New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-11-15

London, Nov. 4.-These notes were
written by man engaged by the Allies
in an official capacity, whose duties
continually called him from Paris to
the firing lines of the Belgian, English
and French. and who thus has unusual
opportunities of talking with the SOL
diers and frequently seeing the battle:
Paris, October 20.
The general and his staff have estab-
lished their headquarters in village
few hundred yards from the Belgian
frontier From the north comes the
roar of heavy German artillery brought
up during the night. from the west
the duller sound of the big guns of
British warships maneuyrlng four
miles from the coast and doing good
work. / have slept two hours in de-
serted farmhouse in company with
three wounded British soldiers and a
whining dog evidently left behind by
his master in his flight.
A shutting of feet in the roadway
and shouted orders awaken me. A
squad of French soldiers led by lieu
tenant is gathered at the door around
two civilians, hands tied behind their
backs. Spiesl Caught on top of a
haystack within a hundred feet of the
generals headquarters. They had been
in the neighborhood for n week. it
seems, getting food no one knows
where They refused to speak. They
had field glasses and note books, with
...,l. Il RrrF rrFa
regiments. The names of generals and
numbers of batteries were found buried
in the hay. On both men, sewn in the
Innings of their caps, were passes
through the enemy's lines signed by
one OF General Won Kluck's aide-de-
camps.
Their case is settled in advance. In
terrogated. they neither make denlals
nor confessions. Simply refuse to
sneak. Caught at 3 o'clock, they are
tried at $3.50 broken table serving as
Judges bench for colonel and three
captains called hurriedly from staff
headquarters.
Six Shots End Their Lives.
A few questions to which no answers
are forthcoming, a glance at the note
books and passes found on the pris-
oners and II is over. Back OF the farm
house are poultry yard and decreplt
stable. Against the stable wall, eyes
bandaged. hands tied, kneeling. the two
Germans are placed. the six soldiers
ten PAGES away. The lieutenant's sword
is raised. six shots mingle into one.
The law of war is carried out. Il is 9
o'clock.
The three British wounded and my
self, sole silent spectators of a drama
becoming commonplace in the North of
France, exchange cigarettes, sigh Poor
devilsl" and return, they TO their
benches, | to my bed for another hours
well earned rest.
Such incidents form a part of every
day conversations in the camps and
trenches on the firing line. The Ger
mans. always masters in the art of
spying, have never ceased being in
formed more or less accurately as TO
the movements of the allied forces.
and since August between 400 and
500 unwelcomed guests have been sum
marily tried and executed by the French
and British troops. If a spy is caught
within the zone Of battle he is tried on
the spot, the trial consisting of an ex-
animation of the papers and documents
found on the suspect, the hearing Of
witnesses and of the prisoners de-
fence. If no papers or documents are
found and the witnesses are not suf-
fciently affirmative the suspect is re.
leased or sent TO Paris for a further