The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1899-08-24
LABORlS GREAT DAY
His Return to Court of Vast
Aid In Dreyfus' Trial.
He CORNERS GENERAL MERCER.
As Result of His Admissions the
General Mny lie Thrown Into
PriSon-Othcr Witnesses
to he Recalled.

Dreyfus drama unrolled before a crowded
court his tall, Nikinglike form, draped in
a long black gown bordered with ermine,
sitting in front of the footlights, was the
magnet which, from the moment the cur
tain was rung up until it fell at noon,
drew all rcgards-not merely glances of
curiosity. but the steady gaze of admira-
ton. His mere presence brought bright
ness into the courtroom and fresh light
into the proceedings.
Labori did what people had expected.
He galvanized the dormant defense into
an active. living thing. Maitre Dcmange
was conciliatory. He has always seemed
to fear to tread on the military corn. La
bori is a gladiator and always speaks to
touch his foe to the quick. Let there be
the slightest opening in his opponents
defense, and he tbrusts home.
When Maitre Demange found nothing
to ask a witness, Maitre Laboris quick
eye had discovered weak spots, and he
came forward with searching questions.
He opened with an eloquent speech,
and the audience could have listened for
an hour as his rich melodious voice. in
modulated tones and then impassioned
outbursts. accompanied by energetic and
speaking gestures. filled the courtroom.
Generals Roget, BillOt, MERCER and
Boisdeffre. with the other military wit
nesscs, gave one another anxious glances
and put their heads together to exchange
obviously disagrecable impressions as
Labori piled the smaller military fry
who occupied the witness stand success
sively with disconcerting questions.
Labori corned General Mcrcicr on the
Schneider letter, which the latter had
used in evidence and which Colonel
Schneider had repudiatod as n forgery
The general was surprised when Labori
suddenly demanded that MERCER be re-
called. Evidently he hoped the tribunal
would support him in refusing to ex-
plain how he got copy of letter which
was of later date than his incumbency
ut the ministry of war.
But Labori was not to be denied He
insisted that MERCER should give some
explanation. Then, after hositating, Mer-
cer declared that he would assume all
the responsibility attaching to his possess
sion of the documents. This, as Labori
intended it should be, was a demonstra
ton of communication by the general
staff of part at least of the secret dossier
to an ordinary soldier. such as MERCER
became Immediately on leaving the min
istry Of war.
General MERCER made q ptiable exhi-
bition. NJ. Labori in passion fairly thun-
dered his questions
What can be the value of documents"
said he, (which we cannot see and can
not discuss, documents for which it is i'm
possible to know who takes the response
bilityi i appeal to you, NJ. le President
to he good enough to ask General Mer-
cier how this document came into his pos
session."
IN. le President" continued LabOri
Il insist that reply be given. General
Mercier has sworn to speak the whole
truth. | must insist that ouestions re-
spectfully rendered by the defense be an
swered by him. The court martial. unlike
the court of cessation, has to deal with
the whole range of the affair. and it is
necessary that complete light be thrown
upon it. | insist that General Mercer an
swer me, for it is my right
After Mercier's shuffling collapse NJ.
Labori sank back into his armchair. great
beads of perspiration standing on his
forehead, but his countenance radiant at
the impression he had made.
When Labori had attained his object
and forced a confession of grave viola
tiOn of law on the part of General Mer-
cier, he gave a smile of grim satsfac-
tion and then added significantly. "I
shall have other questions to put to Gen
eral Mercier."
The scene was highly dramatic and
made profound impression upon all the
spectators. As the result of this admis-
sion and with the additional charge of
communicating secret documents To the
court martial of 1894 Mercier is liable TO
arrest at any moment. Indeed some neo-
pie think it not impossible that he will he
lying in the military prison adjoining the
cell of Captain Dreyfus before the week
is out.
Another series of questions put by Mai
ire Labor concerned Laioux' snv for
merly in the service of the French war
Office, but packed off to South America
according to various military witnesses
because he proved a swindler. Iobori
asked how it was if that were so. thar
LajouX was still receiving monthly nav
ments.
Commandant Rollin. completely taken
aback, replied that cessation of INV.
ments was under consideration.
The impression conveyed Inv Lohori's
questions and the replies given was that
IaiouX was being paid by the war Office
to keep out of the way in the interest of