The San Francisco call., 1899-09-22
THE DREYFUS FINALE.

II RESIDENT LOUBET and his Ministry have
~ Proceeded on the line we indicated as probable
and by the pardon OF Dreyfus have ended the
international phase of the incident To the general
mind OF the civilized world the punishment OF the un-
fortunate officer, twice convicted testimony that
was not accepted as sufficient the revolving fea-'
ture OF the tragedy. Gagged on Devils Island or inn
INJURED in Corsican fortress Dreyfus appealed to the
infuriated imagination OF many peoples But par
doned released, at liberty, reunited with his family
he becomes the object of a less plying personal in
terest and France out OF the FOCUS OF furious
feeling which she occupied during the days that fol-
lowed the verdict at Renpes.
Ii is true that Dreyfus rests under the mputaton
upon his sodierlyhonor, impiedin military conviction
OF treason but the world looks upon his pardon as
vindcaton, since pardons in case OF undoubted trea-
son are almost unknown 1t is the highest crime
recognized by the that be committed against
it. and is lifted out Of the rank OF oenses committed
by individuals against each other. These the state
canpardon and their punishment is often either
uted or avered entirely by that means. But treason
Is against the state ITSELF aimed its life, which in
high sense is the life OF all who exist under its
ereignty When treason is proved beyond doubt, the
state rarely arrests judgment Now, in view OF this
strict rule and of the high necessity which enJoinS it,
there is feeling that conviction OF the crime should
be upon trial in which the accused is given every op
Dortunity of defense and in which the case OF the
state against him must rest upon direct evidence,
proving the overt act which constitutes the oense
When the trial involves merely the charge against
him; and vehement expression OF the belief OF wit
nesses that he is guilty, without proof OF act, and
the state is not required to prove his guilt but de-
mands that he prove his innocence, conviction loses
all moral force.
D.-o, g. 81 +t,o
tention of the world and outside of French army cir
cles there is no feeling that his conviction pro-
cured in any way furnishes his honor
pardon, following conviction and sentence so
closely greatly strengthens this confidence in his
military integrity and promotes the feeling that he
selected as a victim scapegoat, for the offenses of
others
His plantive declaration, that liberty is to him
nothing without honor strikes sympathetic chord,
but its vibrations are affected by the feeling that
there rests but little stain upon that honor which he
prizes.
The world must credit France and President
Loubet with wisdom in making the best exit from
an embarrassing situation, and to Dreyfus himself is
to be ascribed high degree OF patriotic discretion
when he declares that it is to his country and his
countrymen that he will seek vindicaton that will
leave his name stainless:
The finale is satisfactory; it restores the good
feeling that for few days was interrupted, and the
lust mind will look upon France a nation willing
to do its utmost to correct its errors and mistakes
Only small minority of Frenchmen chatter about
prestige being lost by doing right There is no wide
difference between the rules OF conduct required OF
an individual and of nation. There is community
so sodden and sunk in grossness and brutality to
withdraw its respect from man brave enough to
acknowledge his and correct it. The world
offers. the tribute Of its respect to nation brave
enough TO do likewise.