The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-01-06
rHE DEGhADArIoN or DREYFus.
HIS Epauletts Torn on, His sword
broken. Before the Army.

Paris Jan. Capt. w. Fred Dreyfus
or the Fourteenth regiment of artillery.
who was tried by courtmartial convicted
or treason In disclosing important war Of
nee documents to foreigners, and SEN
fenced to deportation and imprisonment
for life in a fortress, was publicly de-
graded this morning In front Of the mill
tary school In this city. Dreyfus turned
deathly pale as he signed the prison regis
ter. When this formality was gone
through two gendarmes with revolvers es-
corted him to a closed military wagon. In
which, surrounded by guards with drawn
swords, Dreyfus was driven to the mill
fary school. The road was lined by thou
sands. On arrival at the schsol Dreyfus
was placed in On iniprovised cell and de-
tachments from every branch OF the gar
rison of Paris began assembling in the
Place de Fontenoy. and by a. m fully
1900 troops were ranged about the quad
rangia.
At o'clock Dreyfus was conducted to
the square, led before Gen. Darres, In COM
mand OF the troops. and the sentence Of
courtmaYtial was read to the prisoner.
The general said: you are adjuiged IN
worthy to bear arms. In the name Of the
French people I degrade YOU" Gen.
Darres gave a sharp word OF command
and non-coulmissioned officer OF the Re-
publican Guard approached Dreyfus. The
infantry presented swords. and there was
a long solemn roll from the drum corps.
Dreyfus started back as the non-commis-
stoned officer touched him, and shouted:
I'm innocent: I swear II. vive Ia
France" The on-comanissioned officer
then tare ofs Dreyfus' epaGlettes and all
OF the distinctive marks of his rank as a
captain OF artillery. ending with breaking
the prisoners sword in two and throwing
the two halves at his feet Dreyfus was
then marched bareheaded around the en-
tire square in front Of the corps. He was
greatly excited and shouted repeatedly:
II am innocent; / swear it," but every
time the prisoner spoke. In accordance
with orders previously issued his voice
was drowned by the roll of drums
AS Dreyfus passed in front OF the place
occupied by representatives of the press
he shouted: Tell the whole OF France I
am Innocent" This caused some officers
OF the army reserve standing near 10 re-
tort: Down with Judas, Silence.
traitor!' 1t was evident that Dreyfus felt
these words keenly. for he turned sharply
around and faced the officers in a threat
ening manner, but before he could do or
say anything further he Was seized by the
soldiers and forced TO contieue his hu4niii-
ati1s march around the square. The
crowd outside the square. ON hearing the
prisoners voice protesting his innocence,
raised fierce cries: Down with the
traitor'' whea the proceedings were
ended Dreyfus WAS hanacufred, taken to
prison van and driven TO an ordinary
prison. escorted by a squad OF gendarsnes.
amid cries 81 Death TO the traitor"
The arrest OF Albert Dreyfas in Oc-
toeer last caused a sensation f7.rooxfout
France and found an echo in Berlin
which al che time threatened TO have
serious consequences. TIE assertion that
Dreyfss sold fhe plans az various strong
Is fortified places 10 the German govern
Enent has been vigorously denied By the
representatives OF that nation. Similarly
* has been claimed ara denied THAT the
Plans referred 10 were sold Ia an agent
or the Italian government. Il Is expert-
81 that Dreyfes wali be confined IN the
Isle da salait OF the coast 81 French
Guiana. South America, which will be ccu-
yeFtei into psnai settlement.