The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-05-31
BOLD DEEESsE OF DUELrzxa.
German Paper Demands the Reha-
bfIitatiou of the Code

Berlin Dispatch to London TimeS.)
A new and significant contribution to the
dueling question has just been published
in the shape of an article in the official
Militar- w ochenblatt. There is not the
slightest reason to doubt that it reflects
faithfully the views held in the highest
military circles. No one in Germany mas
ever been under any delusion as to the
nature of these views, but one would
scarcely have thought that the present
moment was the most favorable one for
publishing an unblushing justification of
the practice of dueling' in an organ closely
connected with official circles.
Ihe writer divides his article into two
secuons, dealing respectively with the
idea OF honor and the employment of the
duel for its rehabilitation and with the
CONNECT between the practice and Chris
tan principles
AS TO the first point, he argues that
distinction must be drawn between Eek
ternaP' and Internal honor. The latter
which is good conscience, cannot be
taken away, but the former, which is the
recognition of ones personal worth by
others, must be defended at all COSTS 1t
is by stalking ones life for this honor.
when lmpugned, that it's rehabilitation is
possible The innocent man who falls in
duel mas gone to his DEATH as in war,
Tor the sake of his honor while the guilty
person has restored his honor externally
and must settle the rest with his Maker
Inc author then proceeds to state with
pfalSeWorthy candOr that the officers
corps possesses a peculiar sort of honor,
winch is closely connected with its mar
tlal profession. In war the officers duty
is TO lead his men into the jaws of DEATH
ana the fear of death which seizes even
the bravest can only be overcome by hold
ing fast in time of peace to the principle
death before dishonor' Herein lies the
educatlonal value of the duel for the
olncers They may never fight one, but
Iney Know that they must be ready to do
SO IN certain circumstances. I'VE are ac-
customed," he adds, ito retain well-tried
methods and do not intend to sacrifice
them to well-meant but false theories"
Inc writer then quotes and expounds a
large number of passages from the bible
Wnlch nave hitherto been employed by
the opponents of dueling as favorable 10
their views, and by dint of twisting and
turning he proves to his own satisfaction
mat the practice is not forbidden bv
Christianity. After acknowledging that
the system does clash with the law of the
land, he concludes:
How we, as officers, have to act is
prescribed Tor US by orders, Instructions,
ana the unwavering customs and ira
dlt1ons OF our class. Those are our laws,
those are our authoritiefis If thereby we
come into conflict with the imperial law
we are ready to- take the consequences
Let him who, after sincere self
examination, free from feelings of hatred
ana anger, determines to fight do so in
the conviction that he thereby trans
crosses neither the commandments of
COO, nor the ordinances of the courts
OF nOnOr, nor dominant customs AS on
the held of battle, he may enter upon
the conflict thrust upon him by circtIrn
stances with the firm belief that
Wnetner we live, we live unto the Lord
Lord. - S