The San Francisco call., 1899-08-23
Q 9 9 9 . Q 9 9 9 9 . 9 9 Q 9 9 9 G

rade. / confided all my secrets to him ana
gave, him the password of my locker; "A
number of my official reports We're mere
read. unanimously recognizing Dreyfus as
brilliant officer who was anxious to sue.
ceed. The reports of the headquarters
staff alone cast imputations upon the
prisoners character.
NJ Labori asked the courts leave, with
the permission of Lieutenant Colonel Ber-
tin. to question the witness on dellcate
subject. He referred, continued counsel .
to a remark made by Bertin at a dlnner
at which NJ Labori was present at the
house of a mutual friend a fortnight after
the degradation of Dreyfus.
II have absolute confidence in the good
faith of Lieutenant Colonel Bertin,
added M Labori, and l am convinced
that if his recollections are exact enough
he will not hesitate to reply
Berth asked the lawyer to mention the
name of the mutual friend who gave the
dinner. Labori whispered the name and
the witness nodded assent.
M. Labori-Do you remember that you
We're among the first to. suggest to me
belief in the innocence of Dreyfus?
Bertin-No, no; it is impossible.
Labori-Does the witness remember tnat
during the course of the dinner ne be-
came excited in talking about Dreyfus!
The lieutenant colonel pointed out that
the terms of intimacy which prevailed
at the dinner must be taken into account,
reminded M. Labori that he was an old
friend of his father and wondered whether
counsel was still the same man who,
of the dinner. said II will never forget
what you have done for my father.
Il do not forget the words, Sald M
Labori his voice trembling at the Tecol-
lections; but l am referring specially to
the somewhat strong remarks you MADE
against Maitre Demange. | am not seek
ing to provoke a scene between Lleuten-
ant Colonel Bertin and M. Demange Dld
you not say to me when l spoke of Maltre
Demanges belief in the innocence OF
RGeyfus Demange don't mennon nm
(Cries of "Oh, oh.'D
IF l can remember 1 will reply. | am
here to tell the truth, and l will tell all
know. L am here for the truth, like
you.
NJ Labori-When 1 asked why you said
that, you replied that NJ Demange had
already defended other spies and that
he was an official defender.
Lieutenant Colonel Bertin admitted the
truth of NJ. Laboris statements.
NJ. Labori-You should be sure regard
because barrister of his standing is not
appointed officially unless there are I'M
portant reasons for it.
Counsel proceeded to relate how when
he left Lieutenant Colonel Bertin he dis
cussed the foregoing conversation with
his wife and wondered what security
could be found in the oath or judgment
of men who believed things so ridiculous:
My belief in the innocence of Dreyfus,
M. Labori added, began that day. give
you my word of honor that Lieutenant
against NJ. Demange, saving It was be
cause he defended Dreyfus badly by per-
sisting in making Dreyfus deny al the
charges against him. LIEUTENANT Colonel
Berth evidently thought Maitre Demange
ought to have joined with the others in
trying to convict Dreyfus."
Major Gondron was called to testify re-
garding the Austrian woman, Nine. Dely.
He said he had taken tea at her home on
a single occasion, and that he thereafter
confined himself to exchanging a few po-
ride JneV
though the gallant officer asserted that
the lady urged his revisiting her house
He thought that neither the age nor the
beauty of the lady accounted for her
stylish mode of dress, nor for the mys-
terry of her existence, nor for the presence
of her child, whose father was unkonWn
to all. This, 1t appears, told the witness
that he was dealing with an adventures.
He heard that she had fine acquaintances.
including Dreyfus, and in view OF the fact
that in such compaEionShlp Dreyfus was
liable to commit some imprudent action
witness informed Lieutenant Colonel Ber-
tin of his fears.
Maistre, read a letter from an officer now
at Nantes affirming that while he was on
the general staff as a probationer at the
same time as Dreyfus the latter told the
officer of his visit to Alsace-Lorrane, and
recounted why he had followed the Ger
man maneuvers on foot and on horse
back This was intended to show Drey-
fus was not telling the truth when he de-
MED not having been present at any time
at the maneuvers at Alsace-Lorraine.
Another part of Captain Maistre's evil
dence proved to be in favor of Dreyfus.
In contradiction of other witnesses WHO
declared that Dreyfus frequently STAYED
late in the office prying into other off,
GERS duties Maistre declared that Dreyfus
was disinclined to work and left often
before the regular time.
The prisoner in the tone of the calm
moderation which to-day distinguished
his utterances replied to Captain Maistres
allegations and added with reference to
M. BeaurepaireS accusations that the lat
ters immortality would ere long be dem
onstrated before the court-martial. The
court then rose for the day.