Evening journal., 1898-01-11
ESTERHAzY'S TRIAL.
Report Of Major Ravary Fa-
vors Accused Count.
SENATOR KESTNER GIVES EVIDENCE.
The Report of tho Investigating ohioer
Indicts Colonel Picquart, and When
the Latter Takes Witness Stand
the Court Is Cleared.

PARIS, Jan. 1.-THE trial by court
martial Of Count Esterhazy, the retired
officer Of the French army who came
into prominence in the latter part OF
November last through the publication
by lie Figaro Of a number of letters
which the count is alleged to have ad-
mltted writing-rehecting in strong
terms upon France and the French
army, has been opened under the presi-
dency Of General De Luxer.
The hall in which the trial took place
was guarded by the Garde Republicaine,
and only holders Of tickets were ad-
mitted. Among those in the hall was
Nine. Dreyfus, wife of the imprisoned
French captain.
Counsel for the government declared
a public trial might be inimical to the
interests of the national defense and
demanded a secret hearing. The court
retired and after an hours absence re-
turned, and the president announced, in
the name Of the French people that it
had been decided by a majority Of five
TO two that the trial should be public
until the moment when publicity might
appear to prejudice the naional defense.
The report Of the investigating officer
Major Ravary, was then read. It COM
pletely eXonerated Count Esterhazy and
was generally regarded as a serious in
dictment of Colonel Picquart, whose ar
rest, when the trial is finished, is an
ticipated. Colonel Picquart was an off,
Ger summoned from Tunis to Paris in
connection with the Dreyfus affair, and
his statements were reported to be the
basis Of the accusations brought against
Count Esterhazy
NJ. Scheurer Kestner, one of the vice
presidents of the senate, was then ex-
amined. He said that when he was
condemned he believed Dreyfus guilty,
and he did so until Matthew Dreyfus
came and implored his aid. The senator
then made personal inquiry. because
Il must be admitted that both military
and civil tribunals may make mis-
takes" Matthew learned continued NJ.
scheurer Kestner that an opinion had
been expressed to the ministry for war
that the bordereau was written by
Major Esterhazy.
The senator further remarked:
Il learned that a distinguished officer.
head Of the intelligence department,
had been sent away and letters were
shown me, confdentially, proving that
General Donge was of the same opln-
lon as Colonel Picquart"
M. Soheurer Kestner then reviewed
his communications with General Bill
lot the minister for war, with the view
Of reopening the affair and concluded
With saying
Il cannot say the bordereau was writ
ten by Major Esterhazy. but l affirm
that the writing has a greater resem-
blance to Major Esterhazys than to
that Of Dreyfus"
The question of a letter affecting the
major then arose. This missive, which
was addressed to a friend named Well
found its way into the possession Of the
friends Of Dreyfus. Well denied that he
gave It TO the friends of the convict
but Major Esterhazy. in a vehement
3utburst, said:
"Of all the infamies of which I am
the victim, Wells treason gives me the
most pain. I rendered him services OF
which I win not state the nature here
am not coward and a traitor"
The majors remarks brought forth
cheers from the audience.
Colonel Picquart was the next wit
ness. and the court, after a hasty de.
liberation decided to take his testi.
mony behind closed doors. The court
was then cleared. This decision to con.
zeal the evidence of the most important
witness Of the trial caused much dis
satisfaction.