The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-07

cials 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
people surrounded the court, anxious to
gain admittance. The police measures
taken to secure order were most rigOr-
Gus.
The crowds increased in number all
the morning. The arrival of Henri
Rochefort was the signal for shouts of
'Vive Rochefort'' and counter cries of
"A Bas RochefOrt."
Turning in the direction of the hostile
cries, NJ. Rochefort shouted: 1T would
seem that with four of you at five
francs apiece, the Dreyfus syndicate
will not be ruined"
M Zola, who arrived in a carriage
shortly afterwards, was greeted with
vehement shouts of: "Conspuez Zola"
(Spit upon ZOla.)
An Individual who shouted: 'Vive
Zola," was promptly hustled and sup
pressed.
The proceedings commenced at 1 p.
m. under the presidency of NJ. Dele
gorgue, who announced that the court
would be cleared if there was any DEM
onstratiOn.
Although the court was thrOnged,
quiet was maintained owing to the ac-
knCWledg dgement that a company of
guards had been placed at the disposal
of the judge to preserve order
While the jury was being selected, NJ.
ZoIa entered the dock. He was pale.
A few cries of 'Vive ZOla" were
promptly suppressed by the vigorous
protests of the majority of the audi
enCe.
After the reading of the Indictment
the advocate general explained that
the charge was strictly limited to the
passage in NJ. ZOla's letter, denouncing
the Esterhazy cOurt-martiaL
Continuing, the advocate general said
it was imperative to permit the pro-
ceedings from wandering and thus play
ing into the hands of the accused whose
aim it is to get a revision OF the Drey-
fus affair by a circuitOus route.
The court decided to allow the ac-
cused to call evidence in support Of the
other charges contained in his letter,
including the accusations which he
made against Col Patty du Clam and
Generals NIercier, BOisdeffre, Billot and
PeIlieux. NJ De La BOurit rerad a
number of letters of excuse including
one from the minister of justice. NJ
Darlan, announcing that the minister
for war. Gen. BillOt, had not received
the authority of the cabinet to testify
NJ. DelgOrgue also received letter Of
ex-President Pierier saying he could
not testify except as to facts subse-
Quent to his presidency.
Col Patty du Clam was then called
and refused to testify.
NJ. La Bourie urged the Importance
of his testimony adding that unless the
court ordered the witness to testify he
might be compelled to demand an ad-
journment until the next sessions.
Counsel also said he was not prepared
to oppose a secret trial if it was absO-
lutely necessary. But continued NJ
Bourie, the allegation that the matter
they were discussing was connected
with state secrets and the national de-
fense, was a mere joke.
The advocate general thereupon pro-
fad n fTlCf 6o
ing called a joke, to which NJ. La BOurie
hotIy replied that he would not permit
anyone even the admiral general to ca st
suspicion on his patriotism. (Cheers)
The hearing of the case was ad-
journed at p. m. There were no SEN
sational incidents.