Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-16
THE DREYFUS CASE.
NEW PHASE 1T HAS ASSUMED n
DISTINCT ADVANCE.
FRENCH REPUBLIC IN DANGER
The People in n state of Hysferfu
Which Presngcs Mischief-Possfbie
Franco-English Clash in Africa
British Notes.


LONDON, January 1.-THE new phase
on which the Drcyfus case has entered
is distinct advance. The era OF secret
courts-martial IS over. and "a civil and
public court will have to investigate Emile
Zola's charges OF persistent distortion
Of Justice. The behavior Of the military
authorities IN "Burking" the inquiry casts
the gravest reflections upon the oft-as-
serted honor OF the French army, which
has shown an obstinate determination
to stick together. right or wrong.
outside OF France, all Europe believes
Dreyfus is the victim OF yilainous con-
splracy, and the prosecution OF Zola has
boardened the question, for the whole
French army Is now virtually placed on
trial. The gravity Of the situation Is en-
hanced because the whole OF France Is
in state OF growing hystericai excite
ment Temporarily, the republic is gene
rally supported throughout the country
but history shows that similar hysteria
has frequently led to violent changes.
When France Is able 10 anaiyze the sit
uation, and should the suspicion spread
that the honor OF the army is really af-
fected. the consequences to the republic
might be of the most serious descriptions
The Panama scandals have denied pollti-
cal life, and the law courts have been
dscredited; therefore II respect for tho
army must also be surrendered, the de-
sire to change the government may be
irresponsible, IN which case the tempta~
ton for the leaders 10 divert the atten-
ton of the country TO soreign war
would be well-night irresistible. Hence
the deer interest of Frances neghbors-
LIKE BoULANGIsM.
For the moment the intense excitement
will probably find an outlet IN the re-
ne,val of the spectacle presented durin1
the liveliest days OF Boulangism. Hot
alterations in the streets. leading TO as
saults, are frequent. the police are guard
ing the houses Of prominent Dreyfusians.
and it is impossible TO foresee how the
arrests will end. Slander and denuncia-
ton are So rampant that the authorities
are taking special precautions 10 prevent
the calumnied from taking the law into
their own hands. Duels have already re-
suited.
A monster manifestation is preparing
in Paris for Sunday. Allegedly. II Is
anti-Dreyfusian; really. It is antl-Semitic.
and. unless prohibited. it is feared serious
flOtS may De the seQuel.
FRANCE IN EGYPT.
The movements OF the French on the
Upper Nile are again becoming unpleas-
antly prominent to those who imagined
that Great Britain had undisputeC claims
upon those regions. 1t is immaterial TO
discuss the exact whereabouts OF the
French expeditions. 1t suflces that. ac-
cording 10 the bulk OF evidence, they
70 "a IN
most fertile province OF the Egyptian
on the distinct mandate OF their
government. If this is true, and IL the
OF successive British cabi-
nets mean anything, NJ. Hanotaux. the
French Minister OF Foreign Affairs. has
brought about n casus belli.
Thus far NJ. Hanotaux seems to have
the advantage, but the game IL dam
gerous. Fear OF war with France will
not stop Great Britain from recovering
the whole Of the Egyptian soudan, Pnd
driving out any French expeditions which
may be found there, when, In the opinion
OF the Marquis OF Salisbury, the proper
time has arrived.
In the mean time, Prince Henry, OF Or
leans. IS fitting out at Marseiles. and
with the approval OF his gov
ernment an armed expedition TO subdus
provinces. claiming they be-
lDIEfu To ADyHSlli4 III UlrhltNoflN Aithtos
but in reality these provinces are identi-
cal with those Great Britain IS seeking
to restore 10 Egypt.
So. perhaps. there is some truth in the
story that the activity OF the British is
due TO tho Egyptian intelligence that tho
French Abyssinian troops have reached
that King Menelik is preparing
with the intention Of fol-
lowing up his success, and that 2 COM
mon policy, which IS morally supported
by Russia, unites France and Abyssinia-
TROUBLES IN PERSIA.
There are persistent reports OF grave
troubles threatening Persia. The Shah's
sovereignty has always been shaky. and
L is now affirmed TO be rapidly slipping
rom his grasp. Indeed, the situation at
reheran is described as being so preca-
'lous that n coup d'etat may be precipl-
ated at any moment.
An eminent person, who was lunching
-ecently with Mr.. Gladstone, asked hiin
what was the greatest danger threatening
treat Britain-was It France, Germany.
Russia, or American
None OF them" was the reply OF tho
,reat English statesman. '"rhe only
langer foresee is from the trades unions
md their attendant strikes"
The health OF the ex-Empress Eugenie
5 diSQuietlng her rheumatism grows
worse, and she is unable 10 cross room
lnassisted. However, IL Is hoped her
tay on the Riviera will recruit her
lealth.
LEWIS CARROLL"
The death OF Lewis Carroll 0he Rev.
:. H. DodesOn), author OF "Alics in Won
erland," has caused the greatest regret
n all parts OF Great Britain. The papers
re fun OK "reminiscences Of his stories,
howing how intense was his love for
and how universal was his shy
ess and dignity TO others.
Lewis Carroll" was very particular as
D his personal appearance His alert
gure and general yigOr conveyed the Inn
ression that he was much younger than
;. He never wore an oyercoat in his
fe. and continued 10 take long cons'i-
ltionals 20 the end. The deceased was
tayng with his sisters at Guilford when
e died.