Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-12-29
COULDN'T HIT A BARN DOOR
Wild Shooting at the Famous
French Duel.
THREE SHOTS, BUT NO BLOOD.
Wounded Honors Satisfied
Without a Scratch.


nhs tictutHrtHU anu VI. berOutede BlaHe
Away at Each Other Three Times, ut 20
PAGES, without Eifcct--Then They De-
clare Themselves satisfied and Depart.
PARIS, Dec. 22.-The duel between
Clemenceau and Dercnlede took place as
arranged. Neither man was injured.
General Felix g. Hanssier, the military
governor of Paris and veteran of service
IN the Crimca, in Mexico and Africa, had
refused to act as an arbitrator. The idea
OF arbitration was ridiculed MS an evidence
of cowardice on the part of Deslaudes, who
suggested it.
M. Deslaudcs was appealed to and he ut
once proceeded to bring things to climax.
He decided that NJ. Dcroulcie and NJ.
Clemencenu should have an opportunity
to take six shots at each other, and that
the combatants should be placed Is PAGES
apart, with the privilege of advancing
three steps during the firing.
The famous Clemenceau-D eroulede
duel is thus described by the Paris cor
respondent of the New York Sun.
In order to throw off the scent the
scores who sought to witness the CON
test, it was quietly given out that the
men would fight at the Chateau Dc
Chatilon, and many went there. The
principals left their hotels quietly in
closed carriages soon after noon, and
drove Mt high speed to the rendezvous.
A doctors coupe followed Dcroulede's
coach. The time of the meeting was .
O'Clock. DcrOuledc arrived at the iron
gates of the park 10 minutes before the
hour. The purpose of the meeting was
instantly OWNED by the people of the
neighborhood and a crowd speedily
gathered, but the gates closed against
them. The police in the station directly
opposite discreety kept out of sight.
ClemenCeau's carriage did not arrive
till three minutes before the hour, The
carriages drove down the shaded path
300 yards from the entrance and entirely
out of sight of outside observers. The
park is broad unduating expanse
several acres in extent. IL sinks near
the centre to somewhat lower level,
and is there free from trees and other
distractions. AT about 100 yards to the
left of the little grove, where the car
riages stopped, the seconds selected the
spot in a slight depression of rolling,
prairie-like ground. Nearly an hour
was occupied in making the selection,
marking off the distance, and testing
the weapons. There was little to choose
between the respective positions MS
finally selected. The sun was partly
obscured, so there was no glare. The
advantage, if any, was with NJ. Clemen-
ceau, who had the sun over his left
shoulder,
While the details were being arranged
the principals waited in their respective
carriages. just before 3 o'clock they
walked to the ground. Each expressed
satisfaction with the arrangements, and
while the seconds were exchanging the
final formalities Clemenceau strolled
about with a cigar in his mouth, his
coat collar turned up, and both hands
in his pockets. He was perfectly cool
and was only annoyed, apparently, at
being obliged to wait so long in the
chilly winter air. Deroulede, equally
collected, was seemingly less interested
IN the proceedings than any of the spec.
tators.
There was more than 10 minutes
delay before the men were called to
their places, and it seemed a relief to
each that no more time was to be
wasted. Deroulede instantly removed
his coat and hat and took his position.
lie was little pale, but without sign of
nervousness. The long duellng pistol
was handed to him by his second lie
took it calmly and stood some moments
waiting for his adversary to make ready.
His magnificent physique of almost giant
proportions made him a most striking
figure as he stood silhouetted against
the sky. A slight breeze tossed his long
hair about his forehead.
lie was already in duelling position
furInn n 81 t-t,ll
talking with his seconds. Clemenceau
did not throw off his coat till the last
moment. Then he handed his hat to
friend, took his pistol, and was instantly
ready for the word.
The great maker of cabinets, the hero
OF score of duels, was undoubtedly the
calmest man upon the field. His rather
slight figure appeared almost puny in
contrast with that of his antagonist, but
his cold, l}ismarckian face and keen
gray eyes marked him a. the master of
the situation. No one doubted that he
held the life of his opponent in his
hands.
In less than 60 seconds after Clcmen-
ceau's seconds left his side the word was
given. The men lifted their weapons
quite deliberately and fired the moment
bhSJ lCuNllSb tllC lCNCl VI luG Eye.
Clemenceaus pistol spoke fraction Of
a second before that of Deroulede's.
Both men were untouched. As soon as
this was perceived second fastened to
each with fresh pistol. In scarcely
more than minute word was given
again. This time Derouledc fired first,
but by an instant only. Again the
dueilists stood unframed. Pistols were
again handed to them, and when the
word was given for the third time the
reports were as one. Deroulede made II
movement which for moment gave the
impression that Clemenceau's bullet had
entered his right arm, but such was not
the case. Both We're unscathed. The
conditions Of the contest were fulfilled,
and the two principals met and ex-
changed the usual formalities in the
curtest and brieiest manner. The two
parties at once separated and repaired
to their respective carriages, in which
they drove rapidly away.