The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-24
Belief Prevalent that the Prisoner
VIII Go Ashore at Night and Then
BE Whisked on to Rennes.
NEW FRENCH CABINET MEETS
AND MAPS OUT A DECLARATION OF
ITS PUBLIC POLICY.
High Omcers Of the Army to BE Trans
ferred for "Indulging I'm Manifesta-
tions Unbecoming Soldiers.s

BREST. France, June 23.-The inhabitants
Of this port are absorbed in the pending
arrival of Dreyfus. The question on every
ones lips is when will he arrive?" But
no one seems able to reply. The town, how
ever, Is perfectly calm. Along the favorite
promenade. the Cours Dajot, on the cliff
overlooking the splendid harbor, In which
half a dozen picturesque old three-deckers
are lying moored alongside modern cruisers.
were a few groups of sailors and marines.
gazing seaward. When questioned, they
admitted they were watching for the
French cruiser Sfax. bound from French
Guiana with the famous prisoner on board,
but in the same breath expressed the belief
that she would not arrive in the daytime.
They think the war ship will be kept out
side the harbor until night, and that then
Dreyfus will be landed inside the arsenal.
This is also the general opinion Of the towns
people. who are eager to witness the land
ing. The military and civil authorities pro-
fess to know nothing about the matter.
not even II the Sfax is coming to Brest.
A representative of the Associated Press
called at the maritime prefecture this after
noon and had an interview with the port
admiral, Barrera. who was typical Of
French politeness, but who displayed most
praiseworthy ignorance. He said: up to
now 1 have received absolutely no instruc-
tions. / am waiting orders from the new
minister of marine. / cannot even say
Dreyfus will be landed here. In any case
he cannot arrive yet" and, taking map,
he traced the course of the Sfax from the
Cape Verde islands. which she left Tuesday,
adding: "You see. she cannot have passed
the Canary islands before yesterday. She
will not arrive here at the earliest until
Sunday, or perhaps Monday" The prefect
of police also told the Associated Press rep
resentatiye that he had not received any
instructions regarding Dreyfus.
In spite Of these declarations, La De-
peche.- Of this city, publishes an interview
with a naval officer who is quoted as say
ing positively that the authorities received
the fullest instructions long ago respecting
the military and police precautions.
1t is understood that Dreyfus will be
landed at the arsenal at night, and strict
orders have been given to prevent any one
from entering the arsenal. He will then be
whisked off to Rennes by special train
without staying an hour in Brest. It
would be easy, however, to land Dreyfus on
the coast in the vicinity OF Brest and place
him on board train. without the fact be-
coming known. The military signal men at
the semaphore stations yesterday received
the strictest orders to exclude all strangers.
The French first-class cruiser Tage, now
lying in the harbor, has been instructed to
put to sea on Sunday evening. 1t is thought
she has been ordered to meet the Sfax and
have Dreyfus transferred to her. But Ad-
miral Barrera says the Tage is simply go
ing to sea for the purpose of experimenting
with carrier pigeons.
No doubt big crowd will be present to
witness the landing of Dreyfus, If he is al
lowed to be seen, but no disorders are ex-
pected.
A detachment Of secret police has arrived
here from Paris and has been distributed
about the town.