Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1898-02-26
FACILITATING FRENCH
M. zola's Counsel Moves Them to
Enthusiasm.
AN INNOCENT MAN CONDEMNED.

h-Lahorie vigorously Maintains Tha,
Dreyrus Was the Victim OF a Treach
erous COnspiracy-Chareo Drsyrus
Prosecutors with Fraud.
Paris. Feb. 2s.-The precincts ana lob.
bies Of the palace Of justice were de-
serted yesterday, the 14th day of tbs
trial OF MN. zola and Perreux. for the
allegations which the former brought ir
I The Aurore, published by the latter
against the conduct Of the Esterhazy
court martial The assizes court itself
| was thronged.
NJ zola himself addressed the fury
on Monday. He created = sensation by
accusing Premier Meline OF having or
] oereo the jury to return a verdict Of
, guilty against him. and was reprimand-
ed by the judge. M. Zoia declared the
government knew everything, was per-
fectly aware that Dreyfus was inno-
cent, and that the ministers themselves
would some day announce his fnno-
cence. I swear before the whole world
that Dreyfus is innocent" exclaimed
M zolas "and that France some dav
VIII thank me for saving herhonor."
The speech Of the distinguished de-
fendant was constantly interrupted by
misses anC protests.
M. Laborie. counsel for NJ. Zo!a. fol-
lowed with an eloquent speech. His
opening words, I'VE are here in defense
OF Justice and right" were hailed with
loud protests from the back of the court
room, but counsel continued. reproach-
Ing the authorities for being led astray
by passing interests and with not wish
Ing t. deal with the Dreyfus affair. al
though there are few senators or dep
uties who doubt his Innocence Never
sheless." continued M. Laborie. truth
will prevail The elections viii not bs
allowed TO pass amid mystery and am
bsguities."
NJ. Laborie then proceeded to re-
proach the premier with refusing to al
low generals to be judged before the
jury and he asked; Are generals.
then. above the legal conscience of the
country? Our opponents talked of CON
hdence In the army. but It is now an in
suit 70 the army TO raise q cry of alarm
as M. Hola has done. he spoke in strong
terms. but he did not insult the army"
yesterday M. Zola.s brilliant counsel
resumed his argument for the defense
he chronoloRically reviewed the case
from the arrest of Alfred Dreyfus.
pointing out that as Major Patty du
Clam hae interdicted Nine. Dreyfus
from speaking the announcement of
his arrest. published In The Libre Pa
role and Eelal- a.Sse, must have been
communicated by the ministry Of war.
continuing. M Labcrie charged The
Iibre Parole and Eclair with lying in
regard TO the guilt OF Dreyfus and re-
ferreo to Major Patty du CLAIMS attempt
TO intimidate Dreyfus and to Major
Forzinetti's belief in the latter's inno-
cence. He also dealt with the court
maruaFs decision to conduct the trial
IN secret In spite of the protests of
the press. He said this was the reason
or thu unceasing protests In behalf of
Dreyfus.
Counsel for the defense then declared |
that eight months prior to the arrest
or Dreyfus the ministry of war pos-
sessed photographs OF the paper con
tanning the expression. THAT scoundrel
OF D." and showing that a French 4
omcer had relations Vith two foreign /
military attaches. This document, NJ.
Laborie pointed out. did not refer to i
Dreyfus. but, ali the same. the culna-
bility OF Dreyfus was founded upon II
and it was this document which the
yelled lady handed to Major Esterhazv.
the latter only surrendering IL to the
Tor war on securing a recent.
HeferrinE to General Mercier, NJ. La
oorie said: Maybe he is a brave SOL
disr. but he is not familiar with great
affairs In the abesnce OF proofs he
substituted his own arbitrary impress
sion. and thus had an innocent man
Then denouncing the action OF the
prosecution in having Dreyfus write
from dictation, counsel said: Such a
TICK proved the emptiness of the prose-
-ntfOn for hoH
his guilt they would not have had re-
course to such theatrical effects. have
All the papers concerning the affair in
my hands, and I solemnly affirm thar
here Is nothing in them against Drey-
'us."
The statement made a commotfon.
Ind there were marks OF appreciation
among the public.
M. Laborie referred to the alleged
confession OF Dreyfus to Captain Le-
orun-Renault, and remarked: "If a
written report OF 1t exists is was drawn
I'D as an after thought. and 1 could
lave proved it by witnesses had Cap
ain Lebrun-RenauIt testified"
Recalling Premier Meline's decIara-
ion In the chamber OF deputies. in re-
'ly to ex-Minister Caviagnac that the
presentation Of this report would open
he door for a revision OF the trial. M
sola's counsel said: "The report was
lot produced because the alleged con- |.
ession was neither possible nor prob
BILE"
M. Laborie then gave a moving de-
cription of the degradation OF Drevfus.
lie recalled that amid the shouts of
death" from the pitiless crowd. Drew
us had not ceased to cry ssVfve Ia 1
rance" and swear. upon the heads OF I
is wife and children. that he was com c
letely innocent. he only appealed {
or one act OF mercy-that the ministry {
hould continue the inquiry. e
In order to obtain avowals." M. La G
orte proceeded, ''the prosecution went
, the point OF fraud" c
Violent Quarrels broke out In the {
ourt room before adjournment.
oung officer insuIted several Jews, and a
emanded that they be expelled. Free
ghts ensued in the lobbies and pas t
ages OF the palais de justice as the b
yards cleared the precincts. {
After the court adjourned M. I.aborie a
sceived veritable ovation, cries OF lp
Vive Laoorie" mingling with counter r
ries OF "Vive l-armee" and "a bas 10 6
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