Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1898-02-12
FRENCH JUSTICE.

All witnesses Whose Testimony Might
tindicate the Accused Refuse with linz
punity to be Examined APP
peal for Justice.
PARIS. Feb. S.-The trial Of NJ. Emile
Zola and NJ Perreux, manager Of the
Aurore, who are being prosecuted by
the government as the result OF let
ter which the novelist caused to be
published in the Aurorc in December
last, strongly rejecting upon high of
tcials connected with the Dreyfus case,
opened yesterday in the assihes court
of the Seine. NJ. Zola was represented
by NJ. Laborie and NJ. perreux was de-
Tended by NJ. Clemenceau. The most
keen public interest was manifested,
and the courtroom was crowded.
Addressing the jury, NJ. Laborie said;
1.-The proof we wish to show you is
so striking that our opponents are
making efforts to prevent its becoming |
known. Nevertheless, if IL is neces-
sary, will declare it alone without
witnesses. If | fail, Dreyfus viii re-
main in the galleys, where he was
placed by law expressly made for
him." Violent protests.
NJ. Laborie insisted that the judges |
of Dreyfus should give evidence, and
that Nine. Boulancy, whom Zola had
summoned, but who has declined
to appear on the ground of ill-health,
should also testify. urging that she
be ordered to appear, if necessary,
Counsel added that Nine, Boulancy, in
addition to the notorious Chlan let
ter, possessed others from Maj. Ester
hazy, outrageously insulting the French
army. which had not been published.
NJ. Laborie further contended that
Maj. Esterhazy was prosecuting Nine.
Boulancy in order to prevent her from
surrendering the letters.
| Counsel for the Aurore supported NJ.
Laborie's request for the appearance of
| Nine. Boulancy. and urging the court
to obtain verificaton of her alleged
ill-health.
Later on NJ. Laborie insisted that
the dispositions made before the exam
lining magistrate be read in court.
This was opposed by the attorney-gen.
| tTdi, Ou tHt BGOulltl Illil bIit SNahiihh-
tion was not concluded.
NJ. Laborie then vehemently pro-
tested against the absence of the sub
ppnaed witnesses, and. referring to the
non-appearance of Gen. Mercier, said:
"When he was minister of war he
submitted to the Judges of Dreyfus,
behind the back of the prisoner and his
counsel "A secret document, which,
however. he said was unimportant. If
this document, as he declared was un-
important, then the incident is ended
and there is no further need for Gen.
Mercier's testimony; but if, as alleged,
the secret document did not exist, let
Gen. Mercier come and tell the court
so and our side will be well satisfied.
This attempt to drag the former min
lister of war into the witness stand
caused much commotion in court, which
was increased when, on several mem
bers of the Dreyfus court-martial re-
, fusing to testify, NJ. Zola rose up in the
dock and Indignantly cried:
1--WE must know if these persons are
! acting under the orders of the minister
5 of war or of their own volition."
: Gen. Boisdefre was then called ano
claimed exemption on the grounds o.
professional secrecy, whereupon NJ
Laborie shouted:
lone would really think all thest
, officers imagined they form separate
caste, above all rights, and that they
, are totally exempt from the laws ane
respect due to justice"
The court then ordered short ad
iournment to 4:30 p. M, in order tt
allow NJ. Laborie to draft his argu
ment.
, On the resumption of the hearing NJ
= Labore made a speech demanding tina
: the witnesses be ordered to attend ant
testify. Counsel for NJ. Iola deposited
: with the court written applications re
ouesting the court to order the sub
pnnaed witnesses to appear.
Regarding Col. Patty DeClam, the az
: plication charges him with illegal act
in the Dreyfus and Esterhazy atfail
: and claim that if these acts are prove
Il in court, the good faith of the accuse
will be demonstrated Therefore, Co
If Patty DeClam should be compelled t
n testify, or, without prejudice to tn
l. right of the appellants, counsel woul
n demand the postponement of the tria
s. TO later sessions if necessary.
Ii NJ. Laborie further affirms that he i
a. prepared to show that the letter
which Col Patty DeClam alleges "tf
veilcd lady" sent him, prejudicing Co
ID Picquart. emanated from one of Co
II Patty DeClam's own friends and M
he from Col. Picquart. Counsel is willin
il that Col. Patty DeClam's evidence
w given behind closed doors if necessar.
Or There is another application callin
c, for the appearance of Generals Merci'
lp and Boisdefrc and others. 1t declar'
+, that they have no right to absent ther
er selves on the plea that their evidence
re not necessary, as that is for the cou
ne and not for them to decide.
The court postponed decision un'
IS tomorrow, and the case was adjourne
op WITLnPANC ENDORSEMENT r.