The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1899-10-06

lived life of horrible suffering. His
guards were not permitted to speak to
him.
But there was some sympathy for the
lonely prisoner on Devils island. There
were people who did not believe him
guilty. and among them many thinking
Frcnchricn.
There were sporadic efforts made In
his behalf during 1895 and 1896. but.
they came to nothing. The army officers
and others constantly kept alive the anti
Semitic feeling. which has grown stron-
ger aad stronger each year in France.
Now md then the government was ques-
toned, but the inQUrcrs were silcnced.
Over and over again it was declared that
the government had in its possession ev-
idencc which proved Dreyfus' guilt be-
yond oil question.
Du Patty de Clam was promoted to
majorship. Colonel Picquart was placed
in charge of the secret service depart
ment. And this was an important event
for Dreyfu for Colonel Picquart Is a
fair man and an honest one, who believes
that truth and justice come before the
honor OF the army and his own free
dom.
1t came out that Emperor William Of
Germany had written to President Cast
mir-Perier at the time of Drcyfus' trial
giving his word of honor rs n man that
Dreyfus had not betrayed France to the
German government and adding that he
would if necessary give his word as an
emperor with all its consequences" 1t
trauspircd that the Italian ambassador
had made similar denial. Both he and
the German ambassador were compelled
to leave Paris because of the attacks
upon them made by the Paris newspa-
pcrs.
October. 1893. saw the beginning of
the real fight for the condemned man on
Devils island. So far as public kHowi-
edge goes. Il was opened by NJ. Scheu-
rcr- r-Kcstucr. His mere advocacy OF the
condeIancd captains innocence meant
much. NJ. SchCurcr-K * esther wrote a let
ter TO the minister for war, presenting
documents proving Drcyfus' innocence
and asking that his case he rcopcned.
He declared that the minister for war
promised to look into the matter and
make a reply within two weeks. Moth
ing was Gone and Ec sent 4 letter TO the
newspapers telling about it.
Thn scNatar also sent II letter to Gen
cral Elliot declaring that n rich and well
known officer, prominent in society, had
been requested TO rcs ign in cons Tcurnce
Of the continued leaking Of military Sc
crct,, after Dr"yfus' deportation. Nj.
Schcurc.-NCstu"rG declared that tIiS per-
son MS the author of tho bordercGu.
This i"ttrr male stir in Paris. 1t
drew Major EstHrh.xy into the case. In
fact. he den urccl Vi. Sch2urcr Ncstner
and denied ihc ch&vIs. Further he de-
clarcl tai Ac liz j -alt-u"l NGN!iional
proofs Of Drcyfus' guilt, which, ne said,
were placed in his hand by ~ rciled
|, lady"
Captain Drcyf"s' brother published n
direct accusat;on that Major ESterhazy
was tnr n;ithur or thc bordercau. And
there cam" 20 light many curious letters.
anaoDG them ouc ia which EstcrhaZy eX-
pressed TIE Dittrrcst nGtI"d for the Jews
and said he would Ike to slay ;,ll OF them
lie could. There wore also letters attack
ing F.IHcc. Major Estcrhazy's hand
writing hears strong rcscn.s lance to
thai ipcu wAich D.ryfus YVES convicted.
Aclusa'iH.!s as;:sia.. Estclha%y grew so
mapy that hc WIS compelled to request
COURT ila "i!al. lie wNs placed on the re-
tired list p lew inHntbs before the court
. lila rtial. although hc w&s perfectly well.
EateriaZy was. OF course, acquitted by
tle court martial. Mathicu Dreyfus. a
brothny oi Captain Drcyfus, Was the
! principal ucoGSer. Major Henry was the
, principal witness for the defense, and he
was supported also by Du Patty Gp Clam.
The attempt to open tho Drcyirs case
feNco. bit the evidence which Senator
! Scheursr-kcstrar presented to General
! BillOt, the minister 81 war, was still in
4, the possession Of the accused mans
| friends.
The strangely dramatic affair Of Drcy.
! fus " as destined to soon break out again.
fxsSA