Rhode Island Republican

HARRISBURGH, (Penn.) June 9.
Another Murder

On the 20th March, Doct. James Wier, son of Mr. Samuel Wier, of Harrisburgh, was unfortunately killed in a duel at the Natchez, by one Francis Sergeant. While our feelings are naturally alive in sympathizing with an afflicted parent, in his bereavement of a favorite, of an amiable child, we cannot but join with the unfashionable in declaring our abhorrence to this detestible, though prevalent notion of honor. We lament that so promising a young man as Doct. Wier, was deprived of the presence of some real friend to snatch him from so barbarous an employment; an employment so uncongenial both to his words and actions: for all who were acquainted with the deceased, will not hesitate to assert, that in amiable and engaging manners, in exemplary conduct, both social and moral, he was surpassed by few. How unfortunate, then, that such a character should have been persuaded to become the victim of so barbarous a custom! But what is this custom? Why, a very club of desperadoes, without religion, without conscience, a pack of renegado christians, who are a scandal to their profession, and a shame to their nature, vote murder a genteel action: And so become the standard of honor and bravery! Such men's judgments are as false as their principles, and their opinions as depraved as their manners: As well might they declare, because rascals extol perjury, highwaymen robbery, and debauchees lewdness, that these are creditable and innocent vocations. Besides, can any thing be more extravagantly foolish, than the punctilios of a duellist? One has given me the lie; to wipe off the affront, I must provoke him to tilt at my lungs, or pistol me to the heart!--Ah, but right stands for you! But what if fortune stands for your antagonist? Right is a dull weapon, unless skill and good luck manage it.