Show STUDENT LIFE disqualify one to continue (lie must depend upon his skill with the sword to protect himself If you inquire of a trained swordsman why they do not draw back the arm and deliver a crushing’ blow by a whole arm movement he will readily explain that such a motion would expose the arm and head to such a degree that the antagonist would be almost sure to get in a disabling blow before the opponent could get his sword in position to ward it off They are not required to engage in a combat unless tliev are physically in good health Consequently and with the prompt attention of the surgeons to disinfect and dress the wounds it is usually but a matter of a few days or weeks until the wounds are healed In army circles the saber duels are still in vogue and for very severe insults students also at times challenge to a saber duel These are actually dangerous for the combatants are more exposed The head arm and upper part of the body are exposed with the exception of the shoulder the joints and either the heart or the neck Because of the greater danger the police make some effort to prevent such encounters among the students Great secrecy is exercised in arranging for and carrying out these duels and only a narrow circle of the most select friends of the participants are invited to be present If the outcome should in a rare case prove fatal to either combatant the matter is kept el-ho- w 211 hushed up and foreign excuses manufactured to account for his disappearance Duelling is in vogue in practically all the German Universities and technical high schools but it is more prevalent in some than in others Goettingen Bonn and Heidelberg are probably among the worst in this respect The views presented herewith are taken at Goettingen Here one may find duels in progress Saturdays and possibly also Wednesdays of almost even-weeduring fair weather Most German students take training in fencing and will fight when an occasion presents itself There are a number of “Corps” organized in each University among the students somewhat similar to the Greek letter fraternities in the American colleges and one of the principal lines of activity in these organizations is to practice fencing and to arrange for duels in which members participate A few religious or reform organizations however exist the members of which are pledged not to engage in duelling The university supports a department of instruction in fencing ( Fcchtuntcrricht ) in which students may take lessons As football and by some even pugilism is upheld by Americans because they develop “manhood’ so the Germans claim the same quality for their duels saying in addition that it develops ’“nerve” to a degree not approached by any of our games Probably the most conspicuous k |