The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-02-08
TRIAL OF NJ lola.
The Noted French Novelist and the
Famous Dreyfus Case.
WITNESSES REFUSE TO TESTIFY.


Beyond Denial, But Tha He WIN Not
Be Permitted TO Produce 1t.
Paris, Feb. S.-The trial of M. Emile
lola and M. Perreux, manager of The
Aurore, who are being prosecuted by
the government as the result Of a let
ter which the novelist aused to be
published in The Aurore in December
last, strongly rejecting upon high Of
ficials connected with the Dreyfus case,
opened yesterday in the a~ssizes court
of the Seine. M. lola was represented
by M. Laborde and M. Perreux was
defended by NJ. C~lemenceau. The most
keen public interest was manifested in
the case. Hundreds of people sur-
rounded the court anxious to gain ad-
mittance. The police measures taken
to insure order were most rigorous.
No evidence was produced during the
day. When the names of the witnesses
were read it vas stated that General
Billot had not received the authority
of the cabinet to testify. Ex-President
Casimir-Perier sent a letter saying he
could not testify except as to facts
subsequent to his presidency. Colonel
Patty du Clam was called to the stand,
but refused to testify. M. Laborde,
Zola's counsel, then made a long ar
gument protesting against the alb
sence of su~bpoenaed witnesses. He
urged that General MERCER, ex-war
minister, Genera Boisdeffie, Colonel
Patty du Clam and others be forced to
testify. The court postponed a decision
until today.
M. Laborde also insisted tina the
dispositions made before the examining
magistrate in the Dreyfus case b.
read in court. This was opposed by
the attorney general on the ground
that the examination was concluded,
and decision was reserved.
Addressing the jury, NJ. Laborde
said:
THE proof we wish to show you is so
striking that u opponents are max
ing efforts to prevent it's becoming
known. Nevertheless, If 1t is necessary,
/ will declare 1t alone, without Witness
es. If l fail, Dreyfus will remain in
the galleys, where he was placed by a
law made expressly for him."
M. Laborde insisted that the Judges
of Dreyfus should give evidence, and
that Madame Boulancy, whom lola
had summoned, but who has declined
to appear on the ground of i'll health,
SACuAN his bVSllly vi BllB Ald she ne
ordered to appear If necessary. Coun-
sci added that Madame B%oulancy, in
addition to the notorious Uhlan letter,
possessed others from Major Esterhazy,
outrageously insulting the French
army, which had not been published.
M. Laborde further contended that
Major Esterhazy was prosecuting Mad
anne Boulancy in order to prevent her
from surrendering the letters.
Counsel for the Aurore supported M.
Laborde's request for the appearance
of Madame Boulancy, and urging the
court to obtain a verification of her al
legged i'll health.
David Christie Murray, the London
novelist and playwright, had a column
interview with Emile lola, who, it APP
pears, was anything but hopeful of the
outcome of his trial. He aid
I'VE know everything about the Drey-
fus case, but it is impossible to describe
the pressure to impose silence upon the
men who are able and ready to reveal
the truth. Our documentary evidence
is not even looked at, and our wit
nesses have refused to testify or have
been ordered to be silent. There is no
room for doubt. There is no question
or a possibility of a question. The facts
are clear and absolutely beyond denial,
but the authorities refuse to allow us
to produce our evidence, and then hold
up the feebleness of our cause to the
derision of the public"
NJ. Scheurer-Kestner and NJ. Matthew
Dreyfus were conspicuous in court, and
in the audience were several notabili
ties and many ladies, especially actress
es, most of whom were provided with
sandwiches and bottles of wine. Mad
anne lola was almost rushe out OF
sight in a back corner. Madame Sever
Inc, the author, and NJ. Zola's devoted
champion. was also there.
When M. Zola entered everybody was
OIL tiptoe to get a glimpse of him, and
there was some disorder pending the
arrival Of the judge. Scarcely was he
seated when. a bundle of kilograms was
handed to M. Zola, all addressed "Zola
court of ~assizes, Paris" and other tele.
grams poured in during the proceed.
ings, altogether over 400, from all parts
of the world, offering sympathy and
congratulations. One from Belgium
bore the signatures of a thousand lega
and literary celebrities. Another, sign
ed by a group Of Catholic priests, said
"Vive La Justice"
M. lola, who was quite calm, asked
the barristers: "Wha is the maxim
penalty to which l am liable?"
on being old that it was six months
Imprisonment he rejoined, smiling: II
truth could but emerge from this tria
1 would willingly take six months