Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-25


Some weeks ago. when Captain Dreyfus
was about to be returned to France for his
second trial. The Star called attention to
the important part which the publicity
permitted by the modern newspaper press
had played in securing this measure Of JUS
tice. The subsequent proceedings have
more than justified this high estimate OF
the power of publicity. even though the
present prospect Is not promising for the
accused. Indeed, the case, as 1t is viewed
by American readers. is most striking
phenomenon In international interest Day
after day the newspapers in this coun-
try print column upon column OF the
testimony and the gossip concerning the
trial. All other news factors are subordi-
mated to this central theme of common con-
Germ The case is discussed in it's various
phases. in its intimate details. in it's dra
matte and its amusing features by citizens
of all classes. 1t is. in short, the dominant
topic of public interest.
And all this space and discussion are
about a military trial in France, affecting
the liberty of an obscure and unimportant
captain of artillery, whose personality is
by no means engrossing, who individually
is of the very slightest consequence to the
world. This very disproportion between
the attention bestowed and the superficial
Importance of the affair reveals the ire
mendous issues actively involved and the
accurate appreciation by the American peo-
pie of the significance of the case. Nor is
it to be doubted that the daily concern for
the news from Rennes would be as keen If
there were some great domestic event to
divide attention. The people have analysed
the matter to the end that they have I'M
derstood the causes and effects of the trial
in their true aspect.
Another striking feature of this foreign
interest in the case is that the sentiment
In this country, and, as far as can be OBJ
served at this distance, in England and
other countries as well, is universally in
favor Of the prisoner. Headlines. cartoons
and editorials disclose an unbroken spirit Of
sympathy for Dreyfus. Indeed, this senti-
ment has developed into a sharp PARTISAN
ship, which finds expression in round de-
nunciation of the French army cabal,
which Is scarcely paralleled by the occa-
sional discussions of exciting domestic po-
Htical issues. The prevailing view here is
that Dreyfus is innocent of the crime
charged against him. The unanimous be-
lief is that, whether innocent or guilty, he
has been shamefully treated and denied the
right of a fair. unprecedented, honest trial.
Herein ls the secret OF the widespread IN
terest in his fortunes, for 1T is felt that
this proceeding is suggestive of internal
conditions in France which seriously
threaten her prosperity and stability.
The apprehension for French institutions
is by no means malevolent. The dominant
tone of American comment is that the i'll
justice revealed in this affair is a serious
calamity. 10 be deeply deplored. On all
Sit eos ia he hal
will emerge from the test stronger, purer
and nobler. Whatever criticism is leveled
at the republic and its people in connection
with this is inspired by the most hon.
est and sincere well-w1shing. 1t doubtless
offends many Frenchnen. perhaps even the
partisans of the accused, but it is never
theless well meant as expression of the
belief that France Is worthy and capable
of better things.