The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1898-02-07
ZOLA'S ORDEAL.
French Yellow Spirit Condemns
Dreyfus' Defender
Unheard.

rBy Gable to The Associated Press.
PARIS, Feb. Z, 1S9S.-The trial of M.
Emile Zola, who is being prosecuted by
the Government as result of the letter
which he wrote last December to the
"Aurore," strongly rejecting upon high
officials connected with the Dreyfus case.
opened today in the Assize Court OF the
Seine The most keen public interest was
manifested in the case. Hundreds of peo-
pie surrounded the Court, anxious to gain
admittance. The police measures taken to
insure order were most rigorous.
The crowds increased in numbers all the
morning The arrival of NJ Henri Roche
fort was the signal for shouts of ''Vive
Rochefortp' and counter croies of "a Bas
Richefort''
Turning in the direction of the hostile
cries, M. Rochefort shouted:
"It would seem that with four of you at
five francs apiece the Dreyfus Syndicate
will not be ruined
M. Zola, VINO arrived in a carriage short
ly. afterwards, was greeted with vehement
shouts of: 'Conspuez Zolav' ('Spit upon
Zola!')
An Individual who shouted 'Vive Zola!'
was promptly hustled and suppressed.
The proceedings commenced at 1:3O Pm.
under the presidency of M. Delegorgue,
who announced that the court would be
cleared if there was any demonstrations.
Although the court was thronged, quiet
was maintained, owing to the knowledge
that g company of Republican Guards had
been placed at the disposal of the Judge
to preserve order.
While the jury was being selected NJ
Zola entered the dock. He was pale, and
few cries Of ''Vive Zola!' were prompt
ly suppressed by the vigorous protests of
the majority of the audience.
After the reading of the indictment the
Advocate General explained that the
charge was strictly limited to the pas
sage in NJ Zola's letter denouncing the
Esterhazy court martial.
Continuing, the Advocate General said
imperative to prevent the proceedings
from wandering, and "thus playing into
the hands of the accused, whose aim is
to get a revision of the Dreyfus affair by
circuitous route
At this juncture three experts in hand
writing, who were charged in NJ. Zola's
letter with making fraudulent reports,
asked permission to appear in the action
counsel for NJ. Zola, objected and the
court upheld him.
In regard to the limitation of the scope
of the trial, the court decided to allow
the accused to call evidence in support
of the other charges contained in his let
ter, including the accusations which he
made against Colonel Patty du Clam, and
Generals Mercier Boisdeffie Billot and
Pellieux.
| After reading the names of the witnesses
summoned M Delegorgue read a number
of letters of excuse, including a letter from
the Minister of Justice, M. Darlan, an
nouncing the Minister of War, General
Billot, had not received the authority of
the Cabinet to testify. NJ. Delegorgue also
Tread a letter from ex-President Casmir-
Perier saying he could not testify except
as to facts subsequent to his Presidency.
Colonel Patty du Clam was then called
and refused to testify.
NJ Laborie, urged the Importance of his
testimony, adding that unless the Court
order the witness to testify he might be
compelled to demand an adjournment un-
til the next sessions. Counsel also said
he was not prepared to oppose secret
trial if it was absolutely necessary.
But, continued, M. Lahore, the alega-
ton that the mater they were discussing
| was conencted with State secrets and the
National defense was mere joke.
The Advocate General thereupon pro-
tested against the National defense being
called a Joke to which NJ. Laborie hotly
replied that he would permit no one not
| oven the Advocate General, to cast sus-
picion upon his patriotism. (Cheers)
David Christie Murray. the novelist and
playwright. had column interview yes
terday with Emil Zola. which is published
| to day in the DAILY News" Zola, it APP
pears, was anything but hopeful at the
outcome of his trial and said
eve know everything concerning the
Dreyfus case: but it is impossible to de-
scribe the pressure to impose silence upon
| the men who are able and ready to re-
! veal the truth. Our documentary evil
| dence is not even looked at, and our wit
I nesses have refused to testify or have
| been ordered to be silent. There is no
| room for doubt. There is no question or
| possibility of a question. The facts are
| clear and absolutely beyond denial; but
| the authorities refuse to allow us to pro-
! duce our evidence. and then hold up the
| feebleness of our cause to the derision OF
| the public.