Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-08-23

RENNES, August 22.-To-day was
Maitre Laboris day at the Lycee.
Labori was the central figure of the
scene. AS the Dreyfus drama unrolled
before a crowded court this forenoon,
his tall, viking-like form draped in a
long black gown, bordered with ermine,
sitting in front of the footlights, was
the magnet which from the moment
the curtain was rung up until it fell at
noon, drew all regards, not merely
glances of curiosity, but the steady
gaze of admiration. His mere presence
brought brightness into the court room
asld fresh light into the proceedings.
Labori did what people had expected.
He galvanized the dormant defence
into an active living thing. M. De-
mango is conciliatory. He has always
seemed to fear to tread on the military
corn. Labori is Gladiator, and al
ways speaks to touch his foe to the
quick. Let there be the slightest oRen-
ing Ill LIS oPpOAChI dOlCllNC anu l-S
.hrusts home.
Labor cornered Gen. MERCER on the
Schneider letter, which the latter had
used in evidence and which Colonel
Schneider had repudiated as forgery.
The general was surprised when Labori
suddenly demanded that MERCER be re-
called. Evidently he hoped the tri-
bunal would support him in refusing
to explain how he got copy of let
,er which was of later date than his
lncumbency at the ministry of war.
But Labori was not to be denied. He
insisted that MERCER should give some
explanation. Then, after hesitating,
Mercier declared that he would assume
Ill the responsibility attaching to his
possession of the document This, as
Labori intended it should be, was
demonstration of communication by
the general staff of part at least of the
secret dossier to an ordinary soldier,
such as MERCER became Immediately on
leaving the ministry of war. When
Labori had attained his object and
forced confession of grave violation of
law on the part of Gen. MERCER, he
gave a smile Of grim satisfaction, and
then added significantly: Il shall have
other questions to put to Gen. Mer-
cier"
Gen. MERCER made a pitiable exhi-
sition. M. Labor, in passion, fairly
Numbered his questions.
What can be the value of docu-
nents, said he, (which we cannot see
and cannot discuss, documents for
which it is impossible to know who
lakes the responsibility. l appeal to
you. Mr.. President, to be good enough
to ask Gen. MERCER how this document
came into his possession"
MERCER. driven into a corner, feebly
evaded the question.
Mr.. President continued Labor,
Il insist that reply be given. Gen.
MERCER has sworn to speak the whole
truth. ! must insist that questions re-
spectfully rendered by the defense be
answered by him. The courtmartial,
unlike the court of cessation, has to
deal with the whole range of the affair;
and it is necessary that complete light
be thrown upon it. ] insist that Gen.
MERCER answer me, for it is my right"
The scene was highly dramatic and
made a profound impression upon all
the spectators.
Gen. MERCER must now be spending
very miserable evening, for as re-
suit of this admission, and with the
additional charge of communicating Sc
cret documents to the courtmartial of
1894 he is liable to arrest at any mo-
ment. Indeed, some people think it not
impossible that he will be lying in the
military prison adjoining the cell of
Captain Dreyfus before the week is out.
Another series Of questions nut by NJ.