The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-01-25
EXCITING SCENES
OVER TIE DREYFUS CASE IN
THE FRENCH CHAMBER.

The Premier's Refusal to Make satisfac-
tory Reply to an Interpolation Calling
for Dreyfus' Confession Causes a Riot-A
Free Fight Ensues I'm the Chamber-such
Words as "Lie," "Scoundrel' and "COw-
ard Banded About-Troops Stationed
in the Hall.
Paris, January 22.-The chamber of
deputies was thronged today and there
was great excitement when ex-Minister
Cavaignac repeated the Interpolation
of the government on the subject of
Dreyfus, of which he had previously
notified the ministry. He affirmed the
existence of the report of Captain
Lebrun-Ronaud, containing the con-
fession of Dreyfus, whose guilt, he
added, was thus established and
blamed the governments silence,
which, the speaker claimed, permitted
criticism of an affair legally decided
He asked the government to furnish
clear explanation of the situation.
The premier, NJ Meline, in reply
said he could not communicate the
contents of Captain LebrunR Rcnaud's
report. The government did not think
it right to publish it, because the min
listers thought a parliamentary discus
sion would affect the judicial charac-
ter of the whole affair, and once the
discussion was opened, it could not be
oil 4 L.
paign in regard to Dreyfus was de-
plorable. A great writer had used his
pen to dishOnor the army. prolonged
applause and violent protests) M.
Meline blamed the newspapers for
supporting Dreyfus and declared the
government had only done it's duty in
prosecuting Emile Zola.
At this point the president of the
chamber, Mr.. Brisson, intervened and
abjured the deputies to calmness and
to set an example at the critical mo-
ment when the streets were crowded
with disorderly bands.
Regarding the street disturbances
the premier said the government
would know how to speedily quell
them and re-establish order.
M. Cavaignac replied that the moral
result sought had been attained, ad-
ding that he desired to withdraw his
Interpolation. This caused great ex-
citement in the house and Mr. Jaures,
the socialist leader, re-introduced Mr..
Cavaignac's Interpolation of the gov
ernment. Continuing, Mr.. Jaures
characterized as lies the "incom-
plete charges filed in the prosecution
of Zola.
M. DebOrnis, conservative, accused
Mr.. Jaures of being the spokesman of
the ''Dreyfus syndicate" to which M.
Jaures replied: "You are scoundrel
and coward!"
Mr.. Debornis thereupon made
rush toward the tribune, but he was
seized by several socialists and a Sc
ries of fights ensued, during which NJ
Debronis fought his way to the tri-
bune and struck M. Jaures.
The conservatives and socialists
charged the platform and the melee
became general, with fighting and
shouting on all sides.
The president of the chamber, NJ
Brisson, being powerless to restore
order, left the chair, saying: 'I am
going to. consult the procurator gen.
eral.''
A few minutes later the order was
given to clear the tribune, amidst the
greatest excitement among the depu-
ties and journalists, who were threat
ening and jostling each other, and al
most coming to blows.
1t was asserted that M. Debornis had
accused M. Juares of being paid by the
'Dreyfus syndicate"
After the attack made upon him, NJ
Jaures was the object of an ovation
upon the part of the socialist deputies
When the order was given to clear
the tribune, the reporters were invited
to retire but before SO doing several of
them made a demonstration in favor
of M. Jaures, shouting "Bravo!" "Vive
Jaures!"
The newspaper men and the public,
pouring into the lobbies of the house.
found them occupied by armed troops,
that had been summoned when the
disturbance began in the chamber.
On learning this, many of the deputies
protested, and the soldiers were with
drawn. The spectators who had in
the meanwhile assembled in excited
groups outside the Palais Bourbon
Sotherwise the chamber of deputies)
were calmed by the announcement Of
the decision.
Preacher Charged Wite Forgery