New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-03
THE CASE OF GENERAL NLEWEE.

II the last few days had not witnessed such |
important occurrences as the advent Of a new
year and the accession of a new Governor. the
principal topic of discussion in New York during
this time would have been the removal OF In
spector-General McLewee: and we are not sure
it has not beer the principal topic. notwithstand
ing that extraordinary competition. BY an ex-
plicit provision Of the Constitution members Of
the Governors staff hold their places during his
pleasure. and consequently Mr.. Mortons power
10 dismiss his Inspector General cannot possibly
ne disputed The proprieties Of the case are net
quite 80 clear. but we are disposed to think that
the swift action OF the Executive was not I'M
warranted under the circumstances. Not only
his own term. but that Of his military Aubordl
nate. was about to expire. and whatever was
10 he done had TO be done at once. If there had
been time for a trial of charges, a court-martial
would have been the proper mode Of procedure.
and it is to he regretted that the issue could not
have been drawn in that way
For. though several comic elements diversity
this case, the serious elements predominant. and
II is not only desirable but necessary that
sober aud careful investigation should be made
of the charges which an experienced officer Of
high rank and reputation has brought against
the National Guard Of the State Of New-York
As IL appears to us. General McIewee undoubt-
edly committed q serious offence against disci-
pline which Is the vital force OF military or
ganization. II his report was true. 1t was his
duty TO make that report to the official appoint
ed by law to receive it, with careful regard to
the obligations of formal respect due from a
subordinate 10 superior. 1t Is the custom. we
believe. for department reports TO be furnished
for publication by the persons making them,
after they have been regularly fled and II Gen
eral McIewees report had been Of the usual
routine character nothing more would ever have
been heard of the matter But lie knew that 1t
was not a report Of that sort that 1t contained
not only grave charges against the Adjutant-
General and other members Of the staff. but seri-
ous though indirect. censure Of the Governor
himself In view of this fact it was his obvious
duty TO refrain from furnishing advance copies
10 the press. putting the responsibility OF max
ing the report public upon its official recipient.
What It might have been his duty to do subse-
auentiy, In case the report had been suppressed.
It is not necessary to inquire, for that situation
did not arise. possibly owing TO General Nc
Lewee's premature action. From the point Of
view OF strict military obligation, therefore, we
arc compelled TO condemn him. lie cannot be
technically acquitted even by proving that
officers OF the staff have committed numerous
irregularities and violations Of law; still less by
unofficial accusations OF falsehOOd, drunk enness,
and general moral and military unhtness for the
service.
But though General McLewee was at fault
and may have been Justly punished. we are
disposed to believe that he acted from sense
Of duty. and we are firmly convinced that he