Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-07-23

given, the disputants must fight-as a matter
of course, with the weapons of their regiment;
that is TO say, if infantry, with small sword J;
if cavalry, with saber-the colonel being
consulted by those willing for the combat, or
ordering those who may be indisposed 10 have
recourse to the "ultima ratio" to do so. Two
seconds, or witnesses, as the French term
them, are chosen on each side to see fair play
and the duel proceeds. When the cause of
quarrel is not of very grave description, the
"Maitre d Armes" is generally present as UNI
pire, and interferes to arrest the fight when he
considers the honor of the parties engaged suf
ficiently indicated.
THE SOCIETY OF FENCING MASTERS.
The man who refuses to fight after having
given or received an insult is punished by con-
tinement in the "Salle de Police" by order of
his colonel, and branded as a coward by his
comrades. Such cases, however, are rare in
deed. The "Matre dArmes," an important
regimental parsonage, is not indebted to his
military superiors for advancement to the po-
sition which he holds he is elected by the So
ciety Of "Maitre des Armes," which in the
French army forms recognized confraternity,
enjoying the privilege of selecting its own
members, without being controlled by other
authority. When soldier who desires this
appointment is considered duly qualified by
his regimental instructor, he applies for a
"concours," or meeting of all the "Maitres des
Armes" who may happen to be in the garrison
where he is stationed On arriving at the
"salle," the candidate is presented to the as
sembled magnates by his professor, and mod.
estly requests trial of skill with the "Doyen"
or senior of those present Acquiring him.
self well on this occasion, his qualifications
are tested by as many others of those forming
the "couconrs" as may desire to put his capac-
ity to fu ther proof and should the ordeal be
successfully passed through, he receives dip
Iona on velum, regularly signed and attested
OF which the following is a copy -
We, ''Maitres des Armes," con-
stituting part of the garrison of
StrasbOurg, having tested the ca
pacity of Seur Jaques Delaval,
of the Goth regiment of the Line,
C,ior, acknowledge his abilities, and 11..
~ have received him ''AIaitre d. honor
10 Armas ;, in faith of which ,va to
God. arant him This tsRrevets," con, Arms.
sequence whereof our brethren
the ''AIaitres des Armes.n are to
lend him aid and assistance on
all occasions when he merits
their esteem and friendship.
Those who are obliged TO await vacancy
for promotion, after having received their bre-
vet, are during the interval styled "Prevots."
OFFENCES OF SOLDIERS.
The first offences of the soldier are punished
by confinement in the "Salle de Police :"
come incorrigible under this lenient mode of
correction, he is brought before court con-
sstng of "chef de bataillon," two captains,
two lieutenants, and two sous-lieutenants, who
hear the accusation and defence should con-
yiction follow, he is by their decision transfer
red to the Companies de discipline" which
always remain in the colonies and never enter
France. The duration of his punishment de-
ponds upon himself after one years continu-
Gus conduct he is allowed again to rejoin his
regiment, but should he persevere in his in.
subordination he is transferred from the "com.
panic de discipline" to the pioneers" where
he is much more harshly treated, and where
lie must remain until the conclusion of his
term of service. He then receives his dis
charge, written on yellow paper, and this dis
qualities him from ever receiving any descrip-
tion of public employment The men com
posing these companies are never armed, I'M
less in cases of the most urgent necessity.
They perform no military duty, but labor, as
do sur conviCts, on the construction of roads,
and in the military arsenals. The officers who
command them are specially selected for their
firmness of character and determination, and
in numbers they are double those attached to
the troops of the line.