Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-08-08
The Argus Daily Short Story
A Sham Duel-By G.. Morgan Woodruff.
Copyrighted. 1911. by Associated Literary Press

transmitting their opinion to the object
of their alteration. No suggestion was
needed to inspire Mr.. Morrill, with an
idea of making it so unpleasant for
Colonel Meredith in the community
that he would of his own accord pack
up his belongings and return to the
north. He began a covert but annoy
ing fire upon the object of his displeas-
ure, such as that officer had during
his term of army service often been
subjected to, though the missiles used
had been lead instead of type metal.
These articles were so worded that
though no direct reference was made
in them to Colonel Meredith every one
knew that they referred to him.
One branch Of the Meredith fam
fly had lived in the south, the colo
nel's sister having married John Turn
lee. a Louisianian. Her husband had
fought for the southern side and had
fallen in one Of the battles around
Richmond. After the war was con-
cluded the president of the United
States had appointed the Confederate
soldiers son, Edward Turnlee, to a
cadetship at the United States Naval
academy. While Colonel Meredith
was beginning to suffer the annoying
articles in the Banner young Turnlee
was completing an education to fit
him for an officer in the service of
the United States.
Colonel Meredith, who had fought
both in open fields and behind breast
works, was not to be dislodged by in
nuendoes. He paid no attention to the
petty shots in the Banner. Indeed,
he was so advised by a few OF the citi-
zens with whom he was on good terms.
They demonstrated with the editor, but
the people were not yet united on the
treatment that should be given
northern man, and Morrill, found those
to egg him on in his attacks upon the
colonel
Finally an article appeared casting
a reflection on Colonel Meredith's good
name. The object Of the attacks had
thus far listened to the suggestions Of
his friends as to what course to take
with regard 70 them. but now he de-
cided to take the matter into his own
hands. He wrote a polite note to the
editor requesting him to prove his al
legation or withdraw it
ne COlOuei WIS Dy IulS Llu1e InOTe
than seventy years old. His eyesight
was defective and his heart had not
been improved by his sojourn south.
Besides, he was suffering from the
effect Of wounds received In the late
war. He was not a proper person TO
be pitted against a young man in any
form Of encounter. Morrill, resolved TO
continue to harass his antagonist. II
the colonel insisted on satisfaction he
could decline to give IL on the ground
that his challenger was not q proper
adversary for one in the prime of life.
Since he could not prove his charge he
replied to the colonePs note that the
colonel was not warranted in pre-
Stunning the article referred TO him.
Several notes passed between the
two, in the last of which the
colonel said that If they were in
northern territory he would sue the
Banner for defamation Of character.
Such a course at the time in the south
would be Improbable He therefore
felt obliged TO settle The matter by
the prevailing custom in that region
the code duello. Would Mr.. Morrill,
kindly refer him TO a friend7