The record-union., 1892-11-28

Among the many noted duels, one OF
the most remarkable on record IS the his
torical one fought on the outskirts of
Madrid, in full view Of the French and
Italian soldiers, in the early part of the
year 1873. So tinged with romance is this
memorable combat, that if it were not
vouched for by the highest authority, one
would be inclined to doubt its authep
ticity; but, as it is not handed down to us
from medieval ages wrapped in the mists
Of obscurity, but is an event Of our own
times, clearly chronicled, we cannot doubt
its correctness. 1t was the direct result
Of regimental esprit de corps and petty
jealousies existing between the nationali-
ties serving under Napoleon the Great,
causing frequent and deadly conflicts.
There was whizZing of bullets and slash
ing Of swords upon the slightest provoca-
ton, nor were the officers in command
able to duell the outbreaks that were con-
stanuy occurring. Something had to be
done, that they plainly saw. But what?
The knotty problem was etiectually
solved after an especially spirited tracas
between French and Italian regiment III
which several hundred men were more or
less severely bruised and battered.
The plan was novel one. 1t was
agreed that in order to put quietus upon
the incessant lighting and euectually re-
establish discipline in the ranks the mas
ters-at-arms OF the two regiments should
take up The quarrel and fight IL to d finish.
This decree met with universal applause,
aud accordingly, the day following the
first breach OF discipline, the whole army
was drawn up in battle array upon
gently slopiug plain which rose like some
vast amphitheater from a stretch of flat
"a I'M m Ri
was left open for the contestants. So ad-
mirably was the location suited tor the
purpose that not n man could miss a sim
gle phase Of the conflict.
\ the tapping Of the drums two men
airily yattired-stepped into the ring. taking
up positions directly opposite each other.
The frst to secure his place was tall, mus
cular man, whose keen black eyes roved
with a mingled pride and scorn over the
crowd OF interested spectators hemming
hum in on every side. He was the cele-
brated Italian fencer, GIacOmO Eerrari.
Facing him was a handsome man, whose
hight might be the same as his, and
whose 1.-the frame seemed netted with
muscles OF steel that qulVered at every
movement Of the symmetrical bronze
like figure. He was Jean Louis, one Of
the finest of French fencers, and, as
events proved. the hero of this affair.
AS The twenty-eight assistants assumed
their positions on either side OF the prin-
cipaIs, a death-like silence ensued that
was only broken by the word Of COM
mand-''On guardn' In an instant the
air resounded with the clashng Of steel
Is the two masters crossed swords, the
willy Italian making repeated lunges al
ms antagonist, but all to no purpose, as
lis every thrust is successfully parried
Bataed, he fails back upon the defensive
hoping TO betray his opponent into Il
false move, bat though he continued TO
tempt and tease the latter. Jean Louis.
with matchIess skill, lends himself to the
trick, Keeping Vigilant eye and firm
hand. Suddenly GlaCOmO Eerrari, think
ing to throw him oil his guard, springs
aside with q shrill cry, at the same mo-
ment making a terrible lunge-a FIoren-
tine trick much admired. But with Won
orOus deNterlty Jean Louis parties the
stroke and risposts quickly in the
shoulder. "A mere scratch" contempt-
uOusly exclaims GiacOmO, as he success
fully parties the next pass. For some
moments they both remain on guard
Then Jean Louis, abandoning his previ-
Gus tactics, makes Il fierce lunge at the
Italian's breast. The sword penetrates
deeply, Giaeomo's face becomes CHASTITY,
he staggers, and as his weapon falls from
his nerNeless hand, sinks an inanimate
heap upon the turf.
As Jean Louis surveys the bleeding
corpse, he c0olly wipes his ree6iug blade.
calm indifference his now antagonist
When The pride Of the First Regiment
had been tenderly lifted from the sod ana
carried TO a secluded spot, the first Of the
fourteen Italian Inasters-at-arns-au of
whom We're anxious to cross swords with
him-assumes a belEgerent attitude, and
though the Freuchnlan has had but three
minutes respite Tor rest he Is ready and
eager Tor the Tray, which begins with an
omlnOus clinking OF swords. a series Of
feints and tricks, followed in turn by
desperate lunge, a scientific parry, ris-
post, a cry, u sigh. and another corpse,
bearing occular proof OF his skill, is borne
from the field.
Ere the circle has closed upon the
mangled form OF the vanquished, antago-
mist No. stands upon the spot, impatient
TO measure swords with the victor and
burning to avenge the death Of his COM
Tades. He has watched with bated breath
every move in the contest, and thinks he
has guessed the secret OF the cOnQuerOr's
success. 1mbUed with this idea he obeys
the signal to begin with all the wild en-
thusiasm OF his not Italian blood. Thrust
follows thrust, telnt succeeds feint: they
tease, they caress each others blades,
they 90 everything but fall TO a direct
issue. Fatigued al this mode OF fighting,
or else deemlng the moment propiuous
tor putting Into operation the result Of
his observations, the Italian suddenly
Il
ing rapid thrust at his lower ribs but
be has niscalculated his opponents agil-
lty, and ere he can recover his equi-
Hbrium, the latter's sword has run him
through.
Another and another stand up before
the skilled master, only to meet the same
late sooner or later. without even the
meager satisfaction of prlcking his flesh.
lie seems invulnerable. In less than an
hours time he has met and killed upon
the SO-called tleld Of honor thirteen men.
\ record truly astonishing, and one that
would, in all probability, have been
swelled by two more, had not the COM
manding officer, thinking the lesson a
Sufficiently severe one, interposei his au-
tnOrity ana put stop to the proceedings.
A mid the Numbering cheers Of TO- 900 men
the master OF fencing shook hands with
the two survivors, who. though courage
Gus men. were doubtless very glad 10 es-
cape the terrible encounters that but a
moment before seemed inevitable. And
thus the curtain is dropped upon an event
which has never been eQualed in the an
nails of duelism, and which demonstrates
the marvellous deeds q brave. cool. clear
headed man can perform when thoroughly
VerSed in the art OF fencing.
The perniclOusneSs of the dueling GUS
tom WAS never more strikingIy eXempii-
he'd than in the Decatur Barron affair."
which cut down in the prime Of a bril-
liant career one of the most gallant, cour-
ageous and capable men Of the day. and
forever crippled the usefulness Of the
other. whose name added iuster to the
glorious achievements of our navy.
Commodore Barron, slnarting under the
as he cOnsidered-unjust sentence OF
the cOurt-martial of which Decatur was
a member. received what he deemed a
gross insult from the latter, and though
many messages and considerable corre-
n