The Nevada Democrat., 1859-07-06
Tn. Broder,ok and Perley DimsuIty.

1t was briefly announced in our last issue,
that angry words had passed between Senator
d. C. Broderck and D. W. Perley, and that the
latter had written q challenge to the former.
The difficulty originated in this wise: Judge
Terry, in q speech before the Lecompton State
Convention, took occasion to abuse Senator
Broderick, in the vulgar, blackguard language
characteristic of the Leeompton speakers. On
the Monday morning following. while taking
breakfast at the International Hotel. San Fran.
cisco, Broderick made some remark to friend,
to the effect that Terry should be the last man
to abuse him, as he had interfered in Terry's
behalf when be (Terry) was in the hands of the
Vigilance Committee in 1866. Perley, who
was in hearing, stated that he would not allow
such remarks to be made about friend Of his
without interfering A few angry words pass
ed, and Perley left, stating that Broderck
should hear from him. Perley Immediately
wrote challenge to Senator Broderick, and
II appears be took particular pains to give pub
licity to the matter. for the fact that the chal-
lenge had been written was telegraphed the
ehtlc uhy W buS tutGttoA poPStog oho oAeV PAo-
lished in the San Francisco papers Of Monday
evening, although it was not sent until late Oh
Tuesday evening. Perey had some difficulty
in finding friend to bear his challenge, but
be at length prevailed on S. II. Brooks. the Le-
compton candidate for State Controller, to act
as his friend, with the understanding that the
place should be resigned to Col. E. &c. Kewen,
an soon as the latter gentleman arrived from
Sacramento. Mr.. Broderick refused to accept
the challenge, and in q note addressed to Mr.,
Perley gave his reasons therefor. He says:
Two days have elapsed since the alleged insul,
was given. II had been inclined to recognize your
right to demand satisfaction, you have placed it on,
Of my power to do So by the publicity you have CIV
| en- the matter.
When affairs OF this kind are to be arranged, it il
customary to keep them a secret even from intimate
friends. While have refrained from making men
ton Of the affair, find it to be the subject Of news
paper comment and the theme OF public conversation
You knew at the time you we're searching for
gentleman to bear the challenge that it would no
be accepted informed you f the fact at the timt
the alleged insult was oitered-in the presence o.
two gentlemen-and in language that could not be
misinterpreted.
Your own sense of proprety should have taught
you that the positions we relatively occupy are sc
QlueIe0t, as 10 IOEDlu dCCeptduCc Ol YOUR CHdl
lenge. 1t is but few days since you made oath
that you were subject of Great Britain The giving
or accepting challenge could not, therefore, atfec
your political rights, as you are not citizen OF the
United States.
For many years, and up to the time Of my eleva
ton to the position now occupy, it was well known
that would not have avoided any issue Of the char
acter proposed. II compelled to accept a challenge
it could only be with gentleman holding position
equally elevated and responsible, and there nc
circumstances which could induce even to do this
during the pendeAcy of the present canvass. Wher
/ authorized the announcement that would addres:
the people Of California during the compaign, it
suggested that efforts would be made to force into
difficulties, and determined to take no notice o.
attacks from any source, during the canvass. II
many other gentlemen who would seek similar op
portunties for hostile meetings, for the purpose oi
accomplishing political object, or to obtain public
notorety. cannot afford at the present time to de
scend to violation of the Constitution and State
laws, to subserve either their or your purposes.
The reasons given by Mr. Broderick are am
ply sufficient, in common sense view, to jus
tify him in the course he pursued; whether
they are valid according to "the code" is Q
matter of indifference with the public. In an.
nouncing his determination not to accept .
challenge under any circumstances during the
pendency Of the present political campaign Mr.
Broderck has exhibited moral courage wor.
thy of all commendation. 1t is not proper that
man in his position should accept challenge
to mortal combat with every Tom, Dick. and
Harry, who to attain nOtoriety, or to accom-
plish political objects, may seek 10 involve him
In personal dif6culties.