The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-08-14
Frnnce,s Grent poubIe CrlsIs.

Frances Great Double Crisis.
AS was predicted in the dispatches
Of Saturday morning, the proceedings of
the court-martial trial OF Captain
Dreyfus reached a crisis, and the day
also developed more startling matters
than were dreamed of. AS a result all
France is aroused over the divulgence
OF conspiracy to overthrow the re-
public by the orleanlsts. While this
startling exposure had not direct con-
nectIon with the Dreyfus trial, 1t has
affected 1t, for the greater event in
volving the destiny OF the government
the trial was temporarily stopped up-
til Monday, not without some tragic
and dramatic incidents having oc-
CURED, however, What there was of
the trial and the unfolding of the plot
to upset the republic, both combined.
developed typical French drama
which brings the country face to face
with periodical political crisis.
AS to the Dreyfus trial, 1t was most
notable and striking by reason Of the
facing of General MERCER and Dreyfus
and the facing of ex-Presldent casimir-
Perler and General Mcrcier II was
sensational. for it was revealed that
General Mercier was convinced Of the
guilt of Dreyfus and now obstinately
refused to admit the ueachery and gen
eral rascality Of the men who deceived
him. The sensatlona!lsts had largely
depended upon him to convict Dreyfus,
but he went entirely TO pieces. and the
audience Missed and cursed him as he
left the court. The day was decided
ly to the advantage OF Dreyfus, and he
took part in the cross-examlnation OF
AercIer. What was expected to dam
age him in the generals testimony
really benefited him, and when Mercie:
turned to leave the court room the
audience both Kissed and cursed him.
Ii is said that if Dreyfus is guilty he
must have superhuman nerve, for he
bravely faces his accusers and asks
them very pointed questions.
The other Incident in France which
has stirred up the entire republic, and
directed attention from the Dreytus
trial for the time being, was the ar
rest of n. Paul Deroulede, founder OF
the League OF Patriots, and member
of the chamber Of deputies and MARCEL
Habert, and large number Of assoc
cIates on documentary evidence of a
well laid plot to overthrow the govern
ment.
1t is well that the leaders and their
followers were arrested when they were,
for 1t handIcaps the work which, II 1t
had progressed further. would have
wrought untold mischief. There is no
doubt OF their guilt. for, not only are
the documents available to prove It,
but the disposition of the faction to re-
store the orleanlsts to power was open
ly avowed.
One thing this incident Of the I'M
earthing OF the plot is demonstrating Is
the strength of the republican govern
ment OF France. and the test Of the
ability OF President Loubet, who finds
himself confronted with very heavy
RESPONSIBILITIES at this critical juno
ture. This has not been the general
idea of the existing system Of govern
1nent for 1t was by many observers
thought to be anything but strong, on
account OF being composed Of such
various elements. and since the present
republic of France was established
some OF the administrations have lack
ed In firmness and stability.
President Loubet is practical-mlnd'
ed man, and. unlike some of his prede-
cessors ne knows well that the time to
nut down threatened revolution is In
its IncIplency. He has enough OF the
ottributcs which characterize Amerl-
canlsm TO convince him that mob rule
"a not safe, and that the only way to
mntntatn government Is to keep down
threats Of disorder. The French army
e I'M good condition and well disci-
mined. and the loyalty of the people
TO the army was Demonstrated thorough
~ on Saturday, when. at Rennes, when
the news Of the arrest OF the Nationalist
leaders was received, the excited peo-
ple cheered the army and shouted long
life To the republic
II is plain that Loubet has the con-
aJence of the French public, that the
army Is popular and well disciplined
and the cabinet Is loyal. There Is hope
for Frnncc in two ways; The vindlca.
ton Of Dreyfus and the punishment OF
his prosecutors. aud the Immediate
suppression Of the orleanist plot
Marion county has about completed a
magnificent court house in Falrmont
which II claims to be the costliest and
hnndaomest in West Virginia. Marion
county Is one Of nc wealthlest and
most progressive counties In the state,