New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-06


sented by the defence concerning documents 10
be obtained abroad This seems to me beyond
our Jurisdiction Tho court will judge beg
the president to retire with the judges to phi
vate room and dc 'de the question
NJ Paleologue the representative Of the For
eign Office supported Major Carriere's views.
He said: Il understand perfectly the impor-
lance the defence attaches to the production or
the documents enumerated in the bordsreau. see
Ing that the whole case turns upon them But
II the request Of the accused appears to be
based upon logic and justice 1t seems inadmissi-
bic from a diplomatic point Of view Considera-
lions OF the highest order are opposed to the
Government taking the initiative 1t is requested
to take with regard to A foreign Power
Colonel Jouaust promised that the court would
announce its decision later
ESTERHAZYS ADMISSIONS
Serge Bassot. the first witness called to-day.
testified that the "Matn" sent him to London
on five occasions to see Major Estcrhazy. who
furnished n mass Of interesting information
concerning the Headquarters STAFF. Esterhazy
declared that he was not the autncr of the
bordereau. though the witness did not believe
him Esterhazy complained bitterly of the gen
erals who. ne said. had thrown him overheard
adding that there nothing left for him but
to blow out his brains. The witness advised
against suicide and urged Esterhazy 10 the ut
most endeavor to reveal the truth and the part
he played Finally. while walking In Piccadilly
Major Esterhazy said to the witness point
blank
well. Ribon" (the witnesses pseudonyme)' !
am going to tell YOU what nobody knows 1t Is
I who am the author Of the bordereau. wrote
1t in 1894 at the request Of my friend Sandherr
There was traitor at headquarters. Dreyfus
whom Sandherr told me they wanted to catch
did not hesitate To do what was asked"
with Esterhazy's consent the witness had
each Of Esterhazy's statements verified Ester
hazy said that he had decided to make the
avowals because he was disguised with his
abandonment by the generals. In conclusion,
the witness referred to offers Of money to Ester
hazy.
Lieutenant Colonel Brongniart. member OF
the court martial-Dd Esterhazy tell YOU that
Dreyfus was guilty?
NJ. Basset-Yes.
Colonel Jouaust-The two statements Of Ester
hay are incompatible
NJ Basset-It is not for me 10 reconcile them
Major Carriere was invited to express his
opinion. and said There Is much 10 say but
prefer to remain silent | have made II a rule
not to enter into discussion with witnesses; but.
as NJ Basset states that Major Esterhazy as
serted that Colonel Sandherr told him to write
the bordereau l. on behalf of Colonel Sandherr's
memory. protest against such insnuations. He
was Incapable of such an order
VI. Lahori-I hope this protest IS not addressed
10 the defence
Major Carrere-It is not addressed TO counsel
for the defence. 1t is addressed TO the man who
was capable Of launching such a statement.
NJ Labori-Does NJ. Basset know that Major
Esterhazy addressed letters 10 General Roget?
NJ. Basset-I do not know.
VI. Labori-General Roget. perhaps. will tell
REFUSAL TO PRODUCE LETTER.
General Roget did receive a letter from
Major Esterhazy in August and informed the
president Of the court martial of the fact, asking
him to make what use he liked Of IT. I refused
to open further letters as soon as l recognized
Esterhazys handwriting.
on NJ Labori asking to see the letter. Colonel
Jouaust said that ne would not put the letter In
evidence. because 1t contained only abuse and
recriminations
AS NJ Labor protested. General Roget said
that he had handed all the letters TO the presi-
dent Of the court martial, because he did not
wish to be compromised by Esterhazy which
was evidently the atter's intention.
Colonel Jouaust said that he had not included
Esterhazys letters in the evidence. becaueo he
did not wish the proceedings to he unduly pro-
tracted: but as the defence insisted. the letters
would be produced.
General Roget offered TO read the first Of
Major Esterhazys letters. in which Esterhazy
offers to prove the existence Of a Dreyfus gym
dictate. The writer complained that the General
staff refused 10 hear or accept Information he
had obtained.
Major Carriere said that he also had received
numerous letters from Major Esterhazy. which
he had never read
NJ Labori-Does General Roget consider the
confessions Of Esterhazy valid?
General Roget-No; all versions given by Es-
terhazy are quite incorrect. He is an imposter
concerning whom l prefer to express no opinion
NJ Labori-Does General Roget consider Es-
terhazy a man Of straw?
General Roget have no proof Of the fact
but am inclined to believe he Is.
NJ Labori-Was he a straw man in 1894?
General Roget-No; DO not think so.
NJ Labor When, do you think. did he first
contemplate playing the part?
General Roget have made no Investigation
on that point. Contrary TO Esterhazys asser-
tions, the generals Of the Headquarters STAFF
had no relations with him.
NJ Labori-Why was Major Esterhazy's role
Of straw man not mentioned in the trial Of 1905?
General Roget was not present and do not
know.
A POINT FOR THE DEFENCE.
Considerable discussion ensued between Colo
mel Jouaust and NJ. Labori. the former attempt
ing to protect General Roget from too close
questioning. NJ. Labor insisted. however. and
gained his point The examination proceeded
NJ Labori-Since General Roget expresses an
opinion on this case upon what does he base it.?
General Roget-On the part generally played
10y Estcrhazy.
NJ Labori-IIow do you explain the fact that
Esterhazy made no confession during the Zoa
trial?