A TWO DAY’S DUEL.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 13, Issue 48, 24 June 1902, Page 2

A TWO DAY’S DUEL.

In the presence of some thousands of the spectators and partisans of the two combatants, and with many curious incidents, a duel took place recently at the Autenil cycling track between M. Max Regis, the notorious Anti-Semitic Mayor of Algiers, and M. Laberdesque, one of his political opponents, also of Algiers, which arose out of an unimportant reference made by M Laberdesque concerning M. Regis, which the latter considered was insulting. The meeting was held at the Auteuil cycling track, at 9.30 a.m., and' swords were used. Both men were expert swordsmen, and M. Regis, though taller and stronger, was evenly matched by his nimble and wiry opponent. After fighting no less than two hours and a half without result, crossing swords in no fewer than 18 engagements, a halt was called by the seconds, and it was agreed after a discussion with the principals that the duel should be resumed on ►Saturday. The heat was intense throughout the meeting, and both the fighters had frequent recourse to cool drinks, when each solemnly drank to the health of the other. The seconds also followed the example set them by the principals. ****** The duel was resumed on Saturday morning amid scenes of renewed interest and excitement. Scarcely had they resumed than M.Regis received a scratch on the right forearm. The doctors in attendance at once stopped the fight. Almost immediately afterwards a fresh altercation ensued, M. Regis calling M.Laberdesque “ assassin ” It was expected that the result of the fresh provocation would be another duel, but M.Lerdesque, yielding to the advice of his friends, refrained from issuing a challenge. It was fortunate that the police were there, for as the reporter of the “Temps” says, “If the duel had lasted 30 minutes longer half the spectators would have challenged the other half, and the duel would have degenerated into a pitched battle.