The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-09-26
a DUEL ON THE "AMHRloAN PLAN
he Killed Himself Because of an
Agreement with an Enemy.

re Alieo rlnseH because or an
Agreement with an Enemy.
From the Neto York Tribune
OMAHA. NEE, Sept. 16.--In the reports
which have come to this city of the suicide
of Gers Barothy, formerly of Omaha, dis
appointment in love was assigned as the
cause of the melancholy act. Recent dis
closures, however, prove that such was not
the case. The publication of the story in the
local papers attracted the attention of
thousands, and among them two brothers
of the deceased. These came to town Friday.
The elder of the two is q m agnificent looking
man, named K. Barothy. He is the agent
at West Point. in this state, for the Lin
niger Metcaf Implement Company of
Omaha. The other is q young man. A
Barothy, who is drug clerk in Wisner.
also in this state. Both were greatly ex-
cited over the shooting, and produced evil
dence to show that their brother had not
killed himself because of an affair of the
heart. The evidences came, as IL were from
the grave, because it was couched in words
written by the suicide on Sept. Il, the day
Of his death.
The letter was received yesterday 1t
was written on mourning note paper and
inclosed in an envelope with deep black
margin. 1t was long missive in the Hun
garian language, and was written In a bold
and firm hand. 1t told Of the intended
suiciie. and stated that the act was iu recog-
milton of the pledge to kill himself, given
three years ago in his native land to an
enemy with whom he had personal quar-
rel Young Barothy was Hungarian.
He possessed the indomitable spirit of his
race. His personal honor WIS dearer than
life itself. Three years ago on Sept. 12, he
was mortally Offended by an officer in the
army at home. He challenged the soldier.
The challenged man accepted, with the usual
privilege of selecting the weapons, or the
, means to be- used OF satisfying the
. honor of both parties. In Hungary there
are three methods allowable in such con-
tests-the sword, the pistol, or what is
termed the American plan" The last con-
sists in each party drawing one of two
balls, Il white or black. he man who
draws the black ball is bound to dispose of
himself, either by shooting, hanging, or
drowning, or in any other manner which
may be decided upon before the balls are
drawn. Barothy drew the black, or un-
lucky ball. 1t had been agreed that the
drawer Of the unlncky one should kill him
self by shooting on the third anniversary of
the duel. That anniversary took place Oh
Wednesday That night Gers walked to
the shore of Lake Michigan, in Chicago.
and, in remembrance OF his word and
honor, sent three bullets into his body and
died.
For three years the fate that re,ted on
his own hands seemed to cast a shadow
over his life, which was dispelled only in
the company of congenial companions, and
yet not a mortal knew the cause of his
dependency save his adversary aud the
seconds in the duel. When he was leaving
Omaha he did not call on his brothers, be-
cause, as he said in his letter to them, he
feared that their influence might induce
him TO remain in Omaha. Once while visit
ing his brother in West Point both took
drive. The buggy was upset end Gers was
injured. The elder brother wept over him
in his pain, but Gers bore his
injuries bravely, and wished that he had
been killed. On the day of his death Gers
bought box of mourning stationery con-
tanning twelve envelopes and sheets of
paper. Yesterday the box was forwarded
to his brother at West Point In it were
only four sheets and envelopes. The others
had been used in informing his brothers,
his adversary and The seconds in the duel
of the approach of his death. With these
envelopes came all the photographs he had
received from his brothers and fl ON Henry
Pundel of this city, one Of which was of
one of the latter'S little daughters, whom
Gers had greatly admired.
He stated that he did not fear to die, and
that he did not want his brothers to doubt
him because he died in defense of his honor
and his word. K. Bayothy said that Mrs
Sherwood had I'm no manner influenced bis
brothers suicide, and the reason he bad not
returned her photograph was lest the act
would lead to suspicion that something
was wrong, and that he might be sought
and prevented from accomplishing the act
which he thought preserved the honor of
himself and family. When the excitement
incident to the suicide shall have SUBJ
sided the remains will be buried in fremont
in this state.