The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-08-25

he knew of no other proof against MIN
than the hordereau. There were therefore
only suspicious. but It was necessary not
to lose time in arresting him.
NJ. Labor here asked Colonel Jouaust
to secure the evidence of NJ Papliland
editor of the Libre Parole. in regard to the
"DiXi" letters in which the name of Drey-
fus was disclosed as that of the officer ar
rested for espionage.
AS Colonel Jouaust hesitated NJ Labor
insisted upon the necessity for an examln-
alton of Papilland lin order to reach the
truth | am seeking for
The whole responsibility for this case,
the counsel added. " believe really rests
on the late Lieutenant Colonel Henry ana
Colonel Du Patty de Clam"
Resuming his examination of General
MERCER. NJ. Labori asked him several
questions as to why he at first ascribed
the date Of the bordereau to the month of
April.
General MERCER said that in 1884 he
was only acquainted with the general rea-
sons for believing Dreyfus guilty and had
not paid much attention TO the details.
NJ. l1aboriIn short. you considered 1t in
the nature OF sensational move Ito have
Dreyfus prosecuted and sentenced? Did
you examine previously the charges
against DreyfusY
General Mercier--I only examined the
nature of the documents of the betrayer.
NJ. Labori-Was it not necessary for
that purpose to fix the date OF the Dor
dereau?
General Mercier--I did not think so;
further, | declare NJ. Labori Is discussing
the whole trial of 1891. That snay have
some interest from a historical point of
view, but since the court of cessation
quashed the Judgment 1t seems to me that
IL Is not for US 10 now revert to that
trial.
NJ Labor pointed out the contradictions
in the evidence regarding the importance
and nature of the contents of the bor
dereau and asked General MERCER where
Dreyfus could have obtained particulars
about the pneumatic brake.
The general hotly objected to being
asked to repeat his evidence and NJ Labori
equally warm said: Il am only asking for
definite statements"
MERCER then said he thought Dreyfus
might have had cognzauce OF the brake
at Bourges, saying: In any case he had
a better chance to obtain such knowledge
than Esterhazy"
NJ Laborl-General MERCER says Drey-
fus might have had cognizance, desire
to emphasize that expression. We shall
now prove Dreyfus could not have had
cognizance OF the brake.
Counsel proceeded to demand to know
how early the secret construction of the
brake was guarded and asked why in 1894
the charges regarding the Robin Melinito
shells were not dwelt upon,
General Mercer-That arises on the
simple fact that II was not known until
1896 or 1897 that information on the sub
jeet was being divulged The existence
OF treachery in regard TO the distribution
of heavy artillery among the army corps
was unknown until 1850.
The passog nj arms ptWppn NJ f.ahDrl |
and General MERCER was listened to with !
the keenest interest Both men were wary |
and suspicious OF the other and there were
considerable acerbity. Colonel Jouaust at |
times finding difficulty IN preventing dis |
oussion from wandering outside legal |
paths
Continuing. NJ. Laborl asked why Cen
eral Mercier did not have report pre-
pared regarding tho confessions Dreyfus |
Is alleged to have made TO Colonel Le
Brun Reneault
Mercier-The question Of the confession
was Of no importance, as the revision OF
the case seemed impossible.
NJ Labori--What does General MercIcr
think of Esterhazy and the part he played?
General Mercicr-I don't know Ester
hazy and | don't think about him at all.
NJ. Labori--Did he know you at his tria,
in 1898?
General Mercier--No.
Colonel Jouaust--General Mercier was
not minister OF war then
NJ. Labori--This is most interesting. NJ.
MERCER declares he knows nothing OF tnv
rial Of 1888.
General Mercier--I know nothing OF IL.
leave that TO the court martial which
red Esterhazy. I have only to answer
% court for my acts and refuse you the
light TO question me about my thoughts.
ISensation.l
Colonel Jouaust, addressing NJ Labor,
aid; You are reyerting to the evidence
II general Mercier?"
NJ. Labori-My object In interrogatins
he witness is to revert TO his evidence.
General Mercier-I protest against the