The record-union., 1898-02-22
EXPRESSED Confidence That the Jury Would
Condemn the Accused.
N. Zola Reads an Address, Assert
ing That He Had Never Insu1ted
the Army, but Simply Raised a
Cry of Alarm, and That France
Would Some Day Thank Him
for Saving Her Honor.

PARIS, Feb. 21-The rains to-day de-
cimated the crowd about the approaches
TO the Assizes Court of the Seine, in the
Palace of Justice, though the court was
packed with people. NJ. Zola was Kissed
when he reached the court.
The Advocate General commenced his
address. He declared that NJ. Zola's
assertions that the Esterhazy court
martial acquitted guilty person in ac-
cordance with superior orders remained
entirely improved. Major Esterhazy,
he added, could not be the author of the
bordereau. and he protested against GER
tain newspapers accusing officers of
seeking to overthrow the republic.
The Advocate General severely criti-
cised the attitude of Colonel Piequart
and Nj. Leboies. and regarding the re-
proach that the court martial of Major
Esterhazy was conducted behind closed
doors, he said that when a question of
foreign affairs is under discussion, the
matter must be judged among French
men"
He added: THE Esterhazy court
proved the fact that they were divided
in opinion on the question of the trial
taking place behind closed doors, but
they We're unanimous in acquitting the
officer
In conclusion the Advocate General
expressed confidence that the jury
would condemn NJ. Zola.
The session Of the court was then sus-
pended.
When the session was resumed M.
Zola read an address to the court, IN
which he said that the Premier. NJ Me
line, had the air of giving the jury, who
are charged with the national honor, an
order TO find me guilty" loud pro-
tests.)
The presiding Judge said You can
not say that the Premier has given an
order TO condemn you
Continuing, NJ Zola said: such pro-
ceedings are an abomnable piece of
political manners. l have never insulted
the army, as has been said but | have
raised a cry OF alarm. and / leave his
tory to judge and to appreciate my acts.
Those who dishonor France" NJ Zola
said. ARE those who mingIe cries of
'Nive fArmee' with 'Abas Les Juifs'
and 'FiVe EsterhaZy,' after the letters
he has written. (Murmurs) If | am here
ii is because l wished. | asked 10 ap-
pear before you, who are the voice of
justice. 1t is for You, gentlemen. that
/ raise the cry of alarm, and that / wish
to bring out the truth, perhaps unsuc-
cessfully. but here l stand before you
and await your Justice
The speech was constantly interrupted
by Kisses and protests.
NJ. Zola complained of the prevailing
state of lassitude, and exclaimed: Your
thoughts, which l think l can read on
your faces, are: We have had enough of
it. The matter must be brought to an
end l am not defending my liberty,
gentlemen"
Zola said TO the jury: I'm presenting
myself TO you, l am defending the truth.
Look me in the face, gentleman Have l
been bought, or am | traitor? / am a
free writer. who intends TO resume his
vocation and again take up his inter-
rupted labors. l Indignantly protest
against the charge of being an Italian"
NO, he added, Il am not defending
my liberty. Condemn, then, if you
wish. 1t viii be but an additional error !
Will be the seed with which to germnata
and prevent France from falling into in
difference If the country is in trouble,
the fault lies with the Government, who
in the hope Of saving some culprit has
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, gen
tlemen of the jury, to utter the truth
upon this affair, and render justice"
NJ. Zola dwelt upon the fact that the
entire people had been thrown into pain
full anguish through doubts of the guilt
iness of Dreyfus and said: The Gov
ernment, who knows all. and who, like
You, are convinced of the innocence OF
Dreyfus. will one day make it known.
and will publish il without running any
risk"
Then raising his voice VI. Zola three
times proclaimed the following: Be
fore all the world l swear Dreyfus is
innocent" loud murmurs and Kisses
from the back of the court greeted this
utterance)
NJ. Zola concluded by saying: THE
day viii come when France Will thank
me for saving her honor" prolonged
uproar)
NJ Laborie. counsel for NJ. Zola, fol-
lowed with an eloquent speech. His
opening words. I'VE are here in defense
OF justice and right" were hailed with
loud protests from the back of the
courtroom. and counsel continued, re-
preaching 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 innocence.
Nevertheless. continued NJ Laborie
truth Will prevail The elections will
not be allowed 10 pass amid mystery
and antiquities" Renewed protests)