The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-07-14


Society, had no more appropriateness
to the proper observance of the day
than the rafting Of stage coach over
stone pavement. Yet Washington is
rot unlike other large cities in the
Union; the average Of patriotism here
equals that of other metropolitan
towns. The day is still the same, but
the manner of its observance has
changed. 1t is pleasing to note that
some cities in the west, especially Ke-
nosha, suitably commemorated our
National Anniversary.
BLADENSBURG-oLD DUELING FIELD
LOGIC OF PISTOLS FOR MEN OF.
HONOR.
Some statements of slavery times,
as they existed in Washington over
thirty years ago, were lately published
in the TELEGRAPH. The practice of
dueling, as it prevailed during the same
period. is a subject of historic interest.
Members of Congress once had sum-
mary method of settling disputes; it
was not by reason and common sense,
but by the logic of pistols. The IA
nous old dueling ground at Bladens-
burg, five miles from Washington, on
the Baltimore road, is where these du-
cling encounters took place. The old
citizens of Bladensburg retain a vivid
recollection Of the duels fought at that
place, and rather like to tell inquirers
what they know of them. A word
about Bladensburg itself will be in
place. The first settlement OF the
town dates back earlier than Washing
ton. Seventy years ago it was a place
of commercial Importance, containing
four thousand inhabitants; it now has
a population Of only four hundred.
The Anacosta. branch of the Poto-
mac, runs through the town, and was
once navigable for vessels of consider
able size. Egyptian boats, so called,
because they were said to have been
modelled after the boats on the Nile in
Egypt, were used on the Anacosta.
The freights consisted chiefly of tobac.
co, which was grown in large quanti-
ties in that portion Of Maryland. The
Anacosta ceased to be navigable many
years ago, and is now hardly capable
of floating a yawl boat at Bladensburg.
The tributary supplies have dried up
since the surrounding country has be-
come improved. Bladensburg has foul
small church edifices, old, dingy and
moss covered; two dilapidated hotels,
which cannot stand the wear of time
much longer. The business of the
town having become nearly extinct, the
inhabitants, it is said, are too poor to
indulge in their old-time faVorite beY-
erage, whiskey, so last year voted fol
local option, thus wisely dispensing
with needless expense, a damaging in.
diligence.
THE OLD DUELING FIELD AS IT ONCE
APPEARED AND NOW LOOKS.
The old historic dueling ground is
half a mile from Bladensburg, in The
direction of Washington. From the
description given by those who were
familiar with the location when it was
used for dueling ground, it has I'M
dergone great changes. It is remem-
bered as a wild spot, surrounded by
low hills, covered with a jungled forest
shut out from observation in all direc
tions-an open treeless space, consist
ing of a few acres, carpeted with wild
grass. In this secluded retreat fiery
members of Congress, hot blooded
army officers and officials were wont to
repair with their seconds and instru-
ments of death, to obtain satisfaction
for wounded honor. The woods which
once surrounded the dueling grounds
| have long since been cut away, and the
field plowed and cultivated. The par
ticular spot where these often fatal
meetings took place could no longer be
identified. were it not that two little
| brooks unite near the center OF the
| field, and it was on the west bank al
the junction Of these where the antag
onists usually took their position
Many thrilling incidents are related by
citizens of Bladensburg which occurred
on the dueling field, but their nara
ton would exceed the proper limits Of
letter.
| CONGRESS G. G.. WILLIAMS AMI
THE JAPANESE INDEMNITY.
OOlISICS0 Ids SlCobU pIOR itSs
the past week; some of the larger ap
preparation bills are embarrassed with
many amendments and the differences
between the two Houses are not easily
harmonized. Members are absentine
| themselves, some for the balance of the
session, to look after their prospects fol
a reelection. Two Of the Wisconsin
members have gone home, and are not
expected back this session. Represen.
tative Williams is crowded with his
various duties, and among them is the
Japanese Indemnity fund, which he
desires should be finally acted upon
before the close of the session. This
subject was referred to in the TELE-
GRAPH correspondence, some months
ago, and may be briefly recapitulated
In 1868, nineteen years ago, an
American steamer was fired upon on
the coast of Japan; no damage was
done the vessel, but its destination was
changed, and the owners claimed dam.
ages for delay. The Japan Govern
ment fastened to make amends, and de-
posted an indemnity of S7S5,Oo0 in
gold, from which to pay all just claims
for damages. The amount claimed was
only $4,000, which was paid and de
clared satisfactory by our government.
1t is said Japan borrowed the moneyof
England for the indemnity, paying
from eight to ten per cent. The bal
ance of the money has been held by
the United States during the long peri
cd. Bills to pay the money back have
at different times within the past
twelve years passed one or the other
Houses of Congress, but not both at
the same session. Every administra-
ton since 1863 has recommended the
refunding of the. money to Japan.
Had this been a matter between the
United States and England, France or
any other great European power, the
money would have been paid back
years ago; but Japan is not a power
full nation, therefore Congress can af-
ford to trife and delay.
Mr.. Williams, of Wisconsin, intro
duced bill in the early part of the
present session providing for the re-
funding of the money wrongfully with
held. He accompanied the bill with a
report, detailing all the facts in the
case, and followed it with an effective
speech, upon the close Of which he