Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-03
THE nnENETS CASE.

The Dreyfus case is again the issue in
france. As a rule it IS unsafe TO count
upon the dnality OF any French issue, but
I'm the DreyIus matter there seems hardly
u question that the two prophecies the
unfortunate officer made-the one just be-
fore his degradation and tie other just
after twill be fulfilled
A brief history of the Dreyfus case is
as follows. Late in 1894 Alfred Dreyfus,
an attache OF the French military staff,
was, upon the strength Of a short memo
randum or bordereau, arrested on the
charge Of selling French military secrets
to a foreign Power. lie was tried by
cOurt-marual sitting behind closed doors,
convicted and sentenced TO degradation
and Imprisonment on Devils Island for
life.
The question as 10 the memorandum
of Dreytus. and three out of the seven
expert witnesses TO whom the paper was
submitted testified that it was not in his
Handwriting. At the time there was a
widespread suspicion that Dreyfus. on ac-
count Of his race, was made the conve-
nient scapegoat for others high in au-
thority.
Immediately after his condemnation ana
pending tho carrying out of the sentence
weapons were placed where Dreyfus could
get hold OF them, and on one occasion he
was asked If he had ever contemplated
suicide--a question that confirmed the sug-
gestion that It was desirable to get him
out OF the way in order to secure others.
He confessed that on the day that the
verdict was rendered he thought of self
destruction. But, he added, subsequent
reflection had convinced him that, being
absolutely innocent, he had no right to
take his own life. and he was certain that
In three years justice would be done him.
The act of degrading him was perform
ed in the harshest and most dramatic
fashion. In the presence Of 5000 troops
the insignia Of his rank and the badges
OF his profession were torn from his coat
and cap, the stripes were torn from hts
trousers, and his sword was broken in
two. He stood the ordeal proudly, though
with tears in his eyes. and stil protesting
his innocence. said: IN three years the
truth will be known. and the Minister
himself will take my part" Since then
Dreyfus has been in his island prison, con-
fined. 1t is asserted by some. in an iron
cage. but not deprived Of the means OF
destroying his own life.
In the mean time belief that Dreyfus
was a Vicarious sufferer was strengthen
ing, and evidence tending TO establish his
innocence was accommodating. Then fol-
lowed the attempt of the brother OF
Dreyfus 10 have the case reopened. and
the Esterhazy and the lola trials. Ester
hazy was charged with having written
the bordereau. and the testimony was
almost conclusive that the charge was |
true. But 1.-The honor OF the army had |
TO DO indicated, and high officials re- |
ieved Of suspicion. and he was tried by |
,ourt-martiai and acQuittal. For the same |
reason the French Government refused |
10 open the case direct as TO Dreyfas. |
md declared its belief, based on "fresh |
''19NNNNS III ihS buiiAs Anu lVI the same
'eason, also. lola. who drew scathing
Indictment against khe chiefs OF the
army. and espoused the cause Of ORGY
'us, was. in two trials. which were ira
'esties upon justice, condemned. Further
more. because he testified in Dreyfus's
'ehalf. Colonel Plcquart suffered
But the ''frosh evidence" which the
government declared vindicated the CON
iction Of Dreyfus was the letter Colonel
benry who has Just committed suicide.
20 having forged, and It is
known that in tho Dreyfus trial other
written testimony was secretly intro
iuced-that is. without the knowledge OF
me prisoners counsel---in order to in,lu-
snce the court to a unanimous verdict of
guilty. The argument in favor OF Drev-
Ins is. therefore, that lone document
being forgery. the whole series Is in
''@-'@h"i and A. clauAneAan nra.ty