Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1880-08-12
i WOMAN IN THE CASE.

The Washington Duel the Result of
n Huge Social ScandaI-Tbe Same
Old SIOry-E.0ye, Betrayal and Dee
sertiOn.
The Washington Post corroborates the
report Of duel near that city which was
published in EVERY EVENING on Saturday, |
and gives the following account of how it |
was brought about
A social scandal of huge dimensions,
involving persons of high social and official |
standing in this city, has recently come to |
light in rather curious way. Early yes
terday morning two carriages were driven
to the vacant fields Immediately west of
the grounds Of the Soldiers home. Seven
gentlemen alighted. The usual dueling
distance was marked eff. The duelists
took their positions back to back, and
walking forward, at the word turned and
fired. The shots were almost simultaneous
One went wide of the mark the other
took effect in the arm of the challenger,
tearing the coat sleeve and shattering the
arm. Farther shots being impossible, the
wounded arm was quickly bandaged up,
the party returned to their Carriages and
were rapidly driven back to the city. The
entire affair occupied about IL minutes
The names of the participants and their
seconds are kept from publication as it
would lead to their indictment by the
grand Jury. The duel occurred within the
bounds of the District and the laws here
are very stringent, imposing a penalty of
imprisonment for q term not exceeding
ten years. The full particulars were given
to a reporter Of the Post last evening by
person cognizant Of the facts in the case,
although not an eyewitness with the un
derstanding that none of the names should
be given to the public. One of the prin-
cipals in the affair, and the one who sent
the challenge, is quiet, unassuming
young man, holding clerkship in the
Treasury department. While not accus-
toned to mingle very much in society
here, yet lie has quite large calling ac-
quaintanee. Among these is the beautiful
daughter of q widowed lady of prominent
family, but now in reduced circumstances,
living quietly in one of the old mansions
south of the Avenue and west of the
new State department. The daughter
has long been an ornament Of the more
exclusive society which exists outside
of official circles, and comprises the ole
families and the army and navy. Thi,
gentleman was on intimate terms with the
family and entertained an affection for the
expression to- as the circumstances O.
neither would permit marriage. About i
months ago d new clement appeared il
the lives OF these people that was destinet
TO wreck their happiness, and bring ruiz
toa quiet home. The lady met at tina
time, IN the house of friend, man VIII
had lived and travelled a great deal i
foreign lands, but who is now residing i
this city and is one of the attaches of tn
State Department. lie is q man Of bri
liant attaiumcnts, ready talker, polishe
and clever, and soon was favorite i
social circles. The acquaintance, at frs
casual, by mutual consent soon becam
more intimate. He became constar
caller at the house. His conversation a
tracted and interested the young lady, an
enthusiastically fell more and more under IL
dangerous influence of his presence. TT
old time admirer was neglected. But
still kept up his visits and watched with
sinking heart the progress made by
more brilliant rival. At last the engag
meut was announced, but only to the far
lily. For imperative reasons, so the mt
said the engagement must for the prese
be kept q secret. Yielding to her uGug
ters entreeties, and consulting, as 81
thought, her happiness the mother Il
willingly consented to this arrangement
The old admirer, cut to the heart, ceas
his visits After long period he concl
ded to call and inquire after his old frienC
10 his great grief aud dismay he "
greeted by the mother with tears. i
sight of face familiar in happier tin
called the tears unbidden to her eyes. j
sad story was soon told. The trusting CO
fdence of an innocent heart had been gro
ly abused. The man had taken advantage
the power he had acquired over the you
girl and ruined ner. When he was i
plcred 10 make good his promises, he
formed his helpless victim and her mott
that he was already married, Overco
with shame at this terrible disgrace.
mother resolved 10 shield her daugh
from the prying eyes Of the world.
was given out that she had left tine ei
The gentleman determined to do wha
father or brother would do and avelge
great wrong. Accordingly, ne sent
challenge, and the duel Of yesterday
the consequence. But the challent
party, relying on his skill with the pis
laughed at the challenge and accepted
He said thath would not hurt him.
result OF the affair was not surprising,
II is said that another meeting will
held. 1t is feared that the meeting
give wider notoriety to the affair thai
desired. The revelation of the mar
would create an immense sensation
society circles.
Give a healthy man fan, rock