
There is great deal to be said in favor
Of costume which is never out of fashion,
and the beauty of which will last forever
To sttain to such an unsophisticated resem-
biance of an individual, as to secure present
popularity T. future renown, is work dit1-
cult of execution. This, Canova has at
tempted, and the present popularity Of the
work, we suspect, will not be surpassed by
its future rOnown.
Chantry, the English Sculptor, is engaged
on the Statue Of Washington, for the inhabi-
tants OF this state but we understand he
thinks it necessary to clothe his figures in
the motley and changing fashions of the age
in which the subject Hourished.
To this style OF drapery we have very
decided objection. There is an air of the
grole.que in Old family pictures, arising from
the oddly of ancient fashion and dresses.
And in some respects, the strangeness OF
the costume becomes absolutely ridiculous.
no drapery, we apprehend is faster approach
ing to this point Of the ludicrou, than the old
continental military uniform. 1t is amusing
to be told that we must adhere 10 the TRAN
gular hat because il is true to nature. All
modern persondges must Of course be cover
ed-there is no necessity for covering them
grotesquely. During some period of long
life, every individual will probably have
worn becoming dress, a dress distinguish
ed by no extravaganza of local fashion-but
indicating both elegance and good taste
Such costume should be selected for Wash
ington, aud in such costume whether it be
plain robe or a military CLOAK, would bis Fl
cure be transmitted to posterity to the admi-
ration of all beholders.
From the Philadelphia Nationa! G azette
SELF RESPECT.
We are told in one of the New York
papers that His Royal Highness the
Duke of York, Commander in Chief of
the British Forces, has given directions
to Mr. Buchanan, the British Consul at
New York, to remove the bones of Major
Andre for the purpose of depositlng them
near the monument, erected to the memo
ry of that gallant but unfortunate officer,
in Westminster Abbey" The American
Editor adds, "This measure reflects great
credit upon the parties concerned. Major
Andre, it is we'll known, was employed
by Gen Clinton, Commander in Chief of
the British forces in this country during
the revolutionary war, TO negotiate with
Arnold concerning the base treachery
which the latter medtated against the
safety and independence of his country
However much we may regret that the
rules of war admit of such a correspon.
dence as was carrying on between Gin
ton and Arnold, and however unfortunate
it may be, that officers of high standing
and character, and of tie incest sense
of honor should be singled out for such a.
service, such is the fact; and such it is to
be feared, will be the fact, so long lis war
shall be fashionable among nations
We are sorry that we are compelled to
express our humble dissent from the
opinions thus conveyed, and that we can
not think it either wise or creditable for
the parties concerned to take the step in
question, especially with any public forms
and annunciation lift be considered one
OF justice and national duty, it's hardness
reflects disgrace-but, in truth, it is not
now, nor was it ever meet and fitting; g.
more judgment and sound principle
would have been shown in abstaining from
reviving the memory of the subject.
There is no transaction among those of
our Revolutionary war, more disreputa-
BILE to the British name, than the tamper-
ing with Arnold, in all its details. The
treachery of the American General was,
| indeed, as the New York editor properly
designates it, baSe-and the function of
he British officer, selected as negotiator,
could not but partake of its nature The
commission was incompatible with the
'nicest of honor" and its vileness was
declared and sealed in the ignominious
doom of the man inflicted by one of the