Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1899-08-24
THE RESULT IS IN DOUBT.
Plotters May be Able to Again
ThWart Justice in Drey-
fus Court Martial.
DANGER OF CIVIL WAR.
This is What is Urged as an Excuse
For Sacrificing the Liberty of
an Individual.
Compromise Verdict May Release
Dreyfus But Not Restore His Rank
Nothing Worthy of the Name of
Evidence Produced Against Accus-
ed-NIore Witnesses to be Heard.


Rennes, Aug. 22.-Most Of the CORE
spondents of foreign newspapers came
to Rennes with the impression that
after a full hearing of the evidence
.he acquttal Of Dreyfus of the charge
of treason would be the inevitable ver-
dict. The trial has now proceeded a
fortnight, and absolutely nothing
worthy of the name of evidence has
been adduced against the accused. yet
scarcely any one is now confident of
the result. This change does not i'm
ply, as it would at first appear, that
the prisoners judges are dishonest or
corrupt 1t means that the case is
in the hands of Il jury who are un-
consciously prejudiced. or, to put it
fairly, who are incapable of forming
an impartial opinion. 1t means that
they are the victims of undue pressure
and illegitimate Influences which re-
quire moral heroism beyond that of
ordinary men to successfully resist.
Hreyfus's judges are genuinely en-
titled to the sympathy and commisera-
ton of the whole world.
Foreigners at RenneS realize now
for the first time. perhaps. the in
tensity of the passions which are
binding reason and destroying the
sense of fair play in France. 1t is
this realization which makes these
alien observers no longer confident OF
the vindication of the innocent man
before the Rennes court martial. 1t
is now clear what policy the enemies
OF Dreyfus have relied on chiefly for
thwarting Justice once more. 1t is
reasons of State. based not on pretend
ed danger of foreign war as in 1894,
but upOn the civil war which the ac-
uuital of the prisoner would precipi-
tate. according to the anti DrSyfus
declarations. In other words, they
rlotted to demonstrate by upriSingS
at Rennes and elsewhere that 1t is the
patriotic duty of the court martial to
save the country hy again sacrificing
the individual before them. The Paris
Government became cognizant OF the
Ilot. and it remains to be- seen If they
will further succeed in forestallng it.
IN regard to the prospects OF the
verdict, many belcre that it Will be
an unsatisfactory compromise, namely.
4 to 3 against the prisoner, which
would result in his discharge. but not
in his restoration to rank. No one
expects n decision before the end of
the month. and it may be deferred ten
days later.
There remain eighty-three witnesses
on the list, and this n;lmber will I'M
Goubtedly be augmented. inaSnuch
as any witness can be recalled for
conformation. which is n favorite
feature of French trials. If anybody
subsequently contradicts him 1t is
inlpossible to estimate the time re-
quircd TO complete the evidence The
next witnesses to he called are not
prominent personages and may. there
fore he expected 10 contribute facts
.ustead of hnranguinc the Court with
their views as to the guilt or innocence
of the prisoner. based entirely upon
hparsay The trial will undoubtedly
proceed henceforth more speedily.
Maitre LaboliS desire to return to
court is evident and he says that he
ill have Gen. Mercier recalled. so as
of err