Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-01
WOUNDS REOPENED.
Dreyfus Again Breaks Down,
Through Memory of Suffering.
Faces and Denies Assertions Of A.
legged Confession Supporters.
"A Is Due TO Madame Drey'us that | am
Alive. Today"

Rennes, Aug. 31-Dreyfus. today,
had the most trying day he has yet
gone through. The strain proved too
much for him, and, for the second
time in the course Of the trial, he gave
way to his feelings and sought releaf
IN tears. The generals have branded
MN as traitor before the court,
their SubordinateS have pointed the
hnger Of scorn at him. But he only
once fiinched-when the official report
OF his treatment on DEVILS island was
read before him and the picture of his
sufferings. mental and physical, was
thrown wildly the screen of his
memory. Then he hid his features
and wept. He passed through another
such crisis, today, when, after Capt.
Lcbrun Renault and witness after wit
ness had brought up before him again
that cold January morning which
ushered in the scene of his degreda-
ton.
Major ForZeinetti, a man of heart
told in simple words and unaffected
manner the story of Dreyfus' struggle
with the maddening temptation to
take his own life and the intervention
Of his wife, as an angel, pointing out
the road of duty. The again the pris-
oner's breast heaved with emotion and
tear drops trickled down his cheeks.
He rose and after forced effort to
remain calm, as he spoke few words.
concerning his denial to Col Du Paty,
de Clam that he wrote the bordereau,
he turned to Forzinetti with a look of
thanks for his consolation SO needed.
DreyfuS then uttered these words of
heartfelt gratitude to his wife for the
courage with which she had inspired
him: 1T is due to her that l am alive,
today" The prisoner could articulate
no more but sat down abruptly to con-
ceal his distress.
The proceedings concluded few
minutes later and he was taken back
to his prison where his wife visited
him, and, in the presence of Nine.
Dreyfus and the gendarme on guard,
he completely broke down. The ten
sion had been too much for him. He
sobbed convulsively and the partner
of his sorrows joined him in a solace
of tears.
Capt. Lebrun Renault and. the sup
porters Of his assertion Of the Dreyfus
confession had an inning lasting near
ly the entire session. Their dispositions
contained little but what has already
been stated before the court of cassa-
ton.
Capt. Lebrun Renault introduced the
new assertion that the fact that he had
not related the incident of the confess
sion to President Casimir-Perier was
because he overheard himself called
"canaille," cur" and traitor" while
waiting at the Elysee. He. however,
could not explain why he kept iris to
himself instead of recounting the Incl
dent before the court of cessation. Nor,
did his explanation as to why he de-
stroyed the page of his note book con-
tanning the record of Dreyfus' confess
sion sound very convincing.
A very significant question was put to
Col. Guerin by a member of the court,
Lieut.. Col. Brongniart, who sits at Col.
Jouausts right hand and always puts
pointed questions. He has thoroughly
studied the Dreyfus case and is reput-
ed to be one OF the best authorities on
the case. 1t is certain Col. Jouaust
consults him frequently during the pro-
ceedngs. Brongniart is said to be a
rabid anti-Dreyfusard, and he, today,
in a quiet tone asked Col. Guerin if he
thought Nj. Weyl, who is friend Of
also knew Dreyfus. The
latter at once rose and declared he had
never before heard Of Weyl
The point of this question was that
EsterhaZy has written to Col. Jouaust,
as announced and has undoubtedly
mentioned Weyl as go-between for
Dreyfus. This is the person referred
to in yesterdays dispatch as w."
mistake for wv" If relations can be
proved between Dreyfus and Weyl, and
Esterhazy admits obtaining treason
able information from Weyl, then he
could assume Dreyfus was traitor.
The generals if sufficient evidence Of
/ Dreyfus Unsatisfactory connection
IAN be produced, can abandon the con-
ention that Dreyfus wrote the border
EAU and admit E,sterhaZy is the au-
hor Of it. This, possibly. is the change
lf tactics on the part of the generals
which has recently been limited at.
II was reported, this afternoon, that
Gems. MERCER, Roget and Gonse and
". CaVaignac met. today, at Gen. Mer-
ers house and discussed the evidence
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