New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-22
ZOLA,S DEFIANT APPEAL.
DRAMATIC ADDRESS TO THE JURY
THAT IS TRYING HIM

AMID Kisses AND MURMURs IN THE COURT
RooM-M LABoRrs ADDRESS TO THE JURY.
Paris. Feb. 21.-The rains to-day decimated
the crowds about the approaches to the Assizes
Court Of the Seine. in the Palace of Justice,
though the court itself was packed with people.
There was demonstration when the military
officers arrived, but Emile Zoa Kissed
when he reached the court
When the proceedings OF the thirteenth day
of the trial Of NM. Zola and Perreux began the
Acknowledgement began his address. He
severely criticised the attitude Of Colonel Pic
quart and NJ. lie Bois. and regarding the re-
proach that the court-martial of Major Ester
hazy was conducted behind closed doors. he
said that when a question Of foreign affairs is
under discussion the matter must be Judged
among Frenchmen." He added: THE Ester
hazy court proved the fact that they were dlvid-
ed In opinion on the question of the trial taking
place behind closed doors. but they were unanl-
nous in acquittng the officer"
The Advocate-Genera declared that NJ Zola S
assertion that the Esterhazy court-martial ac-
quilted guilty person in accordance with SUI
perior orders remained entirely improved. Major
Esterhazy, he added, could not be the author of
the bordereau. and he protested against certain
newspapers accusing officers of seeking to over
throw the Republic. In conclusion, the Advo-
cate-General expressed confidence that the jury
would condemn NJ Zola without hesitation. The
session Of the court was then suspended
zOLA ATTACKS THE PREMIER
When the session resumed. NJ. Zola read
an address to the court in which he said that
the Premier, M. M4line. had the air Of giving
the jury. who are charged to avenge the Ma
tha =
protests)
The Presiding Judge said You cannot say
that the Premier has given an order to con-
denim you"
Continuing. NJ. zola said: such proceedings
are an abominable piece of political manners.
l have never insulted the army, as has been
said. but l have raised a cry OF alarm, and l
leave history to judge me and to appreciate my
acts.
Those who dishonor France" NJ Zola re-
marked. ARE those who mingle cries Of 'vive
rArmee! with A bas les Juifsr c'Down with the
Jews!) and Vive Esterhazyl after the letters
he has written. Murmurs) II am here It
is because I wished It. II is who asked to ap-
pear before you, who are the voice OF Justice
1t is for you. gentlemen. that / raise the cry
OF alarm, and that 1 wish to bring the
truth. perhaps unsuccessfully, but here stand
before you and await your Justice"
NJ. Zola then complained OF the prevailing
state OF lassitude, and exclaimed:
your thoughts. which | think I can read on
your faces. are: We have had enough Of 1t.
The matter must be brought to an end.'
Il am not defending my liberty, gentlemen.
NJ Zola explained 10 the jury. in presenting
myself before you. / am defending the truth.
Look me in the face, gentlemen. Have 1 been
bought, or am | a traitor? / am free writer
who intends 70 resume his vocation and again
take UP his interrupted labors."
DENIES BEING AN ITALIAN.
II Indignantly protest against the charge OF
being an Italian.
NO" he added, II am not defending my lib
erty. Condemn me- then. II you wish. 1t will be
but an additional error. II will be the seed
which will germnate and prevent France from
falling into indifference If the country is In
trouble. the fault lies with the Government,
who, in the hope Of saving some culprit, had
tried to prevent the truth from coming into the
light of day. The very life of the people Is at
stake. 1t is for you. gentlemen of the jury, to
utter the truth upon this affair and render JUS
tice."
NJ Zola then dyyelt upon the fact that the en-
tire people had been thrown into painful anguish
through doubts of the guiltness Of Dreyfus.
and said
THE Government who know ALL and who.
like you, convinced OF the innocence or Drey-
fus will one day make 1t known. and will pub
lish it without running any risk"
Then. raising his voice, NJ. Zola three times
proclaimed the following
Before all the world, swear Dreyfus Is IN
nocent,"
Loud murmurs and Kisses from the back OF
the courtroom greeted his utterance
NJ Zoa concluded with remarbng:
THE day will come when France will thank
me for saving her honor" prolonged uproar)
LABoRI ARoUsEs OPPOSITION.
NJ Labori counsel for NJ. Zola, followed with
an eloquent speech His opening words were:
I'VE are here in defence Of justice and right"
They were hailed with loud protests from the
back OF the courtroom. but counsel continued,
reproaching the authorities for being led astray
by passing interests" and with mot wishing to
deal with the Dreyfus affair, although there are
few Senators or Deputies who doubt his inno-
cence." .x
Nevertheless" continued NJ. Labori, truth
will prevail. The elections will not be allowed
TO pass amid mystery and antiquities. IKE
newed protests)
NJ Iabort then thanked "sll those personages
OF the Intellectual elite Of France who nave had
the courage to seek for truth and light
Counsel referred TO the inspired articles In
the nress INTENDED to deceive the country. and
remarked: ,,. -. oo,
faith and loyalty. whose aim IL 10 OBTAIN Justce
and this syndicate has the greatest faith III your
perspicacity. ,. - t,,
This remark caused violent uprodI' against
which NJ Labori vehementy protested
An individual in the back OF the courtroom
shouted:
''How much have they paid your
To this NJ Labori retorted
''If we had been paid. such as you would nave
applauded US
GENERALS SAVED FROM JURIES.
NJ. Labori then proceeded TO reproach the
Premier with refusing 10 allow generals TO be
,,doed befora a Jury, and he asked:
"Are generals, then above the legal conscience
., the country? our opponents talked Of conf
dence I'm the Army. We. too have confidence IN
n hut IL is not an insult to the Army TO raise
a cry OF alarm as NJ. Zoa has done. He spoke
In strong terms but he did not insult the Army.
In conclusion, NJ. Labor declared that ne IN
tended TO prove NJ. Zolas good faith. and re-
view the whole affair