Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-09-12
Assumed Protection Over Two Gay
French Women.
OFFENDED AT LIEUTENANT.
Remarked 20 Ladies. Who Made OF
fensive Remarks, That He Under
stood Their Language.

81. Petersburg, Aug 2S,-(Corre-
spondence OF the Associated Press)-
The facts about the death OF Prince
Alexander Sayn- Wittgenstein-B erle-
berg, generally referred to as Prince
Alexander Wittgenstein, which were
yelled In much mystery at first. are now
common property in initiated circles
There was a hint OF duel at the time
but the wrong names were given.
Prince Alexander. who was born In
Tiais in 1863, was travelling on the Fin
land railway about two weeks ago with
two French women. The story goes
that they were somewhat gay and APP
peared to have more wine than was
good for them, Their noisy conduct
finally embarrassed Prince Alexan-
der and he moved TO the other side OF
the car Lieut.. MaXimoff, a distin-
guished young officer who was wound
ed four times In the Transvaal, the
last occasion being at Cranienberg, en-
tered the carriage, look seat oppo-
site the French women and began read
ing a newspaper, He had somewhat
peculiar countenance, In fact he re-
sembles a Jew. The young women I'M
mediately began exchanging Irritating
remarks about his appearance. lie
bore II patiently for a time, then put
down his paper and said in French:
"Mesdames, II you knew that / un-
derstood French you would, am sure,
not make such remarks about me-"
The women Immediately ceased talk
Ing and showed some confusion. Prince
Alexander arose. approached Lieut..
Maximom and said;
Those ladies are under my protec-
ton"
Lieut. Maximoff saluted and said
nothing or attempted to laugh the mat
ter or
you appear to have failed TO grasp
my meaning" said Prince Alexander.
II said those ladies were under my
protection"
Il heard you and understood" quietly
returned Maximoff.
~ expect you to apologize for what
you said.
II said nothing that requires any
apology or explanation. think the la
dies appreciated my telling them that
| understood their thoughtless re-
marks"
The prince insisted on an apology and
cards were exchanged. When seconds
came 10 Maximoff he sent them back
with the remark that he had Intended
no insult or slight TO Wittgenstein or
HIS companions, and did not wish TO
fight about such people. Wittgenstein
threatened 20 insult Maximoff publicly
II he did not fight. The duel was ac-
cordingly fought on the Wiitgenstein
estates near this city. Wittgenstein
fired first and the ball passed through
Mayimoff's hair. MaxmOff fired low.
intending 20 wound Wiitgensteln In the
leg. He aimed too high and the ball
pierced the abdomen. Wittgenstein
walked 20 the house holding his hand
over the wound. but died several days
later
Lieut.. Maximoff win probably be dis
charged from the army, indeed, II r.
rumored that he already had been dis
grsced.
The Wittgensteins are immensely
rich and are Of royal blood. Prince Al
exander was the second cousin Of the
present head Of the house Of his serene
highness. Prince Witigensiein.
The deceased was a lieutenant in the
escort Of his majesty. and Lieut.. Max
imon was an officer In one Of the
guards regiments. The funeral was at
tended by the leading members Of So
ciety,