The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-02-22
N. EMILE ZOLA'S PLEA.
The Distinguished French Novelist
Addresses the Jury.
HE ACCUSES PREMIER MELINE.
Declares That the Presidents Chief
Adviser Has Ordered the Jury to
Return u Verdict Of Guilty-He Wig
orousiy Asserts Dreyfus' Innocence.

orousiy Asserts Dreyfus' Innocence.
Paris, Feb. 22-The court was packed
with people yesterday when the Zola
trial opened. There was no demonst ra :
tion when the military officers arrived.
but NJ. Emile lola was Missed when he
reached the court.
The proceedings opened with the ad-
dress of the advocate general, who de-
clared that M. Zolas assertion that the
Esterhazy court martial acquitted a
guilty person in accordance with su-
peror 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"
hdence that the jury would condemn M.
Zola without hesitation.
NJ Zoa next addressed the court, af-
frming his good faith and he created
a sensation by accusing the premier,
M. Meline. of having ordered the jury
turning d verdict of guilty, whereupon
the presiding judge told M. 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
w0uldy,some day announce his inno-
cenas. Al swear before the whole world
that Dreyfus Is innocent" exclaimed
M. Zoiht "and that France some day
will thank me for saving her honor
Such proceedings are an abominable
piece Of political manners. have never
insulted the army, as has been said, but
l have raised a cry Of alarm, and
leave history to judge me and to ap-
preciatc my acts. Those who dishonor
France are those who minge cries of
'Vive l'armee' with "A has les Juifs'
and 'Vive Esterhazy' after the letters
he has written. If am here, 1t Is be-
cause | wished 1t. 1t ISL who asked to
appear before you, who are the voice
of justice. 1t Is for you. gentlemen,
that I raise the cry of alarm, and that
] wish to bring out the truth perhaps
unsuccessfully, but here l stand before
you and wait your justice
Il am not defending my liberty In
presenting myself before you. am de-
Tending the truth. Look me in the face.
gentlemen. Have I been bought or am
! a traitor? am a 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. 1t 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.
M. Laborie, counsel for M. Zola, fol-
lowed with an eloquent speech. His
opening words, we are here in defense
of justice and right" were 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 innocence. Never
theless," continued M. Laborie, truth
will prevail. The elections will not be
allowed to pass amid mystery and am
blguities."
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-
tidence in the army, but it is now an in
suit to the army to raise cry yof alarm.
as M. Zola has done He spoke in strong
terms, but he did not insult the army"
The court then adjourned.