The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-04-12
DOWN ON THE CODE DUELLO.
THE GERMAN PUBLIC AROUSED BY
THE RECENT ENCOUNTERS.

Baron Won schrader Dies From the
Wound Inflicted by Herr Won
KOtz-BOth Opposed to Going Into
the Duel, But the Decision of the
Courts of Honor Compelled Them
to DO So.
Berlin. April 1.-THE annual congress OF
the German Adelstag (the nobility was
convened to-day. Among the questions
discussed Of special interest TO the aris-
tocracy of Germany was that of the du-
ello apropos OF the incidents which are
now exciting society and the general pub
lie alike. This question was discussed ex-
haustively, and it was finally resolved, as
the result of the debate, that It is not
a brand of dishonor for a nObleman TO
refuse to fight a duel If the grounds
of his refusal are honorable. II was also
agreed TO appoint a court of honor with
a view to the regulation of such differ
ences as have hitherto been referred to
the duel court which had as its fixed prn-
ciple the settlement Of disputes by pistol
or rapier. This pronouncement, together
with the growing force of current opn-
ion in regard to the code duello, may
have the effect to modify the existing
custom, but 1t is very doubtful whether
1t will be efficacious In eradicating IT, as
is generally felt that the custom is too
firmly fixed.
The emperors prohlbitory order against
duelling has utterly failed to lessen the
practice; indeed, dueling has been more
frequent since the issuance OF the kaiser's
decree than ever before The duel which
was fought between Liebrecht Won Kotz
and Baron Won Schrader, near Potsdam,
yesterday. furnishes an instance of the
difficulty of getting a quarrel settled by
means Of a court Of honor. The friends
Of both these principals were unceasing
in their efforts TO prevent a fight, but
courts Of honor composed Of officers of
two regiments instead of making an at
tempt 10 reach AZ pacific settlement OF the
affair decided that Herr Won Kotz ought
10 accept challenge from Baron Won
| Schrader Herr Won Kotz opposed this
method Of settling his charges against
Baron Won Schrader, whereupon these
courts decided that in the event OF his
refusal TO accept the challenge he must at
once cease to be an officer. The emperor
at this juncture interviewed, urging Baron
Won Schrader to refuse to accept the de-
cision Of the courts Of honor, while near
relatives of both disputants entreated them
| uCl 20 engage in duel for fear OF the
| social odium that would attach to the en-
| counter. The knowledge that the lead
| ing section OF society would cut them,
Baron von Schrader died in the hospital
| at Potsdam, early tonight. His wife
/ ceaselessly watched at his bedside. and a
| host of members of the court circle called
| to inquire as to his condition. The en-
| peror also telegraphed TO him message OF
| sympathy.
| In tho meantime Herr Won Kotz is hold
/ ing protracted receptions TO those who
| come to congratulate him, a number of
| whom. when calling upon him, had just
| come from the hospital where the had
/ left tlaff IL for Ra
| Schrader. Herr Won Kotz confidently eX-
poets TO be imprisoned in a fortress for
his part in the affair His second in the
duel Capt. Won Kotz, and Baron Won
| Schraders second, Gen. Won Bissing, will
also be sent to a fortress without doubt.
| The public are now asking the question
whether the emperor will take other meas
| ures to show his displeasure and his dis
| cOuntenance Of future dueling.
The Vossiche Zeitung, in an article on
the subject, says: when high court Off
| cials set such an example OF law-break-
| ing Ii Is mockery to ask the people TO unite
in struggle TO defend religion and NOR
| ality. Herr Won Kotz has more affairs
| of the same kind on hand. Must there
| be more victims, and nothing done TO pre-
| vent these sacrihces2 Can the supporters
| OF duelling believe that the Issue OF such
| an encounter proves that one combatant
| Is right and the other wrong? 1t is a bar
| barous reflection on good order, and dis
| graceful to modern ideas, making the aris-
| tocracy contemplate in the eyes OF the
| social democracy"
It is learned from an inner source that
| the emperor's desire that the Prince OF
| Furstenburg shall accept the office of chief
| marshal of the imperial court Is associa-
ted with his intention TO appoint him
| successor to Prince Hohenlohe, the i'm
| perial chancellor. This is taken a 5 a sign
| that the latter's influence is waning
| The Hamburg Correspondent alleges
that a difference exists between Chancel-
| lor Won Hohenlohe and DIR. Miguel, the
| Prussian minister of finance, over the con-
version of the Prussian As. The truth is
that the Prussian cabinet agreed to the
| conversion as he proposed. Dr. MIGUEL is
| aware that the attacks which are being
| made upon him emanate from underlings
in the foreign office and treats them al
| harmless.