The New York herald., 1870-02-15
"A Duel BY Caslisht-E1slsing tho Battles
or Caba IL Now York;

or Caba In Now YOrks
It must bc apparent t&all that II Cuban
independence could be gained by personal
rencontres on the Continent the sun OF Spanish
rule in Cuba would by this timo have sunk far
below the Western horizon. Oa Saturday
night last o duel was fought by gasliyht in this
city between Francisco do Porto, a Cuban,
who ''has already proved his love Of country"
by fighting in Canada the editor Of Spanish
paper published In New York, ana an English
man, to fame hitherto unkaown, named
George Proule. The belligerent gentlemen
had previously been friends, but Mr. Proud,
thought at and proper to critciss the inactlon OF
the Cuban Junta, and this engsnlsred aninlos-
ity between them. Saturday night they mot
ut hotel up town. whom Proude indclged In
a characteristic observation, significant Of an
approaching kick" This (the approaching
kicl) "placed Do Porto in fever heat" and,
probably to cool himself ''ho spat In his oppo-
nents face" To say the least Of 1t tho offence
was nasty one, but pocket handkerchief
could have effectively removed the obnoxious
saliva in two seconds. Our Englshmau, how
ever, boiled with Indignation Blood elono
could wipc away tho spit. 1t was absolutely
necessary that his wounded honor should
be healed by Q cash across tho shoulder,
which he subsequently, received. Tho
parties obtained seconds and adjourned
to tho house OF Q friend, whero
they divosted themselves Of oil underclothing
and prepared to fight, each atarod in thin
coat and pair Of tight pantaloons. Tho
weapons chosen wcro cavalry sabres. Pistols
were rejected, because ''any fool can shoot
those products of Colonel Colts inventive
genius. So these particularly wise men
decided upon cold steel. Perhaps tho objec-
ton to bullets arose from the fact that Proudo
| is larger man than De Porto. Bat how readily
tho difference in sizo could have been over
| comol In the famous duel between Eyan, tho
Irish barrisler, and Carran, tho former oom-
planned Of THO disparity in their sizes. Il tel
! you what, Mr.. Egan," replied Carran, 81
wish TO take no advantage q yQa what.
e7er; let hy s,Ss b chalked 5hs upon
your slde, AMI am quito content that
! oySry sho. which hits outsi le that mark shall
go for nothing" This plan does not appear TO
have been thought OF as, cavalry sabres
! IN hand, tho inpetUous Do Porto and th5
| determined Proude confronted each other.
| For brief moment they hositated, then
Proude advanced aal mado Gu. a. tho head
Of his opponent, which, happily for D, Porto.
was s'doftly parrlcd." Had it taken effect our
account would have been cut short with Do
Portos head An interval Of time aud they
wont a. II again, displaying great skill. Here
the reporter says thoir eyes flashed Gre, as If
enleavoring ito penetrate each other Q
INTENT" bu. We arc rather Of the opinion that
they wero eadeavoriny to penetrate each
others skin. A. length Dc Porto laid
himself open, and Prouls Instantly
seized the opportunity OF laying his
thigh opsa to a depth Of quarter
Of al inch, for length Of eight
Inches. Proule's triumph was shortliyed.
The next Instant De Portos steel went flashing
through tie air aud descsnd,i upon his oppo-
nsnt's right shoulder, i,tictin3 o painfaI
wound. Here tho c0mba. ceased. Proude
was conveyed to his homo in Brooklyn. Do
Porto retired with tie horors of war, first inti-
mating, with marked ooolnsss," that he car
ried particular chip on his shoulder in the
shape of the Cuban cause, the knocking off OF
which would bo avenged by him with blood.
Thus ended this dael. Unfortunately both
! principals were wounded; happily neither was
tk,,,As Of their valor there is no doubt. But,
ah, whas E pity it is that SO much hsroism
sbo,,a he Wasted in New York when there arc
SO many opportunities for broadsword exercises
| in Cuba