Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-07
IN THE BALANCE.
Continued from page ~

cal petit bleu for which Colonel Pic
quart was detained 10 months on a
charge of forgery.
The third was Gen. Billot's insinuat-
ing that EsterhaZy and Captain Drey-
fus were accomplices. which led to an
I impaSsioned protestaton on the part
of the accused and to thrilling scene
between Maitre Labor and Col. Joua-
ust, resulting in the advocates excited
Pronunciation of Col. JOuast's treatment
of him. denunciation tantamount to
an accusation of open Partially.
Gen. Zurlindens admission that Col.
Picquart could not have perpetrated
the erasure in the petit beu was a
startling incident. Because although
he declared that the matter formed
only a small point in the prosecution
of Picquart and that, so far as he was
concerned, the proceedings We're only
| instituted in order not to allow a
French officer to lie beneath the blow
of the charges brought against him by
Major Lauth, yet the fact that Col
on under these improved accusations
tdllHDl We ItS dtti olItIW Wise imam
blot upon the reputation Of Gen. Eur
linden and still more on the general
staff.
Then the statement of NJ. Paleologue
| that Col. Schwartzkoppen had admitted
that ii was almost certain that the
petit bleu was sent by him to Ester
hazy, caused a sensation. as being the
first official testimony to the treason
Of Ectarhuyy ;v,1x- -
strong point in favor of Dreyfus. the
Importance of which was Immediately
seen by the prosecution and shown
subsequently in Gen. Billot's broad in
situation OF completely between Drey-
fus and EsterhaZy.
From spectacular view point, how
ever. the great event of the sitting was
the battle royal between Maitre Labor
and Col. Jouaust over certain questions
which the advocate wished to put to
Gen. Billot. Maitre Labor lost con-
troll Of himself under the influence of
his deep feeling of Indignation and his
belief that Col. Jouaust was deliberate
ly gagging him in the interest of the
military clique. His voice which at
first resounded through the court room,
became choked with emotion. The
spectators held their breath as he re-
torted defiantly to Col. Jouaust's re-
fusal TO put the questions. his words
drowning Jouaust's voice in an
irresistible torrent. whose force was
heightened by his passionate gestures
When he finally fell back in his seat
with a look Of hopeless indignation. his
face blanched and his fingers witch
ing spasmodically-a speaking testi-
mony To the high tension to which his
nerves had been wrought by fruitless
combat with the iron ruling Of the
bench.
capt Dreyfus. too, in his vehement
protest against Gen. Billots insinua-
ton of his completely with Esterhazy.
recalled his anguished outbreak early
in the trial. Ii was a strange contrast
TO hear him, few minutes later. when
he had apparently mastered his feel
ings, deliver an argumentative reply to
Major Gallopin of the artillery, in a
calm. moderate tone. Indeed, one was
almost tempted to imagine that his
emotional cutlery in reply to Gen. Bill
lot was a piece of theatricality.
Major Gallopin's evidence left de-
cidedly unfavorable impression de-
spite the plausibility of the explana-
ton given by Dreyfus
1t is understood that as a result Of this
mornings scene between Col. Jouaust,
president of the Drevfus courtmartial.
and NJ. Labori. leading counsel for the
defence. the latter wishes to retire from
the case. He is convinced that the judges
are utterly hostile to him. and it is said
that he has conceived the idea of a dra-
matte withdrawal at the opening Of to-
morrowS session. \ meeting of NJ. La
boris friends will be held ut his house,
this afternoon. to decide whether such a
step Is advisable. VI. Labori's withdrawal
from the case would be tantamount to a
public declaration of his feelings that the
judges have shown bias against Drey-
fus and his counsel. The opinion of the
Dreyfusards. this afternoon. appears to
be opposed to the contemplated step.
which they think the anti Dreyfusards
would represent as an admission of the
weakness of Capt. Dreyfus' case.
The correspondent of The Associated
where the advocates secretary said that
he was able to give positive denial to
the story that NJ Labor would leave his
post now that the trial was drawing to a
close.
With reference to Coils Schwartzkoppen
and Panzzardi the secretary said that
no message whatever had been received
UP to the present time 16 clock +. NJ }.
He thought it quite possible the two men
would not come in person. but would send
dispositions. in which case the trial would
doubtless end. Monday or Tuesday OF
next week.
The various generals and the military
witnesses who have been in attendance
upon the courtmartial are preparing to
leave RenneS. in consequence of the order
telegraphed here. yesterday. by the min
lister of war.
Cen. Roget will take his departure. to
morrow. which is an indication that the
closing speeches of counsel are expected
To begin. Friday.