The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-09-10

M. Bertillon's theory, dealing at great
length with the different contentious,
admitting that some of them might con-
tent certain scientific minds. But,
he added it must not be for
gotten that genius had dan
gerous neighbor If the handwrit-
ing of the bordereau was disguised
how could Dreyfuss exclamation, This
handwriting has a frightful resem-
blance to mine" be explained? Coun-
sci said he was convinced the borderaau
was written in his natural hand by
Esterhazy. The paper on which it was
written also condemned Esterhazy.
Then M. Demange examined at length
the theory that Esterhazy was straw
man If Esterhazy was straw man,
could he have lost his head at the mo-
ment to such an extent that he contem-
plated suicide? The lawyer contrasted
the lives of Dreyfus and Esterhazy,
saying there We're nothing but idle tales
against the former. while the latter was
always in search of five-franc piece.
A Lack of Motive.
After reverting briefly to the charge
in connection with the Robin shell, M.
Demange protested against General
Merciers refusal to discuss the motives
as being merely psychological, while in
reality 1t was question of common
sense. There was an entire lack of mo-
tive in the case of Dreyfus, while there
was every motive upon the part of Es-
terhaZy.
Believe me-" added NJ. Demange.
my conviction grows from an honest
heart. l am convinced that the judges,
with the doubt which may remain in
their minds, will find it impossible to
declare the prisoner guilty, for they will
rather turn their eyes to men hiding
on the other side of the channel. l ask
you once more whether the noble, dig
nif1ed bearing of the prisoner since 1894
is not that of an honest, loyal soldier?"
After this, NJ. Demange, with his
voice broken with emotion, tears
streaming down his face and hands
trembling, concluded his brilliant fight
of oratory.
"Ah, gentlemen" said he, Il must
now close in order to restore you to
your well-earned repose, for l have now
been addressing you for two days. But
there is one thing which detains me.
When I have finished the last word of
the defense will have been said, and you
will go to your private room to consider
your verdict Once there, what are you
going to ask yourselves? If Dreyfus
is innocent? That is not the point.
But is he guilty? You will ask your
selves: Are we going to say he sent
these documents, when we don't even
know what they contain? And when
you say to yourselves, after having
heard that the defense is powerless to
throw complete light on the matter, but
speaking from sincere, honest convic-
ton, We do not know what he sent;
another may have given these docu-
ments, but he, no, no; these were
things he could not have given'-when
you say to yourselves further that this
writing is not his when you say to
yourselves, there is over there on the
other side of the channel a man of
whom we have to say. 1t is he will
there be, gentlemen, no doubt in your
minds? Doubt will be sufficient for me.
Doubt will mean his acquittal
A Loyal Soldier.
Gentlemen, ask only one thing, and
that is that this moment you cast one
more backward glance Remember
that the prisoner was on Devils island
Remember how for five years this man.
in spite of the most horrible sufferings,
Notwithstanding the most cruel torture
was never for single moment alone
a guard with him night and day; never
allowed to exchange a syllable with
felloW-creature. | am not speaking OF
the terrible mental torture to which he
was subjected. Well, gentlemen. the
spirit which these sufferings, these tor
lures could not curb. that spirit which
remained proud and high--I ask you is
it the spirit of traitor? I ask you If
it is not of loyal, true soldier? ] ask
If you can believe him to be a traitor
to his motherland? No, / have no need
to proclaim his innocence l say your
verdict will not be verdict of guilty,
for you have been enlightened. The
judges of 1894 had not been so en-
lightened. They had not be-
fore them Esterhazy's writing. But
you had it, that is the conducting wire.
las God has permitted you to have
it, my task is now accomplished 1t Is
for you to do yours. l pray God" eX-
claimed counsel, lifting his hands to
heaven. Il pray God that you will re-
store to our France the concord of
which she has so much need"
Then turning to the audience, in
which every eye was fixed upon him,
NJ. Demange added in conclusion:
As to you, whoever you may be,
be with me or against me,
finding inspiration in the sublime idea
OF M. Monard before the court of cas-
sation, | say to all, We are Frenchmen.
Let us be united in the common senti-
ment of love of country. love of jus
tice and love of the army"
AS he reached this climax counsePs
voice swelled like the tones of an or
gan. The close of his impassioned
peroration was followed by an outburst
of applause. which was Immediately
by the president.
NJ. LabOri then said he did not de- !
sire to speak, Major Carriere, however,
claimed the right to reply.
Carriere's Reply.
When the court resumed its session
Continued op PAGE Two.) i