Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 June 1890 — The Good Old Days of Dueling. [ARTICLE]

The Good Old Days of Dueling.

The study of dueling in France is very curious. Henry IV, encouraged dueling, much as Louis XIV. tried to discourage it During Henry’s reign more than 4,0U0 gentlemen fell in duels, for in those days seconds were apt to light at the same time as the principals. Then the duel continued until one adversary at least was dead, and the murderer always retained his place and prestige in tbe social world. Louis XIV. was in the habit of launching edicts against duelists, but his •diets never made the slightest impression, Le Grande Monarque was rather inconsistent, for. while issuing edicts, be wished it distinctly understood that all arnur officer* must settle their quarrels

recording to the rules of honor or lose their rank. Louis Philippe tried to enforce e law against dueling, and his law is the one 6npposed to be in u-e at.the present day; for there is a theoretical law in France, alawthat is seldom put in practice. A man kilts his adversary in a duel, but is punished only if he has violated the recognized rules. — Philadelphia Inquirer.