Daily globe., 1880-08-10
AN ALLEGED ZUEL.

an ALLEGEO DOEL.
Ho,C 1ic0 Young Washington Bloods Set
tied Dispute about a Beautiful Young
Lady.
Washington Special, Aug. Z.
A yesterday afternoon paper published an
account of an alleged duel that made some
thing of sensation. The police, however,
could learn nothing of it and pronounced
the whole affair hoax. The Post this
morning published a sensational account of
the alleged duel and its causes, but was un-
able to support its story with any names.
The publication for several hours made
great |, cal sensation. 1t went on to say
that early yesterday morning two carriages
were driven to vacant field Immediately
west of the grounds of the Soldiers home.
Seven gentlemen alighted. The usual dnel-
ing distance was marked off. The duelists
took their positions back to back, and walk
ing forward at the word turned and fred.
The shots were almost simultaneous; one
went wide of its mark; the other took effect
in the arm of the challenger, tearing
his coat sleeve and SCATTERING the
arm. Further shots being impossible the
wounded arm was quickly bandaged up, and
the party returned to their carriages and
were rapidly driven back to the city. The
entire affair occupied about fifteen minutes.
The names of the participants and their
seconds are kept from publication. Tho
duel occurred within the bounds of the Dis
trict. The laws here are very stringent,
imposing penalty of imprisonment for q
term not exceeding ten years. The full
particulars were given to reporter of the
Post, last evening, by person cognizant of
the facts in the case, although not an eye
witness, with the understanding that none
of the names should be given to the public.
One of the principals IN the affair, and the
one who sent the challenge, is quiet, un-
assuming young man holding clerkship in
the treasury department. While not accus-
toned to mingle very much in society
here, yet he has quite a large calling
acquaintance. Among these is the
beautiful daughter of a widowed lady of
prominent family, but now in reduced cir
cumstances, 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 ex-
elusive society which exists outside of Off
cial circles. and comprises old families and
the army and navy. This gentleman was on
intimate terms with the family, and enter
tanned an affection for the daughter which
had never been given expression to, as the
circumstances of neither would permit mar
riage. About eighteen months ago new
element appeared in the lives of these peo-
pie that was destined to wreck their hap
plness and bring ruin to quiet home. The
lady met at that time, in the house OF
friend, man who had lived and travelled a
great deal in foreign lands but who is now
residing in this city, and is one of
the attaches of the state department.
He is man of brilliant at
tainments, ready talker, polished and clev-
or, and soon wes favorite in social circles.
The acquaintance, at first casual, by mutual
consent soon became more intimate. He
became constant caller at the house. His
conversation attracted and interested the
Young lady, and she insensibly fell more and
more under the dangerous influence of his
presence. The cd time admirer was neg
lected, but he still kept up his visits, and
watched, with sinking heart. the progress
made by his more brilliant rival. At last the
engagement was announced, but only to the
family. For imperative reasons, SO the man
said, the engagement must, for the present,
be kept secret. Yielding to her daughters
ubs
her happiness, the mother unwlllingly
consented to this arrangement. The
old adroirer, cut to the heart,
ceased his visits. After long period he
concluded to call and inquire after his old
friends. To his great grief and dismay he
was greeted by the mother with tears. The
sight of face familiar in happier times call
ed tears unbidden to her eyes. The sad story
was soon told. The trusting confidence of
an innocent heart had been grossly abused.
The man had taken advantage of the power
he had acquired over the young girl, and
ruined her. When he was implored to make
good his promises, be informed his helpless
victim and her mother that he was already
married. Overcome with shame at this ter
rible disgrace, the mother resolved to shield
nei daughter froE4 the prying eyes of the
world. 1t was given out that she had left
the city. The gentleman determined to do
what a father or brother would
do, and avenge q great wrong. Ac-
cordipgly ke sent challenge, and the duel
of yesterday was the consequence. But the
party, relying on bis skill with the pistol,
laughed at the challenge and accepted it. He
said that he would not hurt the chalesger.
The result of the affair was not surprising,
and it is said that another meeting will be
held. 1t is feared that the meeting will
give wider notoriety to the affair than is
desired. The revelation of the names
would create an immense sensation in soci-
ETY. circles. No clerk is missing at the
treasury department. Every man is ac-
counted for thore. No one at the state de-
partment was engaged in duel yesterday.
None of the police or officials have any in
formation that will shed light upon the af-
fair. 1t is regarded generally as bit Of
fiction.
P. T. Kavanagh sells this day, at auction,
The residence and handsome grounds of DIR.
Dent fail to be ON the grounds
IN time, 10 o'clock A. NJ.