The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-12
CRISIS IN DREYFUS CASE.
MS ENEMIES WILL PLAY THEIR
TRUMP CARD TODAY
Gen. Mercier VIII Seek to Introduce New
Evidence and Force n Further Inquiry
Hope to Delay Matters and Overthrow
Ministry-Drcyfus's Counsel Prepared.

Special Cable Deiputch 10 THE SUS
RENNEs. Aug. 1l.-To.morrow will be tho
critical day in the Dreyfus trial 1t is expected
that Gen MERCER. ex-Ministcr Of War. who
has shown himself bitter enemy OF tho pris-
oner. will seek to introduce new evidence for
the purpose OF obtaining n further inquiry.
with the object OF delaying the proceedings
until the Chamber of Deputies meets in the
hope that the government will then he beaten.
The danger is seen by the defence. which Is
powerless to prevent the manTuvre.
The secretary Of Maltre Demange. one OF
Dreyfuss counsel explained to THE SUN cor
respondent to-day the procedure that will DO
followed in the event OF Gen. MERCER carrying
out his supposed intention. The tribunal itself
is unable to decree an adjournment unless re-
quested to do SO by the public prosecutor. The
defence will then be asked If they have any OBJ
lection, when the nccused's counsel will be en-
ablcd to argue against an adjournment. The
tribunal will then retire to consider the matter.
and on returning will give Il final decision.
Should Gen. MERCER raise irrelevant matter
the counsel for the defence will be powerless to
prevent him. Article 80 Of the Criminal Code
providing that witness must not be inter-
rupted. though the accused and his counsel
may subsequently cross-examine the witness
on what he has deposed. Article 1919 OF the
military law accepts Article $40 Of the Criminal
Code.
The defence fully expects some such move
to morrow from Gen MERCER. who is playing
his last card TO save his own skin and his mill
tary prestige. Everything depends on the at
titude taken by the tribunal. On one hand the
members are influenced by the feeling Of
military brotherhood to save the Generals.
while. on the other personal motives fortuna
t"ly influence them to render justice for
Dreyfuss acquttal means the cashiering of
many superior officers. which will cause more
rapid promotion for those holding subordinate
positions. Thus. luckily. sinister motives neu-
tralize one another
Meanwhile a strong impression exists that
that the tribunal was deeply moved by its ex-
animation Of the secret dossier. Tho seven
officers withdrew to examine this collection OF
documents. profoundly believing that the re-
suit would follow which War Minister after
War Minister openly declared followed their
examination OF the papers. Rumor. however.
reports that the mem bers of the tribunal were
thunderstruck to find that the dossier. though
yoluminous. was absolutely worthless as
proving the guilt OF the accused
Everything therefor turns on Gen. Mercier's
threatened cOup de theatre whatever that may
prove to be.
session Of the court martial was held from
Z O'Clock until $50 o'clock this morning. show
ing that the examination of the dossier has not
created any friction. NJ patologuo has finished
his explanation Of the political dossier
PARIS. Aug. 1.-THE papers here are indulg
ing in anxious speculation regarding the evil
dence that Gen. MERCER. ex- Minister of War,
will give before the court martial at Rennes.