New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-09-23
THE EXECUTION OF A,DRE.

The centennial observation of tho capture of
Major Andre which takes place to-day, will recall
those remarkable mputatons upon the course Dur-
sued by General Washington which much Older
than Lord Mahon's History OF England. but which
find in that work their most authoritative and re-
spectacle exposition. 1t thus writer who de-
elared that the death of Andre was the greatest
botr upon the career of Washington. Bat this had
been SAID before by English writer's in prose and in
verse and there is not, perhaps. in English history
more signal instance of the pertinacty with which
the English mind always decides international
questions upon the side to which it naturally in
clines Ii is conveniently forgotten that, nOtwith
standing the negotiafio which Clinton had carried
on 80 long with Arnold for the virtual surrender Of
the stronghold, the British commander not as
sured of Arnold's sincerity. The mission OF Andre
WAS undertaken in order that the treason
Of tho American might be reduced. to
Use Cnton's own word. to something like
" certainty." Andre sent, also, to gain intor-
nation respecting the force at West Point the mil
tary positions in the neighborhOod. and all else
which II was necessary to know If An assault was
to be made upon the works successfully. This in
formation Andre obtained in a documentary form
from Arnold. Tho English emissary knew per
fectly well what risk he was running. He was not
even in his landing protected BY flag of truce. He
W a
to which civilized warfare has doomed such a
character. lie captured without his uniform.
The fatal documents in his possession were con-
ceaed III his boot. When he was taken he betrayed
himself by his own blundering which rendered his
pass from Arnold OF no value.
Once captured, Major Andre owed it to tho for
bearance OF General Washin yton that he was not at
once executed Legally no form of trial was neces-
sary. SIR William Howe hanged Nathan Hale,
without any cOur-martial, few hours after he
was made prisoner. TIE Board to which General
Washington committed the consideration OF
the case was composed of General officers. every
a gentleman thoroughly acquainted with the laws
of war; Upon that board such foreign officers
a. Stirling, La Fayettc and Baron Stcuben, men OF
honor aud thoroughly acquainted with al necessary
presidents. heir decision was accepted by Wash-
ingtou, but it WAS sanctioned by his good sense
aad conviction oi duty. Lord Mabou's contempt
uons estimate Of the officers composing the board Is
unworthy Of serious reiutaton. Even Il the Amerl-
can Generals had been ignorant rustcs, Lord
Mahon ntimaics they had before thrm no very
difficult question. The slightest knowledge of the
laws of war was sGlic enl. When the Aujutlnt-
General of the English Army was discovered IN dis
pu,se with plans of Wrst Point upon his person,
after u conference with an American General who
had al seconded. what was 10 be doIef IL Is irrIta-
ting 10 think that there should ey T have oecn any
dispute alb ,ut ,hs matter II Major Andre had been
n Er ncn instead OF an English General. 1t Is
not at All pr.IDable that French his orians would
have adopted such a style OF criticism We doubt il
any incident OF the Revolution has been persist