The San Francisco call., 1898-02-13
2. 5. 2. 3. 5: 8 5. 5. 5: 5: 8 5: 5: 5. 8 5,

PARIS, Feb. 12.-We shall not see the finish this week of the burning, anguishing, panting affair which for weeks past has held Paris in a state of hypnotism which overshadows every thing, in business and politics both, and
 s causing such society embarrassment
 hat in order to render society gather ings possible in certain salons, host esses have given out the following formula: While sitting at the table, speaking on the subject of the Dreyfus question is forbidden. This applies not only to the Dreyfus affair but to all other affairs which are connected with 1t and spring out of this ques- tion.'
 What are Zola's feelings amid all this? I asked him the question. He replied: The more people insult me and cry after me the better I like it. I have behind my chariot a horde of insulters. I have always had them, ever since became known. and fear the day when shall not be surrounded by howlers.'
 For those who know Zola's pride these words may be an explanation partial explanation of affairs. He fears nothing so much as silence, and the defense of Callas by Voltaire and the pleading of Victor Hugo for John Brown inspired him with the idea of defending Dreyfus. He has wished to be before every one, to have something to do with everything, and not being able to realize all the ambitions which his prodigious will power for working seemed to warrant, having refused to become a Deputy because he was not an orator, having abandoned the idea of being received by the Pope, who re- fused him the entry of the Vatican, and also of entering the French Acad- emy, which seemed not disposed to open its doors, he considered that the pedestal had been placed before him in such a possible enterprise which inter ested him and invited his sincere con- victions, an enterprise which attracted him as a novelist, accustomed as he is to follW the thread of darksome in trigue. He believed, I say, in this role. If he could expose himself to mortif- cation and attacks he would also achieve unique rank and universal fame.
 From the point of view of the mo- toriety of the affair added to his name, he made no mistake, but perhaps he has discounted the sudden changing of opinion in France, which has not yet been brought out. It Is not likely, but very curious observation concern ing Zola was made to me in court at the last sitting by distinguished phil oIogist.
 Look" he said, "at those slight o+o tS of ha loft that declivity of the side of the mouth Are not these signs hardly yet notice able of the commencement of paraly- sis. the precursor of that kind of mad ness known as folie des grandeurs?" ?"
 Let us hope this observation is only a hypothesis, and not diagnosis. What will be the end? It is not pos sible to foretell the result Many an nounce an acquittal as possible, some even bet two to one, but seem more animated by their sympathies and the heated elOquence of Zola's counsel. La borie which contrasts with the cold, unpleasing speech of the Advocate General, Van Cassel.
 Several points for an appeal have al- ready been taken by the defense. The condemnation of Zola will not stop his partisans from attempting revision of the Dreyfus trial. As to Zola's acquit tai, that is rather improbable after the formal evidence of generals who seem to have made an impression on the jury. This acquittal would be the sig nal for grave troubles. It would be difficult to defend the person of Zola, also. Outside Paris, the Israelites in provinces, especially Algeria, would be subject to violence. which it would be difficult to suppress.