The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1899-08-23
DREYFUs TRIAL.
N. Lebon Explains Why the Prisoner Was Sub.
Iected 10 Such Harsh Treatment 10
be Shot on the Slightest AIarr:

| The shooting OF Nj. Labor has de-
prived the Dreyfus case OF its strongest
| arm and defender. An attempt was
made last Thursday to have the trial
postponed until Labori, who is not
| seriously hurt, could again appear in
court. This request was denied the
| judges yielding to the clamor of the
anti -Dreyfusites for an immediate
| trial. NJ. Lebon former minister Of
the colonies and Dreyfus' jailor In
Devils island, appeared in court.
He said that when the cabinet was
asked to intervene in favor of a re-
vision he thought the executive should
not interfere with the judiciary, and
| his respect for the chose jugee was
| strengthened by his personal opinion
| of the culpability of the condemned.
"On my soul and conscience" declar-
| ed Nj. Lebon dramatically, II say !
regard the measures | took relative TO
the prisoner on the Isle du Diable as
warranted, and II l had to repeat them
l would not hesitate"
NJ. Lebon then explained the reasons
| for the rigorous measures against
Dreyfus. He said certain telegram
sent to French Guiana disappeared. 1t
was traced out of France, but Inn
medlately II reached the English lines
1t disappeared, showing, the witness
said, that efforts were being made to
| enable the prisoner to evade the regu-
lations. Rigorous, even painful. meas
ures, were therefore taken to prevent
his escape. NJ. Lebon THEREFORE issued
orders that, IL necessary, the prisoner
was to be fired upon. (Sensation)
Continuing NJ. Lebon said he also is
sued orders that only copies Of the let
ters addressed to the prisoner should
be delivered to him, the originals be-
| ing retained. The witness was inform
ed August 10 that vessel passed the
Isles de Sulat and orders were then is
| 1.As ~ NE.al lN. hot nn
| the slightest alarm.
Referring to the Weyler forgery,
which was intended to convey the i'm
preston that Dreyfus was in COM
munication with outside sympathizers
NJ. Lebon said he frankly admitted that
he believed in its authenticity, as did
Col. Piquart, until long after its pro-
duction. NJ. Lebon next referred to
| the numerous rough drafts the prison.
er made of his letters before finally
dispatching them.
| At this point NJ. Demange, one OF
Dreyfus' counsel, interrupted the wit
ness and said:
II ask why you allowed the forged
| Weyler letter, in which a handwriting
was indicated, to reach Dreyfus?"
To this NJ. Lebon replied: I'VE could
not give up the original. But the idea
never occurred to any agents OF the
administration to subject Dreyfus to
the savage and atrocious treatment
which has been spoken or"
| At this juncture some time was oc-
cupied in readiig a long report from
| the minister of the colonies to the
minister of war, giving the various re-
ports of the governor of French Gull
ana. Passages describing the dread
the prisoner expressed to the doctors
when he feared he was losing his rea-
son caused an immense impression.
| Tears We're even seen to glisten in the
| nf fnrnEr
| ter of war.
At the conclusion of the report NJ.
Lebon asked leave to explain. He said:
Il do not dispute the accuracy of the
report, but 1t is partial. Reference
| has been most carefully made to the
precarious health of the prisoner. But
| the doctor never made communica-
| tion to me on the subject. l do not
hesitate to say that If he had done so
/ should have given orders to have the
prisoner treated as all invalids should
be treated. 1t is with deliberate intent
| that l have been treated as an exc
| cutioner."
Col. Jouaust, turning to Dreyfus,
| then remarked: Have you anything
to say in regard to this disposition?'
Then the prisoner said: mo. my coll
onel; I am here to defend my honor 1
do not wish to speak of the atrocious
| suffering, physical and moral, which
| for five years l, Frenchman, and an
| innocent man, was subjected TO on the
| Isle du Diable."
The remarks of Dreyfus caused in
tense excitement in court
The prisoner uttered the words in a
| loud voice and with tremendous en-
| ergy, which created a profound sem
| sation.
At fridays session of the court
martial, Col. Picquart spoke in defense
of the prisoner, and made very fav-
orable and convincing argument.