Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13
NEXT COMPETITION
FOR THE CASSINI CUP

The silver cup offered three years ago
by Count Cassini, when he was president
of the Washington Fencers Club, has been
won by that organization twice. The next
competition for this prize will take place
February q Experienced fencers in Bos-
| ton, Philadelphia, New York and Chicago
will be invited. recent number OF the
Army and Navy Journal printed the fol-
lowing about the local club:
After many vicissitudes the Washington
Fencers' Club has, within the past two
years. formed a permanent and suitable
home in the large nall on the upper floor
Of the building at 1517 II street northwest.
The club is not social organization. but
is entirely devoted to the art of fencing.
The members comprise all classes of fenc-
ers, from the beginner to the expert ANA
teur capable of competing with the profess
tional maitre arms.
Regular instruction in any all classes
of fencing weapons is given to the MEM
bers of the club by its sword master, Prof.
Darieuiat, and special periods and classes
are exclusively devoted to the lady men,
bers.
AT this club is found greater variety of
fencers and fencing than in any similar
organization in the country. The foreign
diplomat and attache here find oppor-
Iunlly TO MAINTAIN anu advance their Skin
with the sword, which, in their own coun-
try, is considered an essential part of
complete education. The American amateur
who desires to continue favorite sport
and the business man who wants pleasur-
able and attractive exercise that can be
had at a convenient time and in a short
period can here be accommoda ted.
The regular instruction by Prof. Darieu-
lat is much enhanced and supplemented by
the bouts between the members of varying
skill and different methods.
Fencing is sometimes spoken of as an
obsolete art but when We find Prof. Darieu-
lat showing how parasol or umbrella may
become deadly weapon, If correctly used.
and how two or three ruffians may be put
out of action with a cane in somewhat
skillful hands, we find the art covers more
than most people recognize.
The officers of the army and navy are be-
ginning to realize that at this club they can
renew the skill they may have had when
at their respective academies, or acquire Ii
If neglected when younger men. Especially
is this true of the saber, which is part OF
officers equipment and upon which he
may have to depend for his life as much
today as did the cavaliers Of earlier times
depend upon their rapiers.
On Saturday last there occurred at the
Washington Fencers' Club spirited and
interesting competition with dueling
swords for two pewter cups presented by
the club.
The contestants were Messrs. Scott D.
Breckenridge, Civil Engineer A. c. Cum
ningham, United States navy; F. C 7.
Cabrera, A. H. Semmes, and w. A. Roy-
aard, secretary of the Netherlands lega-
ton. In the final score the contestants
stood In the order named
The bouts were for one touch each any
where on the person of the contestants
Some of the bouts lasted several minutes,
and some were over in few seconds.
Dueling sword work is very different
from foil fencing and a man of little skill
hut with some experience will frequently
defeat the best foil fencers who are not
familiar with the dueling sword.