The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1860-01-26
puelling Defended.

The Southern Contederacy, published at
Atlanta, Georgia, puts forth an argument
in favor of the practice of duelling 1t is
such 8. curiosity that we hasten to lay it
before our readers. 1t is, beyond doubt,
the abless defence of the bloody code by
which bullies and blackguaads settle their
disputes that we have ever read:
''We do not regard it any great honor to
fight duel send or accept challenge sim
ply for the notoriety in the matter but we do
look upon any man as diSgraced who refuses
to send or except challenge after he has
placed himself in a position that requires it,
according to the recognized usage amongst
gentlemen. We know of no instance where
the fighting of a duel injured any man, but
there are innumerable cases where the refusal
TO meet the demands of gentlemen has set the
seal of infamy upon men. 1t was not the law
that did this, but enlightened public opinion.
''Public opinion is !aaC amongst and with all
intelligent and cultivated classes public opin-
ion has tolerated and endured duelling. 1t
has even been endorsed By God himself The
first duel that we read of was between David
the Israelite, and Goliath, the Philistine.-
Goliath challenged, David accepted and the
ruddy boy slow the giant. David afterwards
became King of Israel, and one of the most
distinguished statesmen of his tribe and gen
Grafton.
Eve hold further, that no gentleman will
offer an indignity without fixed purpose to
give satisfaction as recognized by the code of
honor.
Gle who inSdlts gentleman whom he
knows is governed by the code, and then skulks
behind a ,tGtute, or his religion. is base cou-
ard and Pottroon. Public sentiment has
rendered this verdict, in all cases and there
ISa hat
should engage in controversy, such as public
speaking and editing newspapers unless he
is ready and willing at all times to render
satisfaction to those who demand it we mean
where all things are equal. Where duelling
Is recognized, society is always bettered, few
insults passed, and the public peace
seldom disturbed. Female chastity is pro-
tected, the defamer Is silenced, and the cow
ardly marked II is great blessing and ad-
vantage TO all communities to find out who
are and who are not the towards for all cow
Ords are mean, dishonest, and q nuisance to
society.
There are conscientious professors of reli-
gior who are right in not engaging in duels.
Tor the reason only that good man will not
insult & gentleman, and gentleman will not
insult in his sober senses t. Christian gentle
man. But if Christian gentleman is insult
ed, or feels that his honor is wounded as did
David by the challenge of Goliath, we think
he would fight, and it was the promptings of
inspiration that caused David to meet Goliath
in mortal combat David represented the
great family of Israel the chosen. people of
God and they were insulted by the taunts and
leers of Goliath, powerful Philistine; and
TO protect the honor and prestige of the house
OF Israel, David went forth, armed with that
chivalric spirit that God had implanted in his
bosom, aud slew him who had de6ed his peo-
PIE.
Dwelling has been recos nized by gentle
men, IN all ages of the world, as the proper
method by which 20 settle difficulties and no
people, save the Puritans and round heads but
what have endorsed it, and legalized it by the
pU6Lic voice. There should be no restrictions
upon duelling. If a gentleman insults you
and refuses TO make the azae7,de challenge
hin. II he fails to recognize the usage, post
him, and Let public opinion las it always does)
reoase hlm tor his cowardice, and disown
aim in society
This is public opinion in South Carolina
Virginia, and other places and where, we
ask, can there be found better societv better
morals. more Christian piety, true philanthro-
py, higher sense of honor, OF a more noble
race OF men than those of the Palmetto State2
What has done il? The recognition in a
vens, seduceTs, aud slanderers cannot live in
South Carolina. Ths code of honor has driv-
en- ell such men from her limits Wherever
Hneilng Is not reco gniZed, the rufian. the
Ignoramus, the black guard, and the poltroon
are the controlling spirits in society There
are no lines of demarCdtion where there sbould
be degrees and grades according to the man.
ner in which men demcan themselves There
must be distinctions aud grades in society for.
the public good demands it, and nothip;r re-
tains the proper line OF demarcaton in society
80 we'll as the full recognition of the duellinp
system"