The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-02-08


Zola and NJ. Perreux, manager of the
Aurore, who are being prosecuted by
the government as the result of a let
ter which the novelist caused to be
published in the Aurore in December
last, strongly rejecting upon high Off
cials connected with the Dreyfus case,
opened today in the assizes court of the
Seine. NJ. Zola was represented by NJ.
LabOrie and NJ. PerrieuX was defend
ed by NJ. Clemenceau.
1t was a day of considerable emotion
but scanty progress. NJ. Scheurer-
Kestner and NJ. Matthew Dreyfus were
conspicuous in court, and in the audi
ence were several notable people and
many ladies, especially actresses, most
of whom were provided with sand
witches and bottles of wine.
MADAME lola.
Madame lola was almost crushed
out of sight in a back corner. Madame
Severine, the authoress, and NJ. Zola's
devoted champion, was also there
When NJ lola entered everybody was
on tiptoe to get a glimpse of him,
and there was some disorder pending
the arrival of the Judges.
Jcarcely was he seated when a bun
die of kilograms was handed to NJ
ZOla, all addressed "Zola, court of as
sizes, Paris" and other kilograms
poured in during the proceedings, al
together 400. from all parts of the
world. offering sympathy and con-
gratulations-
SIGNED BY PRIESTS.
One from Belgium, bearing the sig
nature of legal and literary. celebrities
and signed by a group Of Roman Cath
ole priests, said: Viva la justicer'
ia I'm 81
the barristers:
What is the maximum penalty to
which ! am liable?"
On being told that it was six months
imprisonment, he rejoined, smiling, IF
the rules could but merge from this
trial. I would willingly take six months
more"
Maitre LabOrie,. who bore the brunt
of the days discussion, is a blonde
tail, slim, typical Gaul, only IS years
old, and one of the youngest and most
brilliant Partisan advocates.
His eloquence e&torted applause even
from his adversaries, and produced a
profound impression.
SCOPE RESTRICTED.
The proceedings at the present stage
are q struggle between Maitre Laborie
and Advocate General Van CaSsel. the
latter being determined to restrict the
scope of the trial and the former to
enlarge it.
There is no doubt that the visible
efforts Of the government to suppress
inquiry by its refusal to allow General
Billot, minister of war, and other i'm
portant witnesses TO testify. came as a
great surprise to the audience. Maitre |
LabOrie created quite a sensation by
eXclaimlng. ironically: What a pas
sion for light there is on the part of
the prosecution.
There was some murmuring in court |
when letters of excuses were read from |
General MERCER and others, and there |
was a futter of excitement when Mai |
tire Laborie insisted upon the attend |
ance of the aristOcratic Nine. Blanche |
de Commilges, who protests that illness |
prevents her from testifying Her |
name was mixed up in the unsavOry
story of blackmail connected with Ma
jor Patty de Clam, and the mysterious
yelled LADY,
KEY OF WHOLE STORY.
Maitre Laborie contended that Major
Patty de Clans evidence was the key |
to the whole story and that the jury
must make its own reflections upon
their refusal to allow him to testify
The advocate general bit his lip. but
remained Silent. Altogether the decis-
ion of the court as to whether the wit
nesses shall be compelled to attend is
awaited with supreme interest.
VI. ZOla, who was interviewed late to-
night, looked rather haggard and was
hoarse. but he seemed buoyant and,
sIcke hopefully of the days proceed
ings.
He praised the moderation and cour-
tesy of the president of the court He
said he believed he had already pro-
dUced some effect on the public mind
adding that the days record was better
than he had ventured to hope.
OUTSIDE FEELING.
Il am convinced" he said. that out
side feeling is growing rapidly in favor
of a full inquiry. 1t was too much TO
expect that all the truth would come to
light at the hearing, but l believe we
shall see a little. Once the French peo-
PIE can be made to see a duty, they
VIII do it at whatever cost am well
ccntent with the days work.
NJ. lola proposes to reserve his own
manifesto, if permitted to offer il at all,
until the close Of the hearing.
EsTERHAZY'S MENACE.
NJ. Laborie, in his application for
subpoena for Madame ROulancy says: l
The appellants have ascertained that
CoSlte Esterhazy has thrice written
her, menacing her with death should ,
she surrender the documents. with the
result that Madame ROulancy has left '
her home and concealed her new ad- {
dress As before mentioned, these doc l
umestg have direct bearing On the
present case. The appellants ask also U
that a. officer Of the court be sent to :
imDound all kilograms and letters from L
Comte Esterhazy in the possession of !
Boulancy."