The New York herald., 1874-05-17
AN AMERICAN VENDETTA.

PARIS, April 20, Aot4s
1t is difncut to relate the circumstances con-
nected with duel without giving pain TO the par
ties concerned In 1t. will, however, try TO be a.
careful as possible, and the more so because m
this instance 1t is hard to say whether William
Payne and Frank Riggs are to be blamed or
praised Tor their part, which was only suDor0t-
nate part in this transaction.
II appears that for some time past there has
been an unpleasant feeling between the families Of
Mr. Riggs and Mr.. Payne. and it was, perhaps un-
fortunate for them ALL under such circum-
stances, that MIR. Riggs should happen to be
President OF the Washington Club in Paris where
both families at present reside For Paris. like
all Continental cities where there is largo
foreign colony, is cruel place for gossip, and, az
scandal spares NOBODY, 1t has not been very gentle
or probably very just to Mr.. Payne, father OF tho
young man who wished to ngnt duel with Frank
Riggs last Thursday at Maubeuge, and who ac-'
cordingly went there for that purpose.
Certain it Is that some disagreeable rumors
were current that Mr.. Payne, ar., who is mem-
ber OF the Washington Club IN Paris, did not pay
his card debts with that promptitude which u
usual in good society. The rumor was doubtless
false. because Mr.. Payne Is rich man, who has
many claims to the respect OF the American colony
in Paris and would not be likely to forfeit them By
behavior which would expose him to unfrendly
observations. Moreover. even II Mr.. Payne had
been careless on TINS delicate subject, distinct
charge might have been brought against him, and
he might have been called upon by the club COM
mittee to answer It, II no distinct charge could
be made the subject should have been dropped as
unworthy the serious attention OF gentlemen. Il
is however, alleged that Mr. Riggs President Of
the Washington Club did not give these considera-
tlOns the weight which Is surely due to them, and
whether in Jest Or in earnest he addressed some
remarks personally to Mr.. Payne which had better
to take his place at the card table, was told py
Mr.. Riggs tnat he could not be allowed
70 play till he had settled old scores:
his presence Of mind, and instead Of turning The
thing or as silly joke, or insisting on an imme.
to have gone away and to have taken advice about
a business he could nave managed better himself
MIR. Payne is alleged to have waited for Mr.. Riggs
at the entrance OF The washington Club. and TO
have said to him.
"Are you going to make me an apology for what
you said "
Mr. Riggs now appears to have acted impru-
denty and even unkindy toward a fellow coun-
tryman whose honor was at stake and who would
naturally feel indignant and angry y 1t was dis
MR. PAYNE STRUCK HIM BLOW IN THE FACE.
He might be sure, have brought the AFFAIR before
the club committee and nave insisted on excuses
being made to him after he had proved the false
mood OF all reports affecting him; but every gem
touching his honor, and lew men can answer for
their temper under extreme provocation.
Mr. RIGGS when struck By Mr. Payne, conducted 1Ss
had done when giving the weight OF his authority
as President OF the club to charge against MI::
Payne, which, In any case, had not been examined
or regularly brought before him In his omciai
capacity. He SAID nothing, he did % nosn. ID
ns saSe and IN Street pr0pf5 T5 fssniS sa
the assault which had been made made. upon N
VIII fha aafai ehau IA roforfcQ
first instance: and the Club Committee, rSn,ny
refusing to acknowledge that any prov1vaMi,011
Mr. payne from the washington Club at Paris. Mr.
Payne protested against this proceedins a,,eg.ns
quarrel, and it is not easy TO agree or to der with
him on tnat ISSUE but the Cluo reiuseo W 10
HMeantms s the sons OF both gentlemen. who
are fine, generoushearted young ,eIdows ana
who naturally consider eacn o. .nsi rohahS IN Inc Inc
wrong, began 70 look about earnestly o ior pre-.
tence to go to ,nSga IoSgerneaas iney n were we're
NJ not ,ds% 1sne Il doss sas not matter which,
for both we're equally excited, charged the other
signify what lady or what words. All the boys
and sswav they went, like young geese in high
wind. TO hght it all out at Maubeage, in Belgium.
anea sny o f. having news Of tner
intent, thought 1t high time to show little moro
sagacity and GOOD feeling than had hitherto been
displayed by any OF the parties more directly In
terested. Accordingly they teIegrapned to the
proper authorities In Brussels, and ct
one O'Clock on Thursday morning q strong
the hot-Dlooued young men Mt Maubeugc.
on the Belgian frontier, where they had stead-
lastly purposed to XIII each other. rhey arrived
at about SIX In the evening, so that the Belgian
police, who are happily, a stod folk, had plenty
or time 10 exercise their national virtue OF pa
tience. The strong body OF Belgian police threat
ened TO take Master Payne and Master Riggs into
custody unless tney returned peaceably TO Paris
were
ter Riggs and Master Payne did return peaceany
20 Paris, which was much the best result who'll
could happen to them. Nobody tS hurt Tncrs
has been no boodshed and II Is really to be hoped
that everybody viii now look npon the squaDom
rom "plck M wlckian" point OF view. have 'me1Fs
90 rouRder'' and let bygonea be bygoRcss