The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-02-08
COL. CLAM CLOSES UP
REFUSES TO GIVE TESTIMONY IN
THE CASE AGAINST ZOLA
Sensation Caused by an Attempt to
bring the Former Minister OF
War to the Stand-Very Little
Progress, Owing to the RefusaIs
to Testify.

PARIS, Feb. THE first day of the
Zola trial which is the reigning SEN
sation Of France, if not all Europe, was
one Of considerable emotion, but scanty
progress. NJ. Scheurer- -Kestner and M.
Mathieu Dreyfus were conspicuous in
court, and in the audience were several
nCtables and many ladies, especially
actresses, most Of whom were proVld-
ed with sandwiches and bottles Of
wine.
Mime. Zola was almost crushed out of
sight in a back corner. Nine. Sever
Inc, the author and M. Zola's devoted
champion, was also there.
When NJ. Zola entered, everybody
was on tiptoe to get q 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 NJ. Zola, all addressed
'Zola, Court of Assizes, Paris" and
other kilograms poured in during the
proceedings-alt over 400 from
all parts of the world-offering SYM
pathy and congratulations. One from
Belgium bore the signatures of a thou
sand literary celebrities, and one, sign
ed by a group of Roman Catholic
priests, said: "Vive la justice"
ZOIa Calm.
NJ Zola, who was quite calm, asked
the barristers: ''What is the maximum
penalty TO WHICH i ttU1 lidpie
On being told that it was six months
imprisonment, he rejoined, smiling: IF
truth could but merge from this trial,
I would willingly take six months
more"
NJ Laborie, who, as Zola's counsel,
bore the brunt Of the days discussion,
IS a blonde, tall, slim, typical Gaul,
only thirty-eight years old and one Of
the youngest and most brilliant Paris
ian advocates. His eloquepce eXtOrted
applause even from his adversaries and
produced a profound impression.
The proceedings at the present stage
are struggle between Laborie and
Advocate General Van easel, the latter
being determined to restrict the scope
of the trial and the former to enlarge
1t. There is no doubt that the visible
efforts of the government to suppress
inquiry, by It's refusal to allow Gen
Billot, minister of war, and other i'm
portant witnesses to testify, came as
great surprise to the audience.
NJ. Laborie created quite a sensation
by eXclaiming ironically: What
passion for light there is on the part Of
the prosecution
There was some murmuring in court
when letters of excuse were read from
Gen. Mercier and others, and there was
a f1utter of excitement when NJ La
borie insisted upon the attendance of
the aristocratic Nine Blanche de Com
minges.. who pretends that illness pre-
vents her from testifying. Her name
was mixed up in the unsavory story of
blackmail connected with Maj Patty de
Clam and the mysterious 'veiled lady"
De Clam the Key.
NJ. Laborie contended that Maj. Patty
de Clans evidence was the key of the
whole story, and that the jury must
make its own reflections upon the per-
slstent refusal to allow him to testify.
The advocate general bit his lip, but
remained silent.
Altogether the decision of the court
as to whether the witnesses shall be
compelled to attend is awaited with
supreme interest
M. Zola. who was interviewed late
tonight looked rather haggard AID was
hoarse. but he seemed buoyant and
spoke hopefully of the days proceed
inSs. He praised the moderation and
courtesy Of the president of the court
He said he believed he had already
produced some effect on the public
mind, adding that the days record was
better than he had ventured to hope.
Il am convinced" he said, that out
side feeling is growing rapidly in favor
of q full inquiry. 1t is too much to
expect that all the truth will come to
light at the present hearing, but 1 be
lieve we shall see a little Once the
French people can be made to see a
duty they will do 1t at whatever cost
I am well content with the days work"
M. Zola purposes to reserve his own
manifesto, if permitted to offer it at
all, until the close of the hearing.