Rensselaer Union, Volume 5, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 October 1872 — The Code Duello. [ARTICLE]

The Code Duello.

Sometime during the j>ast summer, Gen. Reuben Williams, editor of the Northern Indianian, at Warsaw, and Mr. E. Zimmerman, editor of the Democratic Messenger, at Valparaiso, commenced sparring at one another through the columns of their respective papers about some trivial matter, as editors not mrfrequently do. Tt was regretfully observed by their brethren of the press that from time to time their squibs were tinged with a bitterness not fully warranted by the occasion, and personal allusions were indulged in not Largiohizihg with the rules of professional coqrtesy. Last week the controversy terminated with, a challenge to fight a duel sent by Mr. Zimmerman to Gen. Williams, which the latter properly declined on the,aground that he was opposed to dueling as well as violating the laws of the land which prohibit it. Mr. Zimmerman’s letter shows that be was suffering intense "mental excitement and in a moment of impulsive passion he has given way

to.feelings and written words that he will probably regret as long as he lives. lie certainly ought to regret them, for they are Mich that no man standing in his position terwards tie public and blessed with his abilities should,countenance in others much less indulge in himself. The sending of a challenge is no evidence; Of bravcry, but may indicate a cruet; —vmdietive spirit coupled with reckless indifference the result of disappointments and a soured disposition. The refusal of a challenge is__Jio prooi of cowardice, hut rather marks a kindly nature shrinking at the shedding of human blood for the gratification of spite or: revenge, and he who has the moral courage to refuse to fight when, as in this case, the challenge contains a grpss insult to the memory of a ddad mother, is truly great, and-possessed of a sublime courage that will not diesert him when the hour for its exhibition arrives. In this age pf.civilization anil in this enlightened land lie who recognizes the duel as a proper method of settling tin? annoyingdifferences which sometimes arise between men, most emphatically confesses that the spirit of a darker and more savage age still lingers in his breast and that he is not a fit teacher of publiO ethics. On the other baud, while Mr. Zimmerman has committed a grievious error and one which will probably make him a changed man the balance of his life—an error jjhat will require long years of repentance to correct, —Gen. Williams, although entitled to all praise for that spirit of Christianity, manliness -andaespect of law witch--induced him to peremptorily decline the challenge—an act that all good men and women will admire—is not without cause of censure. It is written, “woe to the man by whom offence "cometh.” Gen. Williams is a sharp, caustic writer, and never seems so happy as when indulging in personal controversy. It is probably true that he means no harm in much that he writes, but often it hurts the victim. Editors see so much of the weaknesses of poor, frail humanity that they must constantly guard against becoming cynical critics; and those of Gen. Williams' tendencies should Use extra caution lest they wound deeper than they intend. The tongue is an unruly member needing curb and bridle and the pen is a tongue armed with steel gaffs. We trust this episode will make Brother Wil Hams more cautious with his pen -jmlDfßorc considerate of the sensibilities of his fellow-men.