The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1899-08-19
ex-President Casimir- Perier Con-
fronts the Former Minis
ter Of War.
FEATURE OF COURT. MARTIAL TODAY
ManyStatements Of Ex-Cabinet OFF,
Ger EmphaticalIy Denied by
Former Executive.
MalTRE lABoRl is MISSED
Ills Merciless Cross-Examination OF
MERCER Was to Have Been The
Star Feature Todny-rrc-
vented by Assassin.

Rennes, Aug. 15.-The shooting of
NJ. l.abori, leading counsel for Dreyfus,
robbed this mornings session of the
Dreyfus c%eurt-martial of it's para
mount interest. The murderer, appnr-
emily, chose today for the attempt, be-
cause it was anticipated Labori would
crush General MERCER, former minis
ter of war, with his cross-questioning.
The news of the shooting caused an
immense sensation in the court room,
where the usual audience had as
sembled, awaiting the entrance of the
judges. Nj. I.abori's absence had just
been announced, when suddenly
Jauny, syndic of the Judiciary press,
rushed into the room and shouted:
Labor has been shot
All present gave 4 gasp of horror
and surprise. Every one jumped to his
feet and a volley of questions was
hurled ut Jauny's head, who, crying,
That's all i Know" rushed out of
court again followed by a number of
his hearers. Those who remained ex-
citedly discussed the crime and rigor-
ously denounced the authors. Colonel
Jouaust, president Of the court, when
the news reached him, suspended the
sitting of the court-martial until ISIS
Il. m.
1t appears Madame Labori herself
broke the new to the court and in
formed Jauny of the crime, having
rushed from her husbands side to the
court crying for a doctor and shouting
her husband had been shot.
The court-martial reconyened at 7:2C
this morning. NJ. Demange, counsel fol-
Dreyfus, announced that though La
boris wound was less serious than al
first supposed, it would be impossible
for him to take part in the proceed.
ings.
Cnsimir-Pcrlcr Confronts MERCER
General MERCER was recalled to the
witness stand ut the opening of the
days proceedings. He was at nee
confronted with cN-President Casimir.
Perier, a. arranged at the close of Sat,
urday's session. Cfsimir-1'erier de.
clared that Mercicr's story as to the
imminence of war between France and
Germany was grossly exaggerated. He
complained of the action of MERCER
whe was then minister of war, in NOV.
ing 5000 troops to the frontier with
out consulting him.
AS it vas NJ. Labori's task to take
MERCER in hand. and as NJ. Demange
associate counsel, was totally unpre.
,,,,ol Co., tln Each S1,n fa,, ,,t,utsnt,y
he asked had little effect, and MERCER
escaped cheaply.
General MERCER said that he went tc
the Elysee palace MS minister of war
General de Boisdeffre could testify as
to the orders he received.
NJ. Dcmange insisted that MERCER
repeat the statement that he had given
B~oisdeffre orders on the 9th relative tc
mobilization.
NJ. Casimir-Perier said he did not in
tend to reply to certain of Mcrcier's in
situations. 81 do not wish to answer
them" he said. "The circumstances
are too sad, too tragic, for me to desire
to ven this discussion. / am mas
ter of myself and my conscience. ]
would only state that MERCER has
made every effort to mix me as deeply
as possible in this affair. But l have
remained aloof during the progress OF
the investigation"
NJ. Casimir-Perier complained of the
incorrect behavior of his subordinate
toward the chief of state.
When Mcrcicr was recalled he reit'
Grated his belief that Esterhnzy. in
spite of the l~atter's own confession
was not the author of the bordereau.
Colonel Jouaust asked Casimir-Perie
to explain the circumstances of the
confession Dreyfus is alleged to have
made to Captain Lebrun-Renault.
\ Fiat Contradiction.
Casimir-Perier insisted he never re,
ceived any confidence of this character
from Renault, adding that Dupny, then
premier, was present when Rcnaul,
was called. Moreover" said Casimir,
Pericr, here is a letter from Dupuy
which l ask to read"
The letter asserted Renault, when
questioned by Dupuy, replied that
Mcreier sent him to the president tc
receive n dressing down for his indis'
erect disclosures to Figaro. MERCER
iaterposed, saying:
"Leprun-Renault spoke to me in re
gard to the confession in the presence
Of General Come. who will testify
thereto. 1t was thep l ordered him to