The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-09-12
OFFICIAL INSULT TO FRANCE.
WOULD BE our WITHDRAWAL
FROM PARIS EXPOSITION.

THE proposition Will BE Agitated
when Congress COnvenes-If the
Conviction of Dreyfus Is Allowed
10 stand, There VIII BE Little
Friendly Feeling for France I'm
That BOdy-Private Citizens May
Hold Back Their Exhibits.
washington, Sept lit is believed that
when Congress assemblies there will be
considerable agitation of proposition for
the government to abandon its participa-
tion in the Paris Exposition.
II is known that expressions hostile to
the exposition quoted from Senator Stew
art are widely sympathized in, and it is
thought that if the conviction of Dreyfus
is permitted TO stand, there will be little
friendly feeling for France among mem
hers of either the House or Senate.
such a move, however, would be grave
one 1t is pointed out that to withdraw
from participation in the exposition would
he regarded as an official insult to France.
No further legislation on the part of Con-
eress is needed to carry out the plans of
this country for the exposition. About
81 10000 has been appropriated for the
EXPENSES of the commission and the gov
eminent exhibit; the commission has been
appointed and the space desired for ex-
hlbits from this country has been secur-
ed.
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 commission. and the 9TH
er would be to pass resolution declaring
that on account of the unsettled conditions
in France, the valuable government ex-
hibits should not be sent to Paris. To
do either of these things would be SUM-
cient, it is believed, since the matter has
gone so far, to break off all friendly rea-
tons between the two countries.
Different Points of View.
Congress and the state department may
look at the matter from different points of
view. The President and the state depart
ment, having responsibility for maintaining
our relations with foreign governments,
cannot be expected TO find in this affair
reason for involving this country in an
International complication, and it is likely
that the executive branch of the govern
nent will use what influence it can to pre-
vent hasty action.
Unless congress expressly IOTDluS IT,
this government will proceed with the
Preparations for the exhibition and VIII
send 10 Paris such government exhibits as
are decided upon, but this will be done
with a realization of the probability that
much of the space secured with such diff
Guilty for private American exhibits, will
be left vacant. Little doubt is felt that
the latitude allowed private citizens will be
extensively awaited of to withdraw from
4 PARTICIPATION in the exposition.
Exhibit May Be on the Way.
Another difficulty in the way of an effort
10 prevent participation in the exposition,
however viii be found in the fact that
before Congress has assembled much Of
the government exhibit wiz probably be
packed and on its way to Paris, if not act
uaily there The exposition opens in April
and the work OF transporting and prepar-
Ing the exhibit will have TO begin some
months before that time. Up to this time
81 it is said The preparation of the govern
meni exhibit has not begun, but the work
Will proceed as soon as the government Of
hcials are ready.
n Representative Hepburn of Iowa, said
that he mad ceased to marvel at the meth
DDS of French army justice after observ-
ing how the trial of Dreyfus was conduct
ed. No such trial or verdict was possible
IN the United States. He did not think
II would in any way affect diplomatic re-
latons between this country and France,
nor did he think it would interfere with
United States exhibitors at the coming
exposition.
Not Inclined to Talk.
The Dreyfus verdict Is attracting much
attention throughout official quarters, but
naturally those in responsible positions,
whose opinion would be valuable, are re-
ucta& to express adverse comment be-
cause Of the national aspect of the case.
Inc feeling is general, however, in favor
Of Dreyfus, and strong
sentiment has developed against
the injustice which according
# 70 he prevailing belief, he has been sub
lected to, Some of the officials express
lear that this sentiment will have a seri-
Gus effect on the Franco-American treaty
When it comes before the Senate, as thai
Instrument has not proved very popular
and the present feeling may turn the tide