1912 Duel: Paul Granier de Cassagnac vs Charles Maurras

1912 February 26. Silent. French. This is one of two vids of this particular duel on my channel. The duel occurred at Neuilly between Paul Granier de Cassagnac (editor of L’Autorite’) and Charles Maurras (of L’Action Francais) as a result of an article in which M. Maurras said some unkind things about M. Paul de Cassagnac and his brother, Guy. According to the NY Times, “The two principals are first-rate fencers. As soon as the traditional, ’Allez Messieurs!’ was utter, Maurras attacked his opponent with remarkable energy, de Cassagnac, who had the advantage of height, replying with equal vigor. The fight was extremely exciting for the onlookers while it lasted. It seemed at one moment as if Maurras had received a thrust in the neck, but fortunately only his beard was touched and this did not prevent him from continuing his offensive tactics, which he did with unabated ardor. “But then it was his adversary’s turn to attack. Maurras, however, not to be daunted, dealt a vigorous thrust with his arm extended, but a moment later his sword fell from his grasp. “De Cassagnac had disarmed him this time with a terrible forward movement which could not be checked, and if Maurras’ arm had not protected him he would have been wounded very badly in the chest. His arm was seriously injured. “This brought the combat to a close. “Maurras next meets Guy de Cassagnac.“