The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-09-14


Washington, D.. c., September IL
1t is believed that when congress as
sembles there Will be considerable agi-
tation Of a proposition for the govern
ment TO abandon it's participation in n
Paris exposition. 1t is known that ex-
pressionS hostile to the exposition quot
ed by Senator Stewart are widely
sympathized in m fit is thought if
the conviction of Dreyfus is permitted
to stand there VIII be little friendly
feeling for France among the members
of either the house or. the senate.
Such a move, however, would be a
grave one. 1t is pointed out that to-
Withdraw from participation in the ex-
position would be regarded as an Off
cial INSULT to France. No further legis-
lation on the part Of congress is need
ed to carry out the plans of this coun-
try for h exposition About 81, 200, 900
has been appropriated for the expenses
of the commission and the government
exhibit; the commission has been ap-
pointed and the pace desired for ex-
hibits from this country has been Sc
cured.
There are now but two ways in
which congress could interfere; one
would be to revoke such part Of the
appropriation as haS not already been
expended in the expenses of the COM
mission, and the other would be to
pass a resolution declaring hat on ac-
count of the unsettled conditions in
France, the valuable government ex-
LhfbitS should mott be ent to Paris. To
do either of these things would be Suf-
ficient, it lis believed since the matter
has gone so far, to break off all friend
ly relations between the two countries.
Congress and the state department
may look at the matter from different
points of view. The president and the
state department., having responsibility
for maintaining u relations with for
eign governments, cannot be expected
to find in this affair a reason for in
vOlving this country in an information
al complication, and it lis likely hat the
executive branch of h government
will use what influence it a to pre-
VEN haSty action.
Unless congress expressly fOrbids II,
this government will proceed with the
preparations for the exhibition and
will send to Paris such government ex-
hibits aus are decided upon, but this
will be done with a realization Of the
probability that much of the space Sc
Il NIOll SuNl LII Il 1ol L al
American exhibits will be left vacant.
Little doubt Us felt that the latitude
allowed a private citizen Will be ex-
~tensively awaited of to Withdraw from
participation in the exposition.
Another difficulty in the way of ar
effort to prevent participation in the
exposition, however, win be found In
the fact that before congress has as
sembled much of the government ex-
hibit will probably be packed and on
it's way to Paris, if not actually there
The exposition opens in April and the
work of transporting and preparing the
exhibit will have to begin some month
before that time. Up to this time, il
is said the preparation of the govern
ment exhibit has not begun, but work
will proceed aus soon as the government
officials are ready.
Representative Hepburn, of Iowa
said he had cause to marvel at the
methods of the French army justice
after observing how the trial of Drey
fus was being conducted. No sucl
trial or verdict was possible i'm thu
United States. He did not think i
would in any way affect diplomatic re
latiOnS between this country anC
France, nor did he think it WOul i'm
terfere with United States exhibitors a
the coming exposition.
STRONG OFFICIAL SENTIMENT
FAVORABLE TO DREYFUS.
The Dreyfus verdict is ~attractin,
much attention throughout officia
quarters, but naturally those in re
~sponsible position, whose opinion would
be valuable, are reluctant to expires
adverse because Of the ma
ttfOnal aspect of the case. The feelinl
is general, however, in favor of Drey
fus, and a strong sentiment has de
veloped against the injustice, which
according to tP prevailing belief. Il
has been subjected to. Some Of the Of
ticials express fear that this sentimen
will have a serious effect on the Fra
co-American treaty when it be
fore the senate, as that instrument ha
not proved very popular and the pres
ent feeling may turn the tide against i
TO ABANDON A NATIONAL Elk
HIBIT.
New York, September 12.-Congress
man jefferson, NJ. Levy announced to
day that as soon as congress meets h
will introduce resolutions in the hous
Withdrawing the support of this gov
from the Paris exposition o
account of the Dreyfus case.
CALIFORNIA TO WITHDRAW.
San Francisco, September LA quit
movement is progressing among tn
Jewish elemen of this state looking
legislation for the cancellation Of an az
passed at the last session OF the sta
legislature, appropriating $1,000 for
California exhibit at the Paris eXpt
sition. The success of the movemel
hangs on the possible action OF Coy
ernor Gage, who has been urged In &c
tain quarters to call an extra SesSiC
of the legislature for action on 9TH
matters, principally h election of
United States senator to succeed So
phen NJ. White.
CHICAGOANS TO PROTEST.
Chicago. September ia monst
mass meeting to protest against u
sentencing of Captain Dreyfus Is b
inc nla nnad in Ghina oQ PrnminA1