Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1899-09-14

watched what was going on In the court
and their hands rested ON the black
leather cases il which nestled big army
army revolvers.
The SILENCE was only broken by the
occasional rustling of reporters note
book or the neigh of an artillery horse,
picketed in street beside the Lycee.
Now and then there was the sound of
the rafting of rifle or the clanking
of the sword of some officer hastily
crossing the courtyard, where the
troops were stationed.
Concludes His Speech.
NJ. Demange concluded his speech for
the defense before the court-martial at
IL: IS a. m. and the court adjourned un-
til three p. M, at which time Maj. Car
riere will make q brief reply. Thecourt
will then deliberate on it's verdict.
A loud clapping Of hands greeted the
conclusion of NJ. Demange's finely de-
livered peroration.
Dreyfus, however, appeared impass-
i've. But as he left the stage he ex-
claimed to those around him:
II am not guilty"
The prisoners hearers replied with
cries of:
Courage, couarge!"
After Maitre Demange had spoken
Maitre Labori arose and formally re-
nounced his right to plead.
Splendid Piece Of Oratory.
The peroration of M. Demange was a
splendid piece of oratory. His voice
Numbered through the court and
echoed outside. The officers and troop
ers stationed in the courtyard crowded
around the entrance of the hall, stand
ing on tiptoe to catch glimpse of the
speaker, while inside the hall many of
the audience were moved to tears.
The speech was very skillful!y ar
ranged and was devoted to demolishing
stone by stone the edifice built up by
the general staff, going over every point
brought up in the bordereau and refut-
ing the arguments of Gems. MERCER and
Roget. The lawyer declared he did not
believe Henry and Esterhazy were ac-
completes, otherwise Henry would have
suppressed the bordereau. But Hen
ry might have given information
to Esterhazy, believing him to be
man of honor, and when he
discovered in 1896 that he had
put his hand in that of a traitor he COM
mitted forgery upon which counsel
would not dwell. for the offender had
paid for it with his life.
Telling Points.
Referring to Maj. Carriere's words:
''It was agreed that the probationers
should go to the maneuvers," NJ. De-
mango turned to the public prosecutor
and asked: 'Do you maintain the word
agreed?"
Maj. Carriere nodded yes.
To this counsel protested and Maj.
Carriere said Gen. de Boisdeffre had
promised to do all possible to give
the probationers satisfaction.
"And do you call that an agree
ment?" called M. Demange.
Perfectly" replied NJ. Carriere.
"Then we no longer have the same
idea of the value of the word in the
French language" retorted counsel.
Later, refuting M. Bertillon's theo-
ries, M. Demange remarked that M. Ber-
tillon had rendered great service to
society in creating the anthropoEetric
system, but it must not be forgotten
that genius has a dangerous neighbor.
Treating the argument of the general
staff that Esterhazy was only man of
straw, counsel asked if this was SO why
did Esterhazy wish to commit suicide
when Matthew Dreyfus denounced
him?
NJ. Demange pointed to the contrast
between the private life of Esterhazy
and Dreyfus and showed that Dreyfus
on DEVILS island was constantly turn
ing his eyes to France and asking for
justice from his chiefs, while Esterhazy
was attacking and biting and writing
insulting letters to his chiefs. After
asking God to enlighten the minds Of
the judges M. Demange concluded with
turning to the audience and in voice
choked with emotion and his hands
trembling he said: "You, gentlemen,
be you for or against me. in the inspira-
ton of the sublime thought of M. Nor
nard before the court of cessation, I
tell you we are all Frenchmen. Conse-
quently let.us unite in common love of
the fatherland, love of justice and love
for the army"
Outburst of Cheers.
An outburst of cheers followed the
lawyers appeal. NJ. Demange sank
back in his seat, as though exhausted.
AS the. morning passed the crowds in