Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-08-15
corRT-MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS.
They Are Robbed of Matter of Most
Interest.

Interest.
RFNNES. August 1.-THE shooting of
Labor. leading counsel for Captain Al
fred Dreyfus. robbed the morning session
Of the Dreyfus court-martia of its para
mount interest
The murderer, apparently, chose to-day
for the attempt because it was antici-
uated that NJ. Iabori would crush Gene
raj MERCER. the former Minister Of War,
with his examining.
The news Of the shooting Of NJ. Labor
caused an immense sensation IN the
courtroom. where the usual audience
had assembled awaiting the entrance of
the judges. n. Laboris absence had just
been announced when suddenly NJ. Jau-
nay syndic of the judiciary press, rushed
into the room and shouted: m. Labori
has been shot"
HORROR IN THE COURTROOM.
All present gave a gasp Of horror and
surprise, and then every man jumped 10
his feet and a vOlley Of questions was
hurled at NJ. Jaunay's head, who, crying,
THAT is all ] know" rushed out of court
again, followed by a number OF his hear
ers. Those who remained excitedly dis
cussed the crime and vigorously de-
nOunced the authors.
Colonel JOuaust, president OF the court,
when the news reached him. suspended
the sitting Of the court-martial until 7l5
A. NJ.
When the cOurt-martial was resumed
General MERCER was confronted with NJ.
Casmir-PeTier. the former President OF
France The latter declared that Mer-
cier's story told on the witness-stand
Saturday Of the imminence Of war be-
tween Germany and France In 1894 was
grossly exaggerated, and complained OF
the action of the then Minister OF War
MerceD I'm moving COCO troops 10 the
frontier without consulting him.
MERCER ESCAPES.
As II was NJ. Labori's task TO take
General MERCER In hand. and NJ De-
mango. associate counsel, was quite un-
prepared for the task. the few questions
the latter put werc practically Of little
effect and General MERCER escaped cheap
w. Moreover. NJ. Demange was deeply
affected by the attempt TO assassinate
his colleague and was quite unable 10 DO
himself justice
when General MERCER was recalled. in
retly 10 the president Of the court. he
reiterated his belief that Major the Count
D4terhaZy. In spite Of the latter's own
declaration, was not the author of the
hordereau. which. the witness claimed.
WAS written on tracing paper, and was
ound I'm an embassy
CASIMIR-PERIER INDIGNANT.
The PRESIDENT asked NJ. Casimir- Prerier
to explain the circumstances or the con-
fession Dreyfus IL alleged 10 have made
TO Captain Lebrun- henault. VI. Casimir-
Perier persisted I'm his statement OF Sat-
urdav that he had never received any
condolences Of this character from Cap
tain LeDrun- Renauit
NJ. Casimir-Perier. resuming his testi-
mony. said ne did not desire TO reply 10
certain Of General Mercier's insinuatiOns.
Il do not wish 10 answer them said
the former President. The circum-
stances are too sad and too tragic for me
ia desire to envenom the discussion. |
am master Of myself and Of my con
science | would only state that Gene
raj Mercier has made every EFFORT 10 mix
me as deeply as possible In tails affair
hui / have remained aloOf, | affirm. dur
ing the progress Of the investigation"
The former President then complained
of the incorrect behavior Of his subordi-
nate toward the Chief OF the State
FRANrO-GERMAN UNDERSTANDING
AZ Demanee asked NJ. Casimir- p srier
a. on the 9th an understanding had not