The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-09-12
And Private Citizens May Vent Their
Indignation by Refusing to Visit
Paris or Make Displays.
SENTIMENT OF THE COUNTRY
DREYFUS VERDICT CONDEMNED By
CHURCH AND OTHER BODIES.
Esterhazy Challenged to a Duel by
PheIan. n Ffre-Eater, Who Once
Came Near killing Fenian Rosa.

WASHINGTON, Sept. lit is believed
that when Congress assemblies there will be
considerable agitation of a proposition for
this government to abandon its participa-
ton in the Paris exposition. 1t is known
that expressions hostile to the exposition,
quoted from Senator Stewart, are very
widely sympathized In, and Ii is thought
that IL the conviction of Dreyfus is per-
mitted to stand, there will be very little
friendly feeling for France among members
of either the House or Senate. Such a move.
however would be grave one. 1t is pointed
out that to withdraw from participation in
the exposition would be regarded as an Of
fetal insult to France. No further legisla-
ton on the part of Congress is needed to
carry out the plans of this country for the
exposition. About sl.2Oo.OOO has been appro-
priated for the expenses of the commission
and the government exhibit the commits
sion has been appointed and the space de-
sired for exhibits from this country has
been secured.
There are now only two ways in which
Congress could interfere. One would be TO
revoke such part OF the appropriation as
has not been already expended in the ex
penses of the commission and the other
would be to pass a resolution declaring that,
on account of the unsettled conditions the
valuable government exhibits should not be
sent to Paris To do either of these things
would be sufficient. 1t is believed, to break
of all friendly relations between the two
countries.
Congress and the State Department may
look at the matter from different points of
view. The President and the State Depart
ment, having responsibility for maintain
ing our relations with foreign governments.
cannot be expected TO find in this affair
reason for involving the country in an in
ternational complication. and it is likely
that the executive branch of the govern
ment will use what influence 1t can to pre-
vent hasty action.
Unless Congress expressly forbids 1t, this
government will proceed with the prepara-
| tions for the exhibition and will send to
Paris such government exhibits as are de-
| cided on. but this will be done with a reali-
zation of the probability that much of the
| space secured with such difficulty for pri-
vate American exhibits will be left vacant
Little doubt is felt that the latitude all
| lowed the private citizen will be quite ex-
| tensively availed of to withdraw from par
| ticipation in the exposition.
Another difficulty In the way of an effort
to prevent participation in the exposition,
| however, will be found in the fact that. be-
| fore Congress has assembled much of the
/ government exhibit probably will be packed
| and on its way TO Paris. If not actually
| there. The exposition opens in April and the
work of transporting and preparing the ex-
| hibit will have to begin some months before
| that time. Up to this time, ii is said, the
| preparation of the government exhibit has
| not begun, but the work will proceed as
| soon as the government officials are ready.
Representative Hepburn, of Iowa, said,
/ to-day, that he had ceased to marvel at the
| methods of French army justice after OBJ
| serving how the trial of Dreyfus was con-
| Quoted. No such trial or verdict was posi-
| BILE In the United States. He did not think it
would in any way affect diplomatic rela-
| lions between this country and France nor
| did he think 1t would interfere with United
States exhibitors at the coming exposition.
| Representative Grosvenor, of Ohio, who
| has just returned from Europe, spending
| part of the time in Paris. when asked by
| Post reporter If the Dreyfus verdict would
| hurt the Paris exposition, replied: Beyond
| a doubt. No nation can afford to boycott
| the exposition as a nation, because such
| action would be direct insult to France
| but individuals can express their opinion
| and. in my judgment, thousands who would
otherwise have visited Paris will now re-
| main on this side. This will touch the
| French people in tender spot The French
| people are looking forward to making a
| good deal of money out of the show 1t is
good thing that the appropriation for the
| exposition has been made. Congress would
hardly be in the mood now to appropriate
| money