New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-10-30
THE POPE on DWELLING.
xor,p1r LETTER TO THE BISHOPS.

>, ,, toce ~ t7F surprising declarations Of En-
peror william regarding the necessity Of the duel a1
Rom Il few months ago, the recent breVe OF tne A0P
unon the same subject has created much comment j."
Enrobe The epstle is directed to the Archolshops
80 trrue and Cologne and to the Bishops Of Germany
and Austro Hungary but it is Intended Tor tHe COLI
slderaslon Of other prelates as well
Med nv the consciousness OF pastoral duty,"
rites His Holiness "and brotherly love, you felt II
necessary in letters addressed to us last year 70
make reports regarding the frequency Of duelS IN
- countries With expressions Of regret you
showed us that this manner OF combat had become
even among the Catholics. in way popular custom.
You begged also 70 raise our voice III Tue Aop- Va
overcoming this unfortunate tendency In men, THIS
i indeed a larentable custom which is not confined
he the borders Of your countries but has speao 70
others a. well: 50 that there IS scarcely land free
from its effects. For these reasons we praise your
efforts although the dictates OF Christian phloso-
nhy As well a. those Of reason, IN regard 10 inns
aneston. are known and clear, IT will not be out
Of place for US TO recall them as the TeprehehaiDe
custom OF duelins IS lhnuehceu OJ V"o "oe''O' "
Christian teachings
<Dvine law-that expressed through reason and IN
tho inspred scriptures-fOrbds that man kill or IN
lure his brother unless in the general interest. III
selfdcfence. or in the face Of necessity bul tho''
who issue a challenge 10 duel or accept 'ailehEe
do this without compulsion, and use their
oDpopents OF life or lnnct injuries upon them. The
Divine commands also forbid man to expose MS HE
unnecessarily 10 danger. unless forced to do 80 OS
reason Of duty or Of broherly love- The very nature
II the duel implies disregard OF human Aie II must
therefore be apparent to al that those who engage IN
duel are guilty Of double crlme-ci4mnal mHiuer anu
voluntary exposition OF their own lives 10 DANGER
Nothing can be more subyersye Of civil institutions or
more detrimental % the rights Of people thah the
belief TINT citizens should be allowed to defend ther
rights with their own hands and 70 determine "heh
their honor has been wounded.
For these reasons continues the Pope the Church
~ God which is the protector and avenser "f truth
pstice and honor and the uphoder Of public peace ana
,tc honor has always threatened duellsts with the
heaviest punis hments AT it, command The DEGREES
~ our predecessor Alexander III. which are 10 be
fonnd In the books Of law. condemn ana damn
these combats, the results Of private quarrels The
rAentue synod was especially In It's condemna-
uon Of those who fall IN or take part IN ducls. IL
branded them with disgrace and refused % those who
rere killed In single combat the rights and honor Of
religions burial. The Tridentine DEGREES were en-
no.,zed IN our predecessor ilenedictne NV ~ his
brece issued November 10. i552. and beginning
.Dctestabuem, In recent times the late Plus ~. IN
his decree beginning with the words 'Apoocal sedis
which modified the application Of the heavy penalties,
declared openly that the religious penalties were
10 be inflicted, not only upon the combat
ants, but also upon the seconds and al WAC