The herald., 1898-02-08

seem that with four of you at five francs
apiece, the Dreyfus syndicate will not be
ruined
NJ. Zola, who arrived in a carriage
shortly afterwards, was greeted with
vehement shouts of "Conspuez Zola!"
("Spit upon Zola!O
An individual who shouted "Vive
Zola!" was promptly hustled and sup
pressed.
The proceedings commenced at pm,
unier the presidency of NJ. De lie
GorEue, who announced that the court
would be cleared if there was any DEM
onstration.
Although the court was thronged,
quiet was maintained owing to the
knowledge that a company of Republi-
can Guards had been placed at the dis
posal of the Judge to preserve order.
While the jury was being selected, M.
Zola entered the dock. He was pale. A
few cries of "Vive Zola!" were promptly
suppressed by the vigorous protests of
the majority of the audience
After the reading of the indictment,
the Acknowledgement explained that
the charge was strictly limited to the
passage in NJ. Zola's letter denouncing
Tie GotCiHdHy COuIl-IldTlldl.
Continuing, the Advocate General
said it was imperative to prevent the
proceedings from wandering, and thus
playing into the hands of the accused,
eql 10 uoIsIAeI ls5 OF 81 J! uIe esouM
DreyfuS affair by circuitous route"
Addressing the jury, Laborie said:
"The proof we wish to show you is so
striking that our own opponents are
making efforts to prevent it's becoming
known. Nevertheless, if it is necessary
/ will declare it alone, without witnesses.
If fail, Dreyfus will remain in the gall
leys, where he was placed by law ex-
pressly made for him." CViolent pro-
tests)
NJ. Laborie insisted that the judges of
Dreyfus should give evidence and that
Nine. Boulancy, whom Zola had sum-
moned 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 noto-
rious Uhlan letter, possessed others from
Maj. Esterhazy, outrageously insulting
the French army, which had not been
published. NJ. Laborie further contend
ed that Maj. Esterhazy was prosecuting
Nine. Boulancy in order to prevent her
from surrendering the letters.
Counsel for the Aurore supported M.
Laborie's request for the appearance Of
Nine. Boulancy, urging the court to OBJ
tain a verification Of her alleged ILL
health.
Later on M. Laborie insisted that the
dispositions made before the examining
magistrate be read in court. This was
opposed by the attorney general, on the
ground that the examination was not
concluded.
M. Laborie then violently protested
against the absence Of subpoenaed w.t.
nesses, and referring to the non-appear-
ance of Gen. Merciet 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. wa
unimportant. If this document. as he
declared, was unimportant, then the in
cident 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 salts
fed"
This attempt to drag the former minis-
ter of war into the witness stand caused
much commotion in court, which was in
creased when, on several members of
the Dreyfus court martial refusing to
testify M. Zola rose up in the dock and
Indignantly cried: 1--WE must know if
these persons are acting under the or
ders of the minister of war or their own
volition."
The court decided to allow the accused
to call evidence in support of the charges
contained in his letter, including the ac-