The times., 1899-09-18
THE BLUNDERS OF FRANCE
A Washington Pastor Denounces
the Dreyfns Verdict.
The Rev. j. #. Heisse Says That
Truth, Justice, and Religion Were
on Trial at Rennes-A Change of
Attitude Toward the Land of La
fayette-Pnrdon Carries DishOnOr.

A large congregation was attracted to
Wesley Methodist Episcopal Chapel last
evening by the announcement that the pas
tor, the Rev. J. f. Heisse, would preach |
a sermon upon "Dreyfus and the Land of
Lafayette" The text was chosen from
Acts x:26 II myself also am man
The pastor referred to this text as throb-
bing with dignity and power and brother
hood If the statement of the Declara-
ton Of Independence" said he that all
men are born equal and are possessed of
certain inalienable rights, such as life, lib
erty, and the pursuit OF happi-
ness, be correct, then every man
whether richa or poor, learned or
unlearned, from the university rostrum
to the lowest plane of human life-can
stand up and declare, 4 myself also am a
man. The speaker said that in France
there had been much turmoil The eyes of
the civilized world had been lately looking
upon Rennes. Hearts had waited in breath
less silence for the verdict. 'Why?" asked
the speaker. "a man, A man, Why was
one man allowed to disturb money mar
kets, bring diplomatic relations to strain,
send unrest through armies, and de-
press international trade? Why not put
him in prison, stop the excitement, calm
the feyerish pulse? Because it means more
than single man on trial. Right, princi-
pie, truth, justice, brotherhood govern
ment, civilization and religion were on
trial! 1t Is a sublime spectacle when
individual looks into the faces of judges
| and juries and cries for justice"
The speaker made brief mention of the
help rendered the thirteen colonies by
France during the dark days OF the Amer
! ican Revolution. He described Lafayettes
triumphal tour in this country in 1924 and
1925. The hearts of this people were warm
toward the distinguished guest and his
native land.
France is "a great country" said the
! speaker. "She has sons who are men il
lustrious in science and literature, finance
and invention, craftsmanship and elo-
! Quence, Jurisprudence and theology
| France has contributed much to the worlds s
/ progress. But there is change in the
attitude OF all people toward that fair land
Why? The heart is sad. We would it
were otherwise but France has blundered
4 She has blundered before. She blundered
when she lighted her martyr fires She
4 biundered in her reign of infidel thought
According to the thinking of the world to-
| day she has blundered when one man has
stood asking for Justice
the right Of the pulpit to speak upon this
| question. 1T is the imperative duty of
the pulpit" he said, ito cry, Let justice
be done, though the heavens fall. II is
! the duty Of the pulpit to thunder the ques-
| tion, Shall not the judge of all the earth
! do right?' 1t is the duty of the pulpit TO
| say to nations as well as to individuals,
/ BE sure your sins will find you out; to
! announce the purpose of the coming of the
Messiah into this world, as set forth in
Isaiah xiii, 2, 3. The court at Rennes has
prevented a world right Press and asso-
Citations. pulpit and platform, organizations
! and Governments have locked on with hor-
ror."
The history Of the famous case was re-
viewed, and Zoia's letter of last Tuesday
was quoted. The speaker argued that in
VOWED in the ReunSs verdict were first the
rights OF the husband and father; second
justice TO the Jewish race; third, liberty and
truth; fourth, citizenship; fifth interna-
! tional comfy; sixth, brotherhood and sew
enth, religion. I3.lf
"'Dreyfus must not be pardoned If inno-
cent" said Mr. Heisse. "A pardon carries
dishonor IL guilty there can be no extenuat-
! ing circumstances. If the crime has never
! been committed the matter should not be
dropped until France has been deluged with
| DlooQ, ana out OF ner cflmS0ned neldS nave
sprung the fair flowers of justice, truth,
and right
After the verdict was inclined to Join
| the threatened boycott. That course may
not be the wisest. However, pressure by
all reputable Governments ought to be
brought TO bear upon that unfortunate, but
gay Republic until she renders justice to
the one oppressed. There will be another
act to this drama. How shall it end? If
not in justice for the innocent then as two
| storm clouds meet in the sky, cloud of
fury will rise out of Devils Isle and cloud
| of wrath out Of the disgrace of Dreyfus'
new Imprisonment In North Corsica, which,
meeting in madness over France once
sunny but now shadowed viii break in tor
rents. deluging and sweeping aside the
wrong, and the injustice shown to this
poor man.