Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-09-12
Indiscreet Sympathy for Dreyfus.

There is some danger that American in
dignation at French injustice as displayed
In the Dreyfus trial will so too far and
make this country not only absurd in the
eyes of the world, but inefficient as fac
tor for the rehabilitation of our fellow re-
public. Several instances of foolish resent
ms Mt have already been reported. Satur-
day, Immediately upon the announcement
of the verdict Chicago employer dis
charged half dozen French painters at
work for him, in token of his disapproval
of everything French Here were six in
nccent victims of race prejudice piiloried
on the same platform as that upon which
the Rannes court had tied Dreyfus. The
same spirit had prevailed in Chicago as in
Rennes. y few hours later an ebuiiient
citizen OF Indiana proceeded to burn a
French flag in a public place, amidst the
acclamations of the popuace. Now comes
man who styles himself a captain of vol
unteers, who challenges the notorious
Count EsterhaZy to a duel because of the
latter's nalodorous connection with the
persecution of Dreyfus. The days of chiv-
airy are gone. fortunately for civilization
No longer do champions range about fight
ing windmills. The state provides the
means Of redress for q vast majority of all
the ills which the individual suffers. Even
in France an appeal is possible from the
people mad with race prejudice to the peo-
pie calm in q serious realization of their
former folly.
This country undoubtedly throbs with a
deep sympathy for Dreyfus and for the
misfortunes of France. 1t is a potent fac
tor, too, in influencing International opin-
ion. But it can accomplish nothing by
childish displays of anger, by penalizing in
dustrious, peaceable Frenchmen, by burn
ing flags. or by fighting duels. When The
Star commented upon the verdict Saturday
it expressed the sentiment that 1.-The out
side world can do nothing in behalf of
Dreyfus. This declaration has since been
challenged by correspondent, who urges
in somewhat fiery terms that 1t is the duty
| of the United States to boycott the French
exposition. and to institute proceedings of
retaliation and punishment all along the
line. The Star, of course meant that the
United States along with the rest of the
outside world is unable to interfere direct
~. and to require the government at Paris
to overthrow the Rennes verdict and to ce-
store Dreyfus to the army by force of its
interpoEition.
The remedy in this case is moral pres
sure as far the world at large is con-
cerned. and it becomes a question OF how
TAR ana in what manner mat pressure
should be applied. France is assuredly vul-
nerable on her commercial side Already
the campaign of boycott Is under way.
Neither a boycott nor any other expression
of popular sentiment will be permitted to
involve this country in war with France,
or to sever commercial or political rela-
lions. or to estrange the French people
body from US. Our national interest is
not so acute that. But whatever can be
accomplished by a persistent discussion of
| the case, in the press, perhaps in the pull
| pit, assuredly In the circles of citizenship,
| to the end that powerful sentiment shall
! be evolved in advocacy of a further re-
| vision of this verdict, will unquestionably
| be maintained, and probably with good
| effect.