The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-23
His Review Of the Dreyfus Case Pro-
ductive of Several Sensations in
the Court of Assizes.
BRITAIN UNDULY ALARMED
NO INVASION OF HER AFRICAN TER
RITORY BY FRENCH TROOPS.
Denial Read in House of Lords by
kers to Loan China $SO,0OO,OOO

PARIS Feb. 22.-The precincts and lob
bies of the palace of justice were deserted
to-day, the fourteenth of the trial of NM.
lola and Perrieux for the allegations which
the former brought in the Aurore, published
by the latter, against the conduct of the
Esterhazy court martial. The Assizes Court
itself was thronged.
NJ Laborie, counsel for NJ. lola, resumed
his argument for the defense. He chro-
nOlogically reviewed the case from the ar
rest of Alfred Dreyfus pointing out that as
Major Patty Du Clam interdicted Madame
Dreyfus from speaking, the announcement
of his arrest, published by the Idbre Parole
and Eclaire alone must have been COM
municated by the ministry for war. Con-
tinuing, NJ. Laborie charged the Libre
Parole and Eclaire with lying in regard to
the guilt of Dreyfus, and referred to Major
Patty Du CLAIMS attempt to intimidate Drey-
fus, and to Major Forseinetti's belief in the
latter's innocence. He also dealt with the
court-martials decision to conduct the trial
in secret in spite of the protests of the
press. He said this was the reason of the
unceasing protests in behalf of Dreyfus,
which troubled all high minded PERSONS
adding: THE strength of those of our adj
versaries who are acting in good faith lies
in their belief that the whole affair was
conducted with justice and legality, but the
facts do not bear out this belief" MUIR
nurse
Counsel for the defense then declared that
eight months prior to the arrest of Dreyfus
the ministry Of war possessed photographs
OF the paper containing the expression
that scOundrel of a DID" and showing
that French officer had relations with two
foreign military attaches. This document
NJ Laborie pointed out, did not refer to
Dreyfus, but, all the same, the culpability
of Dreyfus was founded upon it, and it was
the document which the yelled lady handed
to Major Esterhazy, the latter only sur
rendering 1t to the minister for war on Sc
curing a receipt.
Referring to General MERCER NJ. Laborie
said: Maybe he is brave soldier, but he
is not familiar with great affairs. In the
absence of proofs he substituted his own
arbitrary impression and thus had an in
nocent man condemned"
Counsel also asked why the document re-
ferring to that scoundrel DID" had not
been previously spoken of, as the defense
could be have brought into court foreigners
who disputed it's genuineness.
The statement caused a commotion in
court, and the presiding judge Interrupted
counsel 10 say: I'VE would not have heard
them
II we did summon them" continued NJ.
Laborie, lit was because we wished to dis
cuss between Frenchmen alone an affair
solely concerning Frenchmen. However,
opinions may differ in this affair." NJ
Laborie explained, lin the hour of danger
we all show a solid front to the foreigner"
(ApDlauSe)
Then. denouncing the action of the prose-
cution i'll having Dreyfus write from dcta-
ton, counsel said: Such q trick proves the
emptiness of the prosecution, for had they
possessed proof of his guilt they would not
nave had recourse to such theatrical effects
at the opening OF the cOurt-martial and the
Judges, having only the bordereau, would
nave acquitted Dreyfus and not, contrary
to all laws, their judgment been led astray
by the secret communication of docu-
ment.'
Counsel. after reading an account of the
court-martial, added: Il have all the papers
concerning the affair in my hands, and |
ssolemnly affirm that there is nothing in
t haeln, against Dreyfqs | pledge you my
against DreyfuS"
The statement made a connection and
there were marks of appreciation among the
public. A short Adjournment of the court
followed during which q number of persons
shook hands with NJ. Laborie, whose moder-
ate but firm utterances made 81 consider
able impression on the audience
When the hearing was resumed, NJ. La
PORE referred to the alleged confession of
Dreyfus to Captain Lebrun- Renault and re-
marked If a written report of it exists
IL was drawn up as an after thought and
! could have proved II by witnesses had
Captain I4ebrun-Renault testified" Recall
ing Premier Meline's declaration in the
Chamber of Deputies in reply to eX-Min-
lister Cavlgnac that the presentation of this
report would open the door for a revision
of the trial M. Zola's counsel said:~ THE
report was not produced because the alleged
confession was neither possible nor proba-
BILE"
NJ I.aborie then gave moving descrip-
ton Of the degradation of Dreyfus. He re-
called that amid shouts of DEATH" from
the pItlless crowd. Dreyfus had not ceased
TO cry "Vive la France!" and swear upon
the heads OF MS wife and children. that he
was completely innocent. "Dreyfus" NJ
Laborie asserted only appealed for one
act of mercy-that the Ministry should con-
tinue the inquiry (Commotion)
After this M. Laborie read a series of
letters written by Dreyfus to counsel and
his family, III which the prisoner always
demanded that the real cuprit should be
sought, and said: IF NJ Meline did not
produce the report of Captain Lebrun- Re
nault. it was because the vehement profess
tation OF innocence of Dreyfus troubled his
mind, and for the moment his sense of jul
dcial rectitude had prevailed over his con-
ceptton of political consideration" (Sensa-
tom
I'm order to obtain avowals,' NJ Laborie
proceeded, the prosecution went to the
point of fraud Did not Major Patty du
Clam say to Dreyfus. The minister will re-
ceiye you if you so to confess" Thereup-
on counsel dwelt upon Major Patty du
CLAIMS Interrogation of DreVfus i'm which
DTeyfus agreed there was some resem-
blance in the details Of his writing and that
of the bOrdereau, but that taken altogeth-
er, they were quite distinct and he CDrey-
fus) affirms his innocence, counsel adding:
"A monument of fasehOods and hypocrisy
has been built up. falsehoods for the abet-
tors. hypocrisy for the stronger and guiltier
parties. Let these men know this. Let
them list to my words and remember that
the which occupies i'm history the
most Inundated place is that of Pontius
Plate" Vehement applause.)
After the court adjOurning NJ. I4aborie re-
ceived a veritable ovation, cries of "Vive
Laborie,' mingling with counter cries of
''Vive FArmeev and "A Bias Les Juifsr
The public emerged from the court in a
state of extreme excitement. but there was
no disorder. NJ. Laborie will continue his
address tomorrow.
Efforts to Influence the Jury.
LONDON. Feb. 23.-The Paris correspond
ent of the Daily News says: THE greatest