Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1881-10-17
lancaster fllteIliQe1lrer.
MONDAY EVENING. OCT. II. 1881.
A Political Duel.
state Senator RiddIeborger and Congressman
Wise. Of Virginia Exchange Shots and
Shsko Hands After Four Rounds.

A Political Duel.
STATE Senator Riddieberger and Cong
wise. Of Virginia Exchango Shots and
Shske Hands After Four Rounds.
A duel occurred Saturday afternoon
between State Senator II. H. Riddlebereer
and Congressman George d. Wise, about
ten miles north of Richmond. The origin
of the difficulty is attributable to the
Blair letters, which have become such an
important issue in the heated political can.
vass now going On in Virginia. Congress
man Wise was the first to introduce these
epistles in the canvass, to show that theil
alleged author, Blair, who is the Readjustel
candidate for attorney general, was treach.
erous to both the Democratic and
Readjuster Republican parties. Blair
promptly denied their genuiness. Th, Sc
denials were backed up by articles writted
and published by his political friends and
sympathizers. On the other hand, Demo
Gratis living in Blair's section of the state,
who are familiar with his writing, pub.
lished certificates asserting their belief in
their authenticity. These contradictory
statements were banded about by tho
papers of both parties and produced a
the leaders on both sides. A few days
his party, published an article transmitted
to them by Riddleberger, styled confes-
sion from w. Leigh Wilson, who furnished
the letters to Wise and to whom they
were alleged to have been addressed. In
this so-called confession Wilson said that
Wisc made use of the letters knowing
them to be forged. In his not. to the
Wig, sending the confession, Itiddleberger
declared that he assumed no RESPONSE
bility for any of the statements Of Wilson.
Congressman Wise, however, looked upon
the matter in a different light, and held
him personally responsible for Wilson s
communication. lie published card in
the Erenihg State denouncing "H. IL.
Riddleberger, who cOncocted these Sian.
ders, and the person or persons who di-
rected or sanctioned their publication, as
base liars and slanderers." Mr. Riddle
berger happened to be in the city and saw
the Offensive article and promptly chal-
lcnged Wise and also Mr.. Richard F.
Beirne, one of the editors of the State.
The latter gentleman had on the same
afternoon, in an earlier edition, published
an editorial declaring in most emphatic
terms that RiddIeberger was man wholly
unworthy oc belief. 1t is thought that
Editor Deirnc was challenged first.
Both Of the gentlemen promptly ac-
ceptcd the invitation to mortal combat,
and arrangements were at once entered
into between Wise and Riddlcberger to
meet. When they did so it was discov-
cred that, though pistols were at hand,
none of the party had brought any caps.
This neccssitcd a change of programme
in their movements and later hour was
fixed upon for a meeting. In the meantime
=,
Station. on the Chesapeake & Ohio rail-
road. Ten PAGES We're stepped Off and the
men took positions. Bad luck seemed
to attend the affair. At the
first fire Wise's pistol failed to explode
the cap. Another effort was made.
This time Wise's shot grazed Riddlcbcrs-
er's long tail coat. Another fire was de-
termined upon by the tluelists and the men
again assumed 4 hostile attitude. The
third shot was made with no better sue
cess. After the last fire RiddIebcrser, with
q smile npon his face, advanced towards
Wise and extended his hand. A
short pariey was had between the seconds,
after which Wise met his antagonist and
took his hand. Riddleberser expressed
much regret at the publication at which
Wise had taken otfense and remarked that
he had never doubted Wise's honor and
integrity. After this resolution the parties
left the field OF honor.
Bcirne was but short distance off and
ready to give Riddlcbcrgcr satisfaction
after the matter between that gentleman
and Wise was disposed of. City Police
Justice Richardson had got wind Of the
affair, however. and got ofrin haste to in-
terccpt it and arrest the parties Not
having jurisdiction in the county he lost
some time in getting Il warrant from the
county magistrate. lie secured that docu
ment and returned just at the time that the
last shot had been fired and reconciliation
had taken place. lie at once directed his
attention to Mr.. Biernc and found him
on the railroad and arrested him. He was
put under a 81, 900 bond. Mr.. Ryan, an
editorial attachee of the State. who was
on the ground to act rs second for Mr..
Beirne. was also arrested and put under
bonds. lsidl!ebcrger returned to the city
engagement to speak at large Readjust-
ing meeting here. He was on the stand
when he WAS arrested upon warrant and
under ST, 600 bonds.
Ali three of the gentlemen who engaged
in this triangular affair of honor are well
known and occupy high social positions.
MIR. Wise is the nephew Of the late Gov
Henry A Wise, SO well known in connec.
tiOn with the politics of the state and first
cousin Of John A. Wise, one of Mahone's
most trusted leaders. RiddIebcrger was
the nominee of the Republicans for SER
geant-at-arms Of the Senate last winter.
He and Mr.. Wise have both been stump
ing the state during the present canvass,
the former for the Readjnsters and the
latter for the Democrats. Mr.. Wisc's
brother. General PeytOn Wise. was party
to duel with United States District At
tOrney l.. l.. Lewis, which occurred near
Warrenton. in this state, about six weeks
ago. On that occasion Wise fired his pistol
in the air and Lewis missed his aim. That
affair grew out of a publication of offensive
language to a brother of Lewis, alleged to
have been used by Congressman Wise in a
political speech in this campaign. The af-
fair has created general interest here and
is the theme Of conversation in I'LL circles.
There have already been four duels grow
ing out Of the bitterness between partisans
in this canvass, and it is believed that
there are one or two affairs of honor grow
ing out of the same cause on tapis 1t is
stated that Senator Malone will publish a
lengthy letter in the Richmond Wig in re-
ply to General Jubal Early's most severe
denunciation of Malone.
Cant Preach Good.
NOman can do q good Job of work. preach
a good sermon, try a law suit well, doctor q
n nrf n In vl,ns,l lnf focls