The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-08-17
DREYFUS TRIAL GOES ON
Postponement Denied on Account
.u Of NJ. Labori's Absence. I
AFFECTING SCENE IN THE COURT.

Captain Dreyfus Weeps When Docu
meDt Is Read Recountina His Sui
ferfngs on DEVILS Island-New Cou.
sci Summoned. IA
Rennes, Aug. 17.-ImmediateIy afte
the witnesses had entered the cour
room yesterday morning, Maitre De
mango, counsel for Captain Dreyfus
applied for an adjournment on &C
count of Maitre Labori's absence. Ma
jor Carriere, the government commits
sary, arose and opposed the application
in the most vehement manner with
the gestures of stump orator Major
Carriere dilated upon the fact that tha
entire world was anxiously awaiting I
decision, and upon the necessity Of
ending the suspense. I
The court retired for 20 minutes. On
its return Colonel Jouast read unani-
nous decision of the court rejecting
the application.
1t is understood that Maitre De-
mango will today repeat the applica-
tion for an adjournment, in ,aonse-
quence of hint that the government
commissary Major Carriere, has re-
ceived instructions not to oppose It,
The feature of the days proceedings
was the story of the suiferings Of Drey-
fus on DEVILS Island. his.prison of the
coast of French Guiana. Dreyfus wept
when the clerk read a document re-
counting the details of his incarcera-
ton. Deep drawn breaths of indigna-
tion came from the hearers as the read
ing proceeded, and even the captain Of
gendarmes. sitting beside Dreyfus.
turned and gave him look Of un-
concealed compassion. II
General Mercier. who. with M. Le-
bon, was seated in the front row Of the
witnesses seats. listened to the read
ing of the report unmoved, while Col
onel Jouaust followed it with an air OF
bored tolerance.
M. .Lebon. the former minister Of
the colonies, big. red bearded man.
testified in justification of his instruc-
tiOns to treat Dreyfus vigorously, de-
claring that the extreme stringency
only dated from the time he thought
an attempt would be made to rescue
the prisoner Colonel Jouast, president
of the court martial. asked Dreyfus IL
he had any questions to put to the witt
ness, and he replied in an emotional
voice: mo. l am here to defend my
honor. do not wish to speak of theA
atrocious suffering which for five years
a Frenchman and an innocent man suf-
fered on the lie du Diable,"
The next witness brought in was the
widow of Colonel Henry. the French
officer who committed suicide after
confessing to forging certain docu-
ments. With pale face and hand up
raised before the crucifix, she took the
cath to tell the truth. In an attitude Of
complacent expression, she gave her
evidence, accompanying the words
with frequent gestures. Her evidence,
however, was of little weight.
General Roget followed. His evi-
dence was vitriolic diatribe against
Dreyfus from beginning to end. While
testifying he constantly turned to-
wards the prisoner to see the impress
sion made by his deposition, which was
virtually speech for the prosecution, d
If Roget was not speaking In good
faith. his statement was UNANIMOUSLY H
wicked. But he made point. Major
Hartmann, who testified before the
court of cessation about the gun mem
toned in the bordereau. said it had
knew all about it in 1894. This Roget
denied and the president of the court
who is an artillery officer.
seemed to indorse him. According to
Roget, the gun had been tested In
1894 only and spoken Of In only one
journal, The Yacht. the editor of which,
Captain Weyl, was then an intimate
friend of Esterhazy. "Who was this
Weyl?" said Roget. He was the uncle
by marriage of Matthew Dreyfus."
Colonel Jouaust's manner had re-
axed on the two previous days. but
when the circumstance of Weyl max
ing the revelation about the gun was
1t hardened into the utmost
severity.
Colonel Jouaust. previously asked
Dreyfus II he wished to say anything
md the prisoner, who, during General
Romet's illumination against him, sew
sral times made movement as II to
Use and retort. but was waved down
~ Colonel JOuaust. arose and cried
)ut:
my Colonel: It is frightful thing
hat every day they tear out my heart
md soul without my being able to re-
,ly. 1t is awful torture for an innocent
nan and loyal soldier. 1t is a fright
ul thing--frlghtful frightful!"
The audience. profoundly stirred, be-
,an to applaud, but the applause was
quickly suppressed.
Maitre Mornard, who represented
iadame Dreyfus in the revision pro-
eedings before the court of cassation,
las been summoned to replace Maitre
Iabor until the latter is able to re-
urn to his post NJ. Mornard Is ex- \
'ected to appear in court today. He is
poor substitute for Labori.
everely Commented on in Germany.
Berlin, Aug. 1.-THE refusal to ad-
ourn the Rennes trial pending the re-
overy of M. Labori is severely COM
lented upon here. Captain Dreyfus is
omDared to man in the stocks-at
he mercy of anybody choosing to pelt
i'm and without means of self de-
ence, The German papers, hitherto
eseved and moderate, now express
Is feelings strongly on the subjects of
he evidence of Generals Mercier and
3illot. Keen analysis and criticism
every comment. The
eferences by General Mercier to Ger
lany are denounced as inaccurate.
and puerile" They will not
e officially contradicted because
cannot be held responsible
Or the casuistry of French generals 4
is equally improbable that Mercier's
tatement will be denied in the reich
tag, or that any steps will be taken
'hlch would imply interference In the
omestic affairs of France, beyond
hat has already been done In thu