The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1899-08-07
81 Am Innocent" He ProCIaims In a
Tone That Thrills Judges and
Spectators. -


1
thing was keyed UP to the event Special guards
came on duty at daybreak and all RenneS was on
tlptoe At the deadlne drawn around the court and
prison. Files of troops were stationed along the
street across which DreytuS had to pass to the
lyCee The morning was bright and warm. The
prisoner was finally escorted across the street by
two policemen, ard murmurs OF curiosity arose
. tlom the crowd rs he passed, but there was no
demonstration. The crowd in fact was apparently
IN good humor. Following DreytuS came num-
, Der OF prominent witnesses, ex-Premier Casimr
Perer, eX-MinSter OF War Zurlinden. Gen. Chan
ONE and others. The majority wore brilliant uni
torps and Were eheered by the crowds Lieut.
Col. fiequart was also applauded but there were
lew murmufS OF disapproval.
II was few minutes past o'clock when
OTeyiuS was ordered 10 take the stand and the
accusation OF his betrayng French military secrets
. 10 foreign power was read. After the conclusion
oi TINS iormallty the prisoner gave his name age
and army grade and said: am the Capt Alfred
Dreytus who Is named in the accusation" The
prisoners voice was firm. He did not look tri-
umphant but as one about TO realize long de-
tened hope.
he recorder Of the court then called the roll
OF witnesses. Mrs. Henry was the only woman
witness present She looked frai and scared
one smiled when ex-Ma. ESterhazy was marked
ABSENT Al the conclusion OF the roll call ply
sicianS certificates, etc. were presented explain
. Ing the absence OF Patty du Clam and others Mai
CarreTe. the government prosecutor. then told the
witnesses that possibly four days would be spent
IN an examination OF the secret dossier. and that
they must retire until called. The witnesses left
and the court took commute recess to consider
the excuses OF a5sentees. During this time Drey-
, ius was taken in an ante-room.
Upon the resumption of the session Col.
Jouast, president OF the court. standing in his
place. his associates and officers OF the court
also standing, read decision that nasmuch as
the defense offered no objection. the trial would
proceed without the abSentees, whereupon all the
Officers removed their caps, and the soldiers pres
. ent rested on their arms The lawyers attired in
black robes then took the oath. Dreyfus was
. brought back from the ante-foOm under guard.
The reading of the accusation was then resumed.
At its conclusion the prisoner ordered to stand
and Col. Jouas said: Captain Dreytus. you have
heard the accusation. Do you recognize thisl"
(handing the Bordeaux)
Dreyfus Il do not
JouSt: is that your work."
Dreyfus 1T IS not. ! am innocent" As the
prisoner said this he trembled papably and with
voice throbbing with emotion repeated; 81 am in
nocent: upon my honor and everything that | hold
dear-my country my children am innocent"
An examination of the prisoner followed
DreyfuS answered the questions promptly, en-
phaticaly and distinctly without the reputed i'm
pedmert in his speech due to long isolated i'm
prisonment. He stood with his hand raised in the
attitude Of salute as Col. Jouast read from the
notes. His replies to the questions relating TO the
different documents which concerned the alleged
treason were always of the same tenor: g | had no
knowledge OF II" or simply never" Again there
would be detailed explanation Of how he knew
certain things under innocent circumstances.
The prisoner denied that he had visited Germany
Italy certain dates. Answers mo "never
with burst Of indignation which sounded throughout the
hall When the asked: odd you cross into Italy
carrying documents for 4 foreign powerl" Dfeyus
swered with intense emphasis: absolutely never" This
caused buzz Of comment from the officers present and the
court cried 'senee " The highly dramatic.
After short secret session, the announced that
would deliberate the dosse behind closed doors
tomorrow or perhaps for longer period The court then
adjourned for the day
The personal appearance Of Dreyfus is now unaraet-
i've He has grown very round-shoudered and in
deavOrng stand bends backward His hair
gray aud the top Of his head bald He
dark moustachc and trimmed eye glasses His neck is too
small for his head and his whole frame shrunken These
unfortunate features redeemed however, by his man
which IS earnest and at times dramatic. first
suspicion Of accusation Dreyus raised his
planned bitterly OF his persecution. The allowed him
absolute freedom IN his expressions. Col ouasts manner
military but kind, almost fahery. The audience, in
dispensing, admitted that Dreyfus appealing figure
good impression and said that he either innocent or
remarkable actor, which last belief maintain twas
evident to all that the court to be excessively faithful
in the discharge Of duties Dreyfus appeared at the
trial IN the uniform Of captain Of artillery. After the
sion the prisoner hurried back to his cell Few recog
form Dreyfus step slow and he is evidently failing
in health by Of the long ordeal.
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