Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-05-14
EMBARRASSES THE EMPEROR.
Germany's Ruler Is Placed in an Uu-
pleasant Position.

The German emperor is placed in an
unenviable position by the result of
the recent duel between Won Kotze and
Baron Won Schraeder," resulting in the
death of the latter. Some years ago
offensive letters were received by var
lous prominent persons in Berlin from
someone supposed to be connected
with the court. Won kotZe was charged
with their authorship but denleu it
and challenged an officer who accused
him. In the resulting duel the chal-
lenger received a severe and dangerous
wound, but after a long time regained
his health. Continuing to be accused,
ne sued an accuser for Islander and
won his case, being pronounced by the
Judge innocent OF the matter. This
was brought to the emperor notice
and severe action was taken by the
emperor against Won kotze for resort
ing to the courts in d matter affecting
his honor. This, too, III spite or The
fact that the law OF the land Iorbids
dueling. The unfortunate Won kotze
accordingly felt called upon 10 chal-
lenge all his accusers, one AFTER the
other, till he should nave INDICATED
his character. This he did, beginning
with Baron Won ScnTaeueT, VINO mad
persisted with great bitterness in his
accusation after the accession OF the
court in Won Kotze's favor. AS
Schraeder was killed and the dueling
was due to the emperor S prescribing
tC Won kotze line OIL conduct forbid
den by the law the emperor is held to
be guilty of the murder. The incident
attracts great atJenuon also 10 the eX-
istence OF dueling as pracrice Favored
by the authorities, though against the
law, and creates a sentiment which
may tend, it is hoped 10 the suppress
sion of the fashion Oh duelng, So
prevalent in Germany.
The clerical party in the reichstag
has decided to put itself at the head OF
a movement against uueling. Chan
cellor Won Hohenlohe VIII be asked it
is stated, what measures the govern
ment proposes to take 10 prevent like
unlawful encounters IN the future. The
question will be raised also in the
RUSSIAN landtag. The German press
has taken the matter up ana is awaken
ing the moral sentiment OF the people
against the abOminable pracuce. The
Cologne Gazette deplores the injury To
the prestige OF the courC that results
from it's sympathy with duenng and
asks the emperor 10 pronounce against
it. To such an extent has the agita-
ton proceeded that number OF duels
which were in contemplation have been
declared off.
Nevertheless Won Aotze is under
c0nstraint to continue sending Chal-
lenges until he kills ali his accusers or
is himself killed. For the present ne
is said to have left Berlin for southern
Europe, but he mas no prospect or
restoration to social OF Official lie UNI
til he conforms to the last requirement
of the so-called code OF honor. Not
outstanding the culture OF the Ger
man people in many lines, they retain
this one trait of barOarism in an eXag-
gerated form 1t is supposed TO be an
inseparaUle adjunct 10 militariSm, at
least among army oIiICoIS. An officer
must be both brave and possessed of a
high sense of honor, and dueling, it is
held, is the appropriate means OF
manifesting the requisite qualities.
BUT it is objected to this that the prac-
tiCa Of dueling is not really necessary
10 the possession OF the best soldi3cly
qualities.-The Baltimore Sun.