The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-08
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
- s~n~.rer-Kesmer Goes Into tina Case
Ter the Prisoner At some Length an"
Srovokes . Warm Discussion.

PARIS December IN. Scheurer- kest-
-. ,nterpcllation OF the ministers on
che subject OF the Dreyfus case was de-
hated in the Senate To-day. Az the con-
n,usion of the discussion the Senate unani-
r>ously voted TO proceed with the order
~ the day, thus sustaining the ministry
IN its attitude toward the convicted OF
Seer.
In anticipation OF an exciting session OF
che Senate the precincts OF the Leuem-
bourg Palaise we're crowded to-day anu
the police were called into requisition 10
keep the people moving Inere "eio
many ladies of prominence In the sa,,
leries OF the Senate and there was i'''
attendance OF Senators.
REVIEWED AT LENGTH
when the opening formalities had Deen
concluded. NJ. Scheurer-Kestner reviewed
the Dreyfus case at length. lie traVerseu
the statement Of NJ. Meline relative 10 MS
evidence that Captain Dreyfus was I'M
Justly condemned. saying although ne nao
not delivered the documents into the RE
mier's hands he hal shown them TO MIN
Continuing. NJ. Scheurer- kes'ner saiu ne
had been violently attacked by part OF
she nress hut he had also found valiant
and disintcrested help from members OF
both chambers. literary men and others.
sI told Nj Mcine" said the speaker.
che could publicly declare me mistaken
II he could show proofs that Dreyfus was
guilty NJ. Meline. however. refused 10 90
40 and also declined to consider my evil
herce respecting the anonymous note. III
Dreyfus was not convicted on the anony-
nous note then he was convicted on EVIL
dence which was not communicated 10
defence"
NJ Schcurcr- Kestner then declared tha'
Che government hal refused a revision or
the trial. asserting that the authorship OF
che anonymous note was the crux OF the
whole question. He added that ne was
certain that II was not written by Drey-
fus and asked that the matter be re-
examined. The speaker did not wish 10
predict the results Of the inquiry. nut he
asked If the Minister for War. General
Billot. had acted untustly In publicly de-
claring Dreyfus 10 he guilty.
NJ. Schuerer-Kastner concluded with
protest against those who had dragged
the honor Of the army into judicial
matter"
The speech was frequently interrupted
by murmurs and there was little APP
plause.
GENERAL BIILOT REPLIES.
The Minister Of War General Billot.
replied that NJ. Scheurer- Kestner had
SUBMITTED 10 MIN no fNlufnfe. Ai' ldh
commended the Minister explained. that
tho anonymous note was the basis OF the
whole affair and that II II was shown not
10 have been written by Dreyfus. the
latter ought TO be accorded new trial.
But the General as Minister OF War,
could not go back on the judgment OF the
court martial and he acted within his
right I'm declaring and repeating that
Dreyfus was guilty. (Cheers)
The present enquiry. continued the
Minister of War. did not concern Drey-
rus. but concerned Major Esterhazey.
the officer whose letters. bitterly reflect
ing uIon France and the French army
were recently published by the Figaro.
The Premier, NJ. Melino was the next
speaker lie said Il was the duty of the
blinistcr Of War 10 affirm the authority
and jjudc nent OF the court. IL was not
his function to revise. II NJ. Scheurer-
Kestner had fresh evidence 10 produce.
they had been submitted TO the Minister
OF Justice. but those interested preferred
another method. The government. NJ.
Incline. further said. had taken the only
course possible in the midst of this storm
ST conflicting passions. A military en-
auiry had been opened The Premier
taid in conclusion:
let its decision be awaited. The press
rampaign must cease. for IL has already
done much harm"
Senator Provost-Delaunay accused NJ
Echeurer-kestner Of promoting an anti
patriotic and anti French work
Senator Trarieux said justice was not
infaliible He expressed approval Of the
conduct Of NJ. Scheurer-Kestner
The debate was then closed and q mo-
tion was submitted by Senator Franck
Chauveau approving OF the governments
declaration. The motion was adopted.