The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1901-09-12
ROYAL
BLOOD
LETTING
A Russian Prince Forces a
TranSYaaI Officer Into a
Duel.
The Latter Reluctantly Con-
sents, but Displays Rare
B0er Workmanship.

81 PErEEsBURs Aug. 2s.-(Correspon
dsnoe Of The Associated Press.l The
facts about the death OF Prince Alex
ander sAyn-Wiitgenstein- Bereleberg
generally refsrred to as Prince Alexan'
der Wittgsnstein, which were veiled il
much mystery at FIRST, are now common
property in initiated circles. Therewas &
hint OF q duel at the time, bat the
wrong names we're given. Prince
Alexander who was born in Tihis in
1859 was travelling on the Finland
Railway about two weeks ago with two
French women.
The story goes that they we're some-
what gay, and appeared TO have more
wine than was good for them. Their
noisy conduct finally became embarras-
ing to Prince Alexander and he moved
to the other and Of the car. Lieutenant
Maximof, q distinguished young officer
who was wounded four times in the
Transyaal, the last occasion bsing at
Cranienberg, entered the carriage, took a
seat opposite the French women and
began reading a newspaper. He had a
somewhat peculiar countenance, in fact
he resembles 4 Jew.
The yonng women Immediately began
exchanging irritating remarks about
bis appearance. He bore il patiently
for time, then put down bis papers
and said in French:
"Mesdamss, II you knew that l under.
stand French you would, am sure,
not make such remarks about me"
The women Immediately ceased talk
ing and showed some confusion. Prince
Alexander rose, approached Lieutenant
Maximof and said:
"Those ladies are under. my protec-
tion."
Lieutenant MaKimof saluted aud said
nothing or attempted to laugh the mat.
ter OF.
"You appear to have failed to grasp
my meaning" said Prince Alexander.
al said those ladies were under my pro-
lection"
81 heard you and understood"
quietly returned Msximoi.
81 expect you to apologize for what
you said"
III said nothing that requires All apol-
ogy or explanation. think the ladies
appreciated my telling them that un-
derstoOd their thoughtless remarks."
The Prince insisted on an apology and
cards we're exchanged, When seconds
came to Maximoi he cent 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. Witteenstein
threatened to insult Maximoi publicly
il he did not fight.
The duel was accordingly fought on
the Wittgenstein estates near this city.
Wittgenstein fred first and the ball
passed through MaIimof's hair. Max.
inof fired low intending to wound
Wittgenstein in the leg. He aimed too
high and the ball pierced the abdomen.
.Wittgenstein walked to the house hold.
ing his hand over the wound but died
several days later.
Lieutenant Maximoi will probably be
discharged from the army. Indeed, il is
rumored that he already has been dis.
charged. The Wittgensteins are i'm
mensely rich and are of royal blood.
Prince Alexander was the second cousin
OF the present head Of the house Of his
serene hiReness Prince Wittgenstein.
The deceased Was a Lieutenant in the
escort of His Majesty and Lieutenant
Maximof Was an officer in one of the
guards regiments. The funeral was at.
tended by the leading members OF soci-
ETY..