BALLRCOM SCENE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1930, Page 3

BALLRCOM SCENE

BUDAPEST, November 21

While the question as to’ whether Hungarian officers, should be permitted to use their swbrds when insulted by civilians continues to provoke stormy debates in Parliament, a case of the type which the Opposition aesires, jto render illegal has just occurred in Szekesfeharvar.

The newspaper “Az Ast” reports mat !>;•.. Ozoppenszky, a Hungarian awytv, when about to enter an hotel ball-room, remarked to various guests grouped about the door: “Follow me, people and military!” 1

“People and military” is/ Hun Lilian phrase meaning “everybody,” and has no derogatory significance. I Geza Rerenyi, a captain of gendarmes, apparently resented the remark nd asked Dr. Czbppenszky what coneetion lie had with'The Army.

“ABOUT TURN.”

The lawyer replied that he possessed .tone, but bad once served for 12 months as a volunteer. Perceiving, it is stated, that Dr. Ozoppenszky was not entirely sober, Captain Pereriyi rave the order, “About turn; quick march !” which was disregarded. The officer then tried unsuccessfully to push the lawyer along the corridor,-drew his sword, and inflicted a deep g’aslr about four inches long on the civilian’s head; According to another version Captain l’erenyi inflicted the sword-cut to avoid a slap in the face which his opponent appeared to be about to deliver.

The military authorities are oon--1 noting an inquiry into the matter, mt if Captain Perenyi can prove that lie was insulted his action must be sidered justifieu under the present Hungarian -law. •