The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1898-02-24
N. Emile DOLA'S PLEA.
The Distinguished French Novelist
Addresses the Jury.
HE ACCUSES PREMIER NELINE.

Declares That tho Presidents Chief
Adviser Has Ordered the Jury to
Return . Verdict OF Guiity-Re viG-
orously Asserts Dreyfus' Innocence.
Paris. Feb. 22.-The court was packed
with people yesterday when the Zola
trial opened. There was no demonstra-
ton when the military officers arrived,
but NJ. Emile Zola was hissed when ne
reached the court.
The proceedings opened with the ad-
dress of the advocate general. who de-
clared that NJ. Zola's assertion that the
Esterhazy court martial acquitted a
guilty person in accordance with su-
perior orders remained entirely unprov-
ed. Major Esterhazy, he added. could
not be the author of the bordereau,
and he protested against certain news
papers accusing officers Of seeking to
overthrow the republic. In conclusion
the advocate general expressed con-
.idence that the jury would condemn NJ.
Zola without hesitation.
NJ Zola next addressed the court. af-
firming his good faith, and he created
sensation by accusing the premier,
NJ. Meline, of having ordered the jury
to avenEe the national honor by re-
turning verdict of guilty. whereupon
the presiding judge told NJ. Zola that
he must not make such charges.
Continuing M. Zola declared that the
government knew everything, was per-
fectly aware that Dreyfus was inno-
cent and that the ministers themselves
would some day announce his inno-
cence. Il swear before the whole world
that Dreyfus is innocent" exclaimed
NJ. Zola, "and that France some day
will thank me for saving her honor"
II am not defending my liberty in
presenting myself before you. l am de-
Tending the truth. Look me In the face,
gentlemen. Have l been bought or am
l a traitor? l am free writer, who in
tends to resume his vocation and again
take up his interrupted labors. Con-
denim me, then, If you wish. 1t will be
but an additional error. II will be the
seed which will germinate 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, gentle
men of the jury, to utter the truth upon
this affair and render justice"
The speech of the distinguished de-
fendant was constantly Interrupted by
Kisses and protests.
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, We're hailed with
loud protests from the back of the court
room, but counsel continued, reproach-
ing the authorities for being led astray
by passing interests and with not wish
ing to deal with the Dreyfus affair, al
though there are few senators or dep
uties who doubt his innoceEce. Never
theless," continued NJ. Gaborie, truth
will prevail. The elections will not be
allowed to pass amid mystery and am
biguities.'
NJ. LabOrie then proceeded to re-
proach the premier with refusing TO al
low generals to be Judged before the
jury, and he asked: Are generals,
then. above the legal conscience of the
country? our opponents talked of con-
fidence I'm the army, but it is now an in
suit to the army to raise a cry OF alarm
as NJ. Xola has done. He spoke in strong
terms, but he did not insult the army