The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-04-12

Efforts Made to stop the Barbarous frac-
tice Meet Opposition.

BERLIN, April 1.-THE annual Con-
gress Of the German Adelstag (the no
bnity) was convened to-day. Among the
questions discussed Of special interest to
the aristocracy OF Germany was that OF
the duolo, apropos to the incidents which
are now agltating society and the gem
eral public alike. This question was
discussed cxhaustivcly and 1t was nnaily
resolved. as a result OF the debate, that
it is not "a brand OF dishonor Tor a noble
man to refuse to fight a duel II the
grounds OF bis refusal are honorable. IL
was also agreed to appoint a court OF
honor with a view 10 The
regulation OF such differences as
have hitherto been referred TO
duel court. which has had as It's fixed
principle the settlement OF disputes by
pistol or rapior. This announcement,
together with the growing force OF currenl
opinion In regard TO the code duello, may
have the effect TO modify the existing
rules. but il is doubtful whether II VIII
be effective i'm eradicating It as it IS
generally felt here that the custom IS
too firmly fixed. The Empcrors prohib-
itory order against duclung has utterly
failed 20 lessen the practice. indeed, duet
ling has been more frequent since the
issuance OF the Kaisers decree than
ever before. The duel which was fought
between Lieberccht Won kotze ami Baron
Won Schrader near Potsdam yesterday,
furnishes an instance Of the dnncuity OF
getting a quarrel settled by means of a
court Of honor. The friends Of both OF
these principals were unccaslng IN their
efforts 10 prevent a fight but courts OF
honor. composed Of officers Of two regl-
ments, instead Of making an ATTEMPT to
reach settlement Of the affair, decided
that Won Kotze ought 20 accept a chal-
lenge from Won Schraeder.
FORCED TO FIGHT.
Won Kotze opposed this method OF set
Ting his charges against Won Schraeder
whereupon these courts decided that i'm
the event Of his refusal TO accept the
challenge he must at once cease 10 be
an officer. The Emperor at this juno
ture interviewed. urging Baron Won
Schraeder 10 refuse 10 accept the de-
cision OF the courts Of honor, while near
relatives OF both disputants entreatea
them not TO engage in duel for fear Of
the social odium that would attach 10
the encounter. The knowledge that the
leading section Of society would cut
them however, finally compelled them
to fight.
Baron Won Schraeder is still lingering
unconscious i'm the hospital at Potsdam
and is lingering at the point Of death
His wife is ceas'lessly watching at his
bedside and a host OF members Of the
court circle are calling 70 inquire as 10
his condition.
The Emperor has also telographed 10
him a message Of sympathy. In the
meangme. Won Kotze Is holding pro-
tracted receptions to those who come TO
congratulate him.
Won kotze confidently expects 10 be i'm
prisoned in a fortress for his part i'm
tho afairt Ills secbnd IN the duel
Captain Won Kotze and Won Schraeders
second. General Won Bissing. will also
be sent 10 fortress without doubt.
Ihe public are now asking the ques-
uons whether the Emperor will take
other measures 70 show his dfspieasure
ana his disc0untenance Of future duelling
PRESS COMMENT.
The Nossische Zeitung, in an article on
the subject. says:
when high court officials set such an
example of laW-breaking II Is mockerv
10 ask the people 10 unite in a struggle
10 defend religion and morality. Non
kotZe has more affairs of the same kind
on hand. Must there he more yictimq
ana hotning done 10 prevent these sacri-
hces? Cannot supporters OF duelling be-.
lieyo that the issue Of such an encoun-
ter proves that one comlatant is rivbt
ana the other wrong? ft is 4 barbarous
reference to The ordeal and discracoful tn
modern ideas. making the aflstocracv
contemplate I'm the eyes of the social de-
mocracy."
1t is learned from an inner source that
the Emporor's desire that the Prince of
Furstenhurg shall accept the office Of
'hief Marshal Of the Imperial Court Is
associated with his intention 10 appoint
him successor 10 Prince Hohenlohe. the
Imperial Chancellor. This Is taken as a
sign that the latter's influence is wan
Ing.
The Hamburg correspondent alleges
ihat a difference exists between Chan.
'cllor Won Hohenlohe and Dr. Miquel. the
Prussian Minister Of Finance. over tho
conversion Of the Prussian fours. Trutb
IS that the Prussian Cabinet agreed to
The conversion as he proposed. Or Aliquel
IS aware that the attacks which are he
ne made upon him emanate from under
inss I'm the Foreign Office, and treats
hem rs harmless.