The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-09-12

, Dreyfus will be condemned is the al
Apost universal opinion heard in Rennes
ElOnight Hitherto there had always
been a divergence, but now both camps,
the Dreyfusards and the anti-Dreyfu-
sards, seem unanimous in the convic-
ton that the verdict will go against
him.
Upon just what this is based and the
precise reasons for the conclusion are
a mystery, but there is no Disgusting
the fact that, from NJ. Labor down to
the numerous Dreyfusards VINO crowd
the hotels and cafes and who last night
were still hopeful that Dreyfus would
be saved, all seem now to agree that
his last chance is gone.
The one source of hope is NJ. Labori
himself, who said this evening to the
corr espOndent of the Associated Press:
1--WE fear that Captain Dreyfus will be
condemned, but we do not intend 10
throw up the sponge. We shall go on
fighting for him.
NJ. Jaures the socialist leader, and
other prominent Dreyfusards expressed
a similar opinion. Excitement is at
fever heat and nothing is discussed but
the verdict of tomorrow.
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST RIOTS.
The military precautions are uf the
most elaborate character, and no at
tempt at disorder is likely to have the
slightest success. Orders have bean is
sued to represS the first symptom of
trouble with an iron hand.
A small anti-Semite meeting was
held here this evening and the complete
calm that attended it is an indication
of a quiet day tomorrow. A strong
force of gendarmes guarded the ap-
RToaches to the building where the
0Leeting was held, and the orders were
Is arrest the first man who raised a
~ seditious cry. Nothing, however, oc
Curred.
y Indeed, the inhabitants of the town
seem Indifferent, and the neighborhood
of the Lycee and the prison is deserted
save for a few gendarmes.
AS A SLIGHT TO GERMANY.
The news of the publication of Count
Won Buelows speech in The RetcEsan--
berger reached Rennes tonight and is
considered very important ON the event
of q verdict, which, in some quarters,
it is thought, will be regarded as a
Slight to Germany, if it be a condem-
nation, as being tantamount to a, public
refusal to take the word of Emperor
William. as his minister is merely his
mOuthDiece.
According to the last report, the YER
GlcJ may De u6llN6I6u DelNeeU duu d
o'clock tomorrow afternoon, the court
adjourning after NJ. Demange's speech
until 3 O'Clock.
LABORI NOT TO SPEAK.
There is some criticism of NJ. Labori's
decision not to speak. the friends of NJ.
Demange thinking it his object to es-
cape his share of the responsibility in
the event of a verdict of condemnation.
NJ Demange having once seen Drey-
fus condemned under his advocacy,
would naturally like NJ. Labori- to
share the criticism this time, especially
as NJ. Labori has assumed such a prom
inent part in the proceedings.
NJ. DEMANGES SPEECH.
a detailed report Of the proceedings
follows:
Amid intense silence and holding the
keenest attention from the audience NJ.
4 Demange shortly after the opening of
Ale proceedings of the Dreyfus court
nSartial today. rose to make the speech
khe defense. His opening remarks
81 med to meet with approval.
However solemn the occasion may
be-" he declared, Il must at the out
set protest with all my soul against
the allegation which one of the wit
nesses did not shrink from altering.
This witness did not hesitate to declare
that whoever advocated the revision OF
this case-thalt is to say, whoever be-
lieved in the innocence of Dreyfus-was
working against the army and against
the country 1 here declare that he
does not know me and that he does
not know Maitre Labori. Neither NJ
Labori nor myself would be here If
these statements were true. Let me
tell you simply this
THE day on which, amid the shock
of furious political passions L saw lie:
loose over our country this tempest OF
madness, when I saw everything had
learned to revere and love since child
hood imperiled, I, a F>renchman, the
son of a soldier, endured every torture
When I turned my eyes towards Devils
island, where was buried alive one who
from the bottom of my heart, believ-
ed to be a martyr began to wonder
il divine justice had not abandoned
him. Since then i have recovered.
have hardened to the voice of my con-
science and have pursued an undeviat L
ing course free from anger and passion
not needing hatred or prejudice I have
done nv duty. You will do yours which
is to mete out justice"
THE RITRDEN OF PROOF ON THE
PROSECUTION.
Continuing, M. Demange said hi
wished to define the prisoners posi-.
: dion, saying:
q "When the case OF the revision be-
AN. Drevfus was a convict and seri.
,ous presumptions of his innocence Were
cessary before the case couio ne tax
" up by the court OF cassdlloh. 10
day, it is for the public prosecutor q
prove his guilt. Let no one olahie US
therefore If we have not proved tn.
innocence of our client. The task wa