The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1895-08-02
WALLER CASE.
Mr.. Eustice Presents a Second De-
mand on Franco.


WASHINGTON, July 90 The officials
Of the state department are at present
anxiously awaiting information from
Ambassador Eustis as 10 the manner in
which the second demand for the rec
ord OF the Waller courtmartial, which
was held in Tamatave, has been re-
received in France. IL is now learned
definitely that the French government
refused TO furnish the record upon
the first presentation of the request,
and that this refusal was met on
the part Of the state department
by more positive and pressing
demand for all the papers The de-
partment is informed by Mr.. Eustis
that this demand has been presented
TO the French authorities. There has
been quite sufficient time for a reply,
but none has been received. The de-
lay would seem TO indicate that the
French authorities appreciate the situ-
alton TO an extent, at least, and, while
apparently not prepared to change
front without consideration, are yet
disposed TO delay another refusal as
long as II can be done under diplomatic
usage
The course Of the French in their re-
fusal to supply tho record is considered
most unusual, and, as no explanation
Of the decision was vouchsafed, the
department is at loss TO know upon
what grounds IL was based. 1t is GUS
tomary when a government asks for
evidence upon which one of its cit.
liens has been convicted and sentenced
TO furnish copy of the record, es-
pecially when the trial has been
by a.military court, and in a coun-
try foreign TO the two govern
ments There is no other m cans
by which the government of the
accused may determine whether JUS
tice has been done or denied its cit
izen, 1t is presumed that II the re
fusal is persisted In (and an expla
nation is made in response to the re
newed demand), it will be based upon
the conclusiveness Of the trial by the
French courtmartial, but Mr.. Ken
nedy, Walters senior counsel, assert
that the precedents against this posi-
ton are beyond question. The suppo
sition is gaining ground that France
refusal TO furnish the record Is due L
desire not TO give publicity to revela
tions made in the letters from Waller
which were intercepted by the French
authorities, concerning the misconduc
of some Of the French soldiers.
In letters which have been received
here from Waller within the past fey
days he reveals the fact that In his let
ters to his wife, he informed her @
various outrages committed upon thes
native women Of Tamatave, and give
such circumstancial account Of tn
, proceedings as TO reflect on the Frenc
soldiery in Madagascar In wa
which the French authorities migl
not desire TO see published to Il
r world. There is good reason for b
E lieving that in case Of q second refus'
I by France TO supply the record thin
= demand will be made, which will
e peremptory. 1t Is not believed, hoy
! ever, that this step would be taken
/ the absence of Secretary olney, Us 1t
p probable that II made it might lead
S serious international complications
r The state department authoriti'
+ consider the case as one of importanc
{ because it is liable 10 develop som
J. very delicate and intricate question
before 1t shall be finally disposed o
1t is known that Secretary Gresha
took this view, and 1t is believed tina
while he has not had occasion to (
into details TO the extent that h
= predecessor did, Mr. olney also fee
y that 1t Is matter of gravity.