The age-herald., 1898-02-22
zOLA'S SYNDICATE
 OF GOOD FAITH Had No Intention of Insulting the
 Army of France. WISHED ONLY TO ALARM IT Defendant Addresses the Court in His
 Own Behalf. HIS ENEMIES DIsHoN0R REPUBLIC LaBorie, as He Speaks for the Ac-
 cpsed, Is Kissed. ELITE OF FRANCE DEMAND JUSTICE The Defendant Talks at Length in the Name of Fairness and to Right l-he Wrong Committed by the Esterhazy
 Court of Inquiry.
LaBorie, as He Speaks for the Ac-
 cpsed, Is Kissed.
ELITE OF FRANCE DEMAND JUSTICE

Paris, Feb. H.-The rain today decimi . mated the crowds about the approaches to the assizes court of the Seine. In the pal ace of justice, though, the court itself was packed with people. M. Zola was hissed when he reached the court The advocate general declared that M. Zola's assertions that the Esterhazy court martial acquit- ted guilty person in accordance with superior orders remained entirely improved. Maj. Esterhazy he added, could not be the author of the bordereau, and he pro- tested against certain newspapers accusing officers of seeking to overthrow the re- public.
 The advocate general severely criticised the attitude of Col Picquart and M. Le Bloisand, regarding the reproach that the court-martial of Maj. Esterhazy was con- ducted behind closed doors he said that When a question of importance is under discussion the matter must be judged among Frenchmen."
 He added: "The Esterhazy court proved the fact that they were divided in opinion on the question of the trial taking place behind closed doors, but they were unani- nous in acquitting the officers"
 In conclusion, the advocate general ex- pressed confidence that the jury would con- demn M. Zola without hesitation.
 Zola Addresses the Court
 When the session was resumed, M zola read an address to the court, in which he said that the premier, M Moline, had in- structed the jury, which was charged to avenge the national honor In an order to find me guilty Loud protests.)
 The presiding judge said You cannot say that the premier has instructed the jury to find you guilty"
 Continuing M. Zola said "Such pro- ceeding is an abominable piece of political work l have never insulted the army as has been said, but I have raised a cry of alarm, and leave history to judge me and to appreciate my acts."
 Those who dishonor France" M Zola said, "are those who mingle cries of 'vibe Parmee' with 'Abas les Jufes and 'vibe Esterhazy, after the letters he has writ ten. (Murmurs.) If I am here it is be- cause I wished it. It is I who asked to appear before you, who are the voice of justice. It is for you, gentlemen, that I raise the cry of alarm and that I wish to bring out the truth perhaps unsuccess- fully. but here I stand before you and await your justice"
 Must Reach the End
 M. zola complained of the prevailing state of lassitude. and exclaimed: Your thoughts. which I think I can read on your faces, are, We have had enough of it. The matter must be brought to an end
 
 men, M. zola said to the jury, ..in pre- senting myself to you. am defending the truth Look me in the face, gentlemen. Have l been bought am I a traitor? I am free writer who intends to resume his vocation and again take up his inter- rupted labors. indignantly protest against the charge of being an Italian.
 'Oh," he answered, "I am not defending my liberty, Condemn me if you wish It will be but an additional error. It will be the seed which will germinate and prevent France from falling into indifference.
 'If the country is in trouble the fault lies with the government. who, in the hope of saving some culprit, had tried to present the truth from coming into the light of day. ssss
 The Life of the People
 s'The very life of the people is at stake It is for you to utter the truth upon this affair and render justice''
 M. Zola dwelt upon the fact that the en- tire people had been thrown into painful anguish through the doubts of the guilti- ness of Dreyfus, and said:
 ''The government, who know all, and who like you, convinced of the inno- cence of Dreyfus, will one day make fl known and will publish it without running any risk"
 Then raising his voice. M Zola three times proclaimed the following: "Before all the world. swear Dreyfus Is innocent" Loud murmurs and misses from the back of the court greeted this utterance. M Zola concluded by saying: "The day will come when France will thank me for sav- ing her honor" Prolonged uproar)
 Argument of Counsel
 M. LaBorie, counsel for M Zola, followed with an eloquent speech. His opening words, 'We are here in defense of justice