The times., 1899-09-12

great indignation meeting, which may
be productive OF vitally important results,
has been called for tonight for the pur-
pose OF entering a strong American pro-
test against the verdict rendered by the
Dreyfus court-martial. The meeting will
be held in Masonic Temple. corner Of Ninth
and Street northwest. where men .lromi-
lent in business, literature, and public
affairs have promised 10 voice their senti-
ment In favor OF general American boy
colt OF the coming Paris Exposition They
hope TO demonstrate to the French people
that the citizens of this country love fair
play: that they are convinced that Captain
Dreyfus was not fairly tried, and that fair
minded people vigorously condemn the
manner in which the trial at Rennes v as
conducted.
The news Of the result of the trial was
received here Saturday as shock The
reconviction Of the prisoner was bitterly
regretted because the American public be-
lieved Dreyfus was innocent. Afterward
wave Of indignation spread over the city,
and. on Sunday many ministers denounced
from the pulpit the verdict OF the French
tial Yesterday the subject was discussed
throughout the city and especially among
leading professional and business men.
Arrangements were completed for great
gathering to be held tonight. The use OF
Masonic Temple was given TO the cause
and a number of well-known men consent
ed to speak.
The Rev. Dr. Alexander Kent, the Rev.
Dr. Samuel DOmeT, and Simon Wolf are
expected TO speak. and others whose names
could not be learned last night have also
promised to make addresses. An invitation
is extended through the press to all per-
sons. OF every religion, occupation, and
walk in life to attend A general outpour-
ing OF citizens is expected Il VIII be open
ed with the selection Of chairman and
after the mass meeting has been organized
the addresses will begin. An effort will
be made to secure the presence of l. Zang-
viii the author, who is in the city.
So far as can be learned the meeting VIII
be the first Of the kind in this country
II is understood though, that similar meet
ines viii be held IN other cities, and that
the talk Of boycotting Of exposition is ma
tional II was learned last night that one
OF Naryland's Representatives in Congress
expressed himself as intending, when Con-
Eress meets 10 do what he can TO have
that body undo the act which pledged this
country TO make an exhibit at the Paris
Fair.
one OF the men interested in tonight's
meeting said last evening that IL is pro-
posed TO adopt strong resolutions sym
pathizing with Dreyfus and deno1ncing
the injustice OF his sentence. These reso-
lufions will ask Americans in all parts
OF the country TO combine in an endeayor
10 have the sentence remitted. The reso-
lutions will, il is said, also petition the
President to WELD his influence TO discoHr-
age American support Of the exposition.
II 81 is found today that the President
cannot interfere a committee viii be ap-
pointed to request Congress 10 withhold
support from the projected fair.
The officials of the Government are
watching with a great deal OF interest the
expressions Of opinion from public men,
ministers OF the gospel, and associations
ali over the country in regard to the YER
dict OF the court-martial in the Dreyfus
case. So far everything indicates that the
sentiment Of condemnation OF the court
martiai's findings is general and il is real
ized in official circles that the public in
dignation is soon likely TO break forth into
public demonstrations, by mass meetings
and otherwise. against the participation of
The United States in the Paris Exposition.
Already there have been indications that
a concerted effort viii be made to influence
Congress 10 repeal the act appropriating a
large amount Of money for United States
Government exhibit al Paris. II has also
been brought 10 the attention of the Fed
eral authorities here that a movement is
on foot 10 organize mass meetings through
out the country for the purpose of adopt
ing petitions TO the President to do all
in his power TO influence Congress 70 re-
peal the appropriation.
Some consideration has been given al
ready 70 that aspect OF the matter. and the
officials say that there is only one course
to pursue The President cannot they
say. do otherwise than ignore any resolu-
tons calling on him TO corntenance an act
which might disturb our friendly rela-
1ions with France. He viii unquestion.
ably take the stand that however, bite
the people OF America may feel toward
France on account OF the Dreyfus verdict
The Government cannot regard the case a.
one in which il has any concern.
At a largely attended meeting Of th'
Central Labor Union. held last night. witt
President Szegedy in the chair, resolu-
tions severely condemning the conviction
OF Captain Dreyfus were adopted. Th'
verdict was characterized as an outrag'
against Christianity and civilization and ;
disgrace 10 the French Republic,