The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-22
Latter Addresses the Court in His
Murmurs and Kisses.
AN APPEAL TO THE JURORS
'sTO UTTER THE Truth ON THIS AT
FAIR AND RENDER JUSTICE"
Loud Protests from Army Officers at
Remarks Made by VI. Laborie in
His Eloquent Speech.


PARIS, Feb. 21-The rain to-day deci-
mated the crowds about the approaches to
the Assizes Court of TIE Seine, in the Palace
of Justice, though the court itself was
packed with people NJ. Emile lola was
Kissed when he reached the court.
The advocate general in his address, de-
cIared that NJ. zola's assertions that the
Esterhazy court-martial acquitted guilty
person in accordance with superior orders
remained entirely improved Major Ester
hazy, he added, could not be the author of
tho bordereau and he protested against
certain newspapers accusing officers of
seeking TO overthrow the republic. The ad-
vocate general severely criticises the atti-
tude OF Colonel Picquart and M. lie Blois,
and, regarding the reproach that the court
martial of Major Esterhazy was conducted
behind closed doors, he said that when
question Of foreign affairs is under dis
cussion the matter must be. judged
among Frenchmen." He added: THE
Esterhazy court proved the fact that
they were divided in opinion on the
question Of the trial taking place be-
hind closed doors, but they were unani-
NOUS in acquitting the officer. In con-
clusion the advocate general expressed con-
NJ.
lola without hesitation. The session of
the court was then suspended
When the session was resumed NJ lola
read an address to the court In which he
said that the premier, M Meline, had the
air Of giving the jury. which is charged to
avenge the national honor. the order to find
ne guilty." loud protests.)
The presiding judge said You cannot
say that the premier has given an order to
condemn you"
Resuming, M. lola said: Such proceed
ings are an abominable piece of political
manners. ] have never insulted the army
as has been said, but ] have raised cry of
alarm, and leave history to judge me and
to appreciate my acts. Those who dishonor
France" M. lola continued, ARE those who
mngle cries of 'vive Parmee.' with a bias
les Juifs! and 'Vive EsterEazyr after the
letters he has written. (Murmurs) If
am here it is because | wished it. 1t is |
who asked to appear before you who are
the voice Of justice. 1t is for you, gentle
men, that / raise the cry of alarm. and
wish TO bring out tho truth, perhaps un-
successfully; but here l stand before you
and await your Justice"
NJ lola complained of the prevailing state
OF lsssitude, and exclaimed: "Youf thoughts,
which think can read ON your faces, are
we have had enough of it. The matter
must be brought to an end
II am not defending my liberty, gentle
men," NJ. lola said to the jury, '1n pre-
septing myself to you. / am defending the
truth. Look me in The face. gentlemen.
Have / been bought o. I'm - rator? I
am a free writer. who intends 20 resume
his vocation and again take up his 3uter-
rupted labors. Indignantly protest against
the charge of being an Italian No. he
added, Il am not defending nay linerty.
Condemn me, then, If you wish. 1t will be
but an additional error. 1t will be ii 9 seed
which will terminate and prevent trance
from falling into indifference. Ii the coun-
try Is in trouble the fault lies with the
government which in the hope of saving
some culprit, has tried to prevent the truth
from coming into the light of day The
very life of the people is at stake. 1t is
for you, gentlemen of the jury, TO utter the
truth on this affair and render justice"
NJ. lola dwelt ON the fact that the en-
tire people had been thrown into painful
anguish through doubts of the outlines
of Dreyfus, and said: 1.-THE government,
which knows all, and which, like you, is
convinced Of the innocence of DreyfGs, will
one day make it known and will publish it
Nteiohl AuitniLS any
Then, raising his voice, NJ. Cola three
times proclaimed the following: Before all
the world, swear Dreyfus is innocent"
Loud murmurs and Kisses from the back
of the court greeted this utterance
M. lola concluded by saying: 1.-THE day
viii come when France viii thank me for
saving her honor" prolonged uproar)
NJ. Laborie, counsel for NJ. Zola, followed
with eloquent speech. His opening
words we are here in defense of Justice
and right" were hailed with loud protests
from the back of the courtroom, but coun-
sci continued, approaching the authorities
for being led astray by passing interests"
and with mot wishing to deal with the
Dreyfus affair, although there are few sem
ators or deputies who doubt his innocence"
Nevertheless, continued NJ Laborie. truth
will prevail The elections will not be al
lowed TO pass amid mystery and ambigui-
ties. (Renewed protests.)
NJ. Laborie then thanked all those per-
sonages of the intellectual elite of France
who have had the courage to seek for truth
and light He next referred to the Sin
spired articles in the press. intended To
deceive the country, and said; If syndi
cate exists. il is a syndicate of good faith
and loyalty, whose aim is To obtain justice
and right in the interests of the entire coun-
try. and this syndicate has the greatest
faith in xcur perspicacity"
This caused violent uproar, against
which NJ Laborie vehemently protested
An indi vidual in the back of the court
room. shouted: How much have they paid
your 10 this NJ. Laborio retorted: IF we
had been paid such as YOU would have APP
plauded lis"
Nj. Laborie then proceeded to reproach
the premier with refusing to allow generals
to be judged before a jury, and he asked:
Are generals then above the legal con-
Official fac-simile of Medal Awarded