New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-05-24
NATIONAL EXAMPLES.

The case Of Admiral Byng was mentioned
few days ago, as showing how the British Gov
ernment treats cowardIce, negligence, or dlsafrc-
ton 10 its officers. That was not solitary Ell.
ample, but one Of mans. by which that Govern
ment has maintained ts high standard OF official
dmy in the naval service. A distinguished writer
upon military and naval law, who oihclated as
Secretary of Admiral Niscount Hood, and was
the Judgc-Adyocnte in many courtsmartial, re
CARDS a severe ond certain inquiry aud punish
ment following any neglect or miscarriage as
being not ouly the most efficient means for
main, aiming the zeal, courage, and dsc pine
essential to the honor aud safety Of Goycrn.
ment. but also IA measure OF justice TO those
who perform their duty well; fot il enhances the
value Of rewards bestowed upon meriiorious
service. This policy is unaffected in the Naval
period. The expedition Of Admiral Pen against
the Island Of Iispaniola, in 1853, having failed
principally in consequence Of the cowardice Of
an AdjutaDt-GeDeral in command Of all advanced
body of tho British army, he was tried before
the forces rcembarked, was sentenced to be
cashiered his sword broken over his head and
be was also adjudged to do the duty Of swabber
in keeping clean the hospital ship Of the fleet
But the descent upon Jamaica, Burchct tells US,
was better managed afterward, for Gen. V,Da-
bles issued orders That If any man should run
away, the next man to him should put him 10
death which if he failed to do, he should him
self be liablo to the seserest punishment Of
court-martal Thus We see that the order OF
Gen. DIX last Wiuter, while Secretary of the
Treasury of the United States, directing reye-
nue. officer 10 shoot on the spot any man that
attempted to haul down the United States flag,
was not only wise and patriotic, but WA IN ac-
cordaDce with the military law Of Great Britain
for more than two handroi years.
A celebrated example very instructive and Apo
site TO recent events furnished by the iouse Of
Commons in relation to the engagement of TOu-
Ion, between the English fleet under command
of Admiral Matthews, and the combined fe,ts of
France aud Spain. That engagement occurred
on the 9th of February 17dI. The combined
squadron was suffered to escape without capture
or destruction, which So aroused the national in
dignation that the House OF Commons voted an
address to bis Maje-ty praying him a" to give d.
" rectlODs that cOutts-martial mny be held in
the most speedy and solemn manner TO in
"qure into the conduct of Admiral Matthews,
- Vice Admiral Lestock, Capt. Burr,sh, Cnpt.
" Richard Norris, Capt Williams, Capt. AN
" brose, Capt. Frogmore, Capt. Dix, the Lieu.
tenants of the DOrsetshre ind all other officers
who are or shall be charged with any miscon-
" duct in that actions; and to try them for The
&" same; aud that his Majesty would be pleased
/" to appoint proper person or persons to collect
all tho evidence necessary for the trials Of the
said several commanders and officers, and to
prosecute them eHectually; in order to bring
" those to a condign punishment through whose
" misconduct it sba be found that such discredit
I" has been brought upon bis Majesty's arms the
" honor Ofthe baton sacrificed and such an Oppor
" tuplty lost Of doing the most important service"
In accordance with this address, courts.martial
we're ordered on board his Msjesty's ship Lon
don at Chatham for the trial of the officers Of
the fleet, beginning with the lieuteDants, anu 60
ing ON with the captains and flag officers, Until
all including the admiral, were tried.
The heutonants Of the DOrsetshire we're accused
Of having advised their captain not to bear down
upon the enemy, but were acquitted because they
had not given such advice. The captain of the
ship was found guilty of lying inactive for half
On hour, and Of not doing his utmost to burn,
sink, or destroy the euemy; and he was aojudged
t, be casbiered, and forever rendered incapable
of being an officer in his Mnjesty's navy. The
captain Of tho Rupert was found guilty Of failing