New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-05
" cAVAyCyAc,S RESIGNATION.

NJ. Cavaignac has resigned his place in the
French Cabinet. 1t was probably the best thing
he could do. for all concerned; certainly the
best, il he could not bring himself to take the
view of the Dreyfus case which is taken by his
colleagues and by q majority of the best minds
I'm France We have hitherto expressed conf
dence in his entire sincerity and honesty. This
latest turn of affairs gives no reason for alter
ING that judgment. NJ Cavagnac has for some
time enjoyed the distinction of being probably
the most strenuous and dsinterested opponent
Of revision of the Dreyfus case. be still re-
tans 1t: and perhaps to-day we might for
most" write only" If there is another man
In France of comparable intelligence authority
and character who takes such ground as he
does he is yet to be revealed.
When the agitation of the Dreyfus case be
came acute, few months ago, and the trial or
NJ lola occurred, NJ. Cavaignac was not Min
lister, but private Deputy. He put himself on
record as firm believer in the guilt of Drey-
fus, and If he criticised tho Governr'"',; of that
time il was for not more sternly re --e1slng the
demand for revision. When the change of Min
istry occurred and he became Minister Of War
nothing was more certainly foreseen than that
while he held that portfolio there would be no
revision, and little comfort or security for any
one who advocated il. one Of his first acts rs
Minister was 10 address the Chamber Of Depu-
ties to that effect. His speech was. however.
malodroIt Beginning with the declaration that
the Dreyfus case was judcially closed. he prac-
,lcolIv reopened IL himself by gong into an
elaborate explar ion and defence Of the Gov
ernment's acuon ~ refusing revision. There
was once lawyer who said he had dozen
good reasons for the non-appearance OF his
client In answer 10 n suiilu.pns The trat OF
,her, was. he was dead Had lie gone on TO
state the other eleven reasons and u argue
their validity he would have done much as NJ
Cavaicnac did Nevertheless, even this error in
tactics did not !mpeach but rather rtafcrmed
NJ Cavaiepac's honesty Of purpose.
The strongest part OF bis argument was based
upon letter of whose authenticity he was alb
solu,ely confident. II had been written by che
foreign attache TO another and referred IN plain
terms to Dreyfuss corrupt intrlgues with boz.
That was. NJ. Cavaisnac coatohded corroD0rn-
tive evidence, presented after IN" fat, OF no
Justice of Drcyfus's como cmistlon. ana was O
sufficient answer 10 tho demand for revision. 1t
was, moreover, evidence OF the implication OF
foreign governments In the case, and an ndca-
ton that rcopening Of II and publication Of all
the secret details would entail war. Because Of
that letter. therefore. NJ Cavaignac would not
grant revision nor even entertain proposals to
that end. And now that identical letter is as
certnincd TO have been a forgery. Truly, resig-
nation Of his portfolio was NJ Cavaignac's al
rectest way out OF a most embarrassing stu
alton.
Why he cannot see, what oil but every one
else Sees that the destruction Of the ground on
which revision was refused makes the granting
of revision moral necessity. must be loft for
himself to answer TO his own satisfaction
Doubtless he is able thus to answer 1t. But bis
answer will not be convincing TO others. lie
has acted honorably in declining TO play the
part of an obstructionist. If his colleagues
want to reopen the case he will stand aside and
let them, and let the Government he united and
harmonious. and he will wash his hands OF all
responsibility for what may be the result. That
H. at least. the conduct Of an honest man and a