New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-13
Of NJ Casimir- Perier. but such an idea never
crossed nv mind

had asked me ct the time Of the trial, In con-
veyng through NJ Waldeck- Rousseau my re-
quest for q public trial that this publicity
should only be on condition that the question OF
the origin Of the documents remained secret. l
gave my word OF honor not to raise this ques-
tion and in that bow before the superior IN
terests Of my country. In my mind 1t was with
the defence. and not with the President Of the
Republic. that the word OF honor was given.
rever had an Idea that an engagement was
made between the President and myself. Never!
Never Never!
Jouaust-Then you declare false these letters
IN which II Is said the President Of the Republic
entered into certain engagements with you?
Dreyfus replied
I'm any case, the sense has been completely
distorted"
NJ. Casimir- Perier gave his evidence with
blanched face but in the determined tone OF a
man who maintains every word uttered, which
inspired confidence in his words. The members
OF the court martial listened to him respect
fully
ENTER GENERAL MERCER.
When his testimony was ended NJ Casmir-
Parier was conducted back to his seat by a
non commissioned Officer and all eyes were
directed toward door to the right There was
q moment of painful suspense. and then General
MERCER glided slowly into the courtroom ana
was conducted to the witness stand by soldier.
He lifted I'D his right hand before the crucifx
and swore to tell the whole truth. The witness
appeared to be in broken health. He spoke In
a hoarse voice, coughed frequently and asked
to be allowed to be seated
MERCER was attired in the undress uniform or
a general-black tunic and red trousers. AS he
sat down he placed a brilliant crimson and gold
kept on a shelf attached to the witness rail.
where it remained. striking patch OF color, DUR
ing the time he gave his testimony, which lasted
from $40 a. m until noon. He leaned forward
while speaking his hands sometimes resting on
the rail but more often he nervously
twitching his fingers and twisting a pair or
white gloves which he DOTTED on entering the
court. Beside his kept he placed black leather
wallet full Of papers, and he accompanied his
remarks with a continual nodding Of the head
on a stranger his appearance and bearing pro-
duced a far from favorable effect He gave the
impression Of stiffness. His forehead was
Wrlnkled, his eyebrows were contracted, ana MS
eyes peered through Sits between his pufy
eyelids. His cheeks were sallow and he spoke
almost inaudibly, and in weak, monotonous
pitch OF voice, which produced soporihc erect
upon those who were not able TO distinguish
his words. but who were within hearing or his
voice This monologue, with hardly break. ex-
rept when the clerk read the various documents
Mercler presented to the court, lasted nearly
four hours. with ten minutes suspension at H.
when there was a general feeling that the wit
ness was going 10 prove. as the Dreyfusards
predicted an utter fasco
General Mercler wore on his breast she deco.
ration Of Grand officer OF the Legion OF Honor
While he was under examination General Mer-
cer asked Colonel Jouaust 10 allow him 70 pre-
sent a document showing how espionage sys-
tenn was organized in France by Colonel
Schwarzkoppen. the former German military
attache AT Paris The document referred TO the
fortincations Of the Meuse. General MERCER then
entered into an examination tending 20 prove
that Schwarzkoppen at the head OF the
German espionage in France. and afterward had
the letter containing the words "Cette canaile
de D." read.
DREYFUS WATCHES HIS ACCUSER.
In the mean while Dreyfus watched MERCER
through his eyeglass. but apparently quite un-
moved The witness who displayed the deepest
interest was NJ Casmr- Perier. Seated in front
Of q row Of private seats. he leaned forward
with his hands on his knees except when very
excited when he shifted his hands up in an ex-
pressive gesture OF disgust or Impotence. Mer-
cier. who had his back turned TO the former
President saw nothing OF this. but after he had
completed his testimony and had reiterated all
the charges contained In NJ dOrmeschevilles
bill Of Indictment. Mercler presented a document
to he read by the clerk, which proved to be the
alleged Dreyfus letter concerning the engage
ment entered into with NJ Casimir- Perier. which
the latter had holly denounced The last
breath had barely left the clerks lips when NJ.
Casmr- Perier jumped up and shouted
That's the letter | read in the newspapers
General MERCER startled. turned around and
muttered excuses. saying he did not believe
President OF the Republic would enter into such
an engagement.
To this NJ Caslmir Perier retorted In a tone of
the bItterest sarcasm:
Thank you, General for this testimonial"
At the end Of his evidence General MERCER
said he believed that the only motive Of Drey
fuss treason was that Dreyfus had no feeling OF
patriotism.
This cruel utterance brought forth Kisses from
the audience whose blood had been sent up 10
fever heat by the witnesses savage attacks on
Dreyfus.
General MercIer. not needing the Kisses. fin
ished remarking:
IF the least doubt crossed my mind. messieurs
I would be the tlrst to declare it to you. and say
before you. to Captain Dreyfus, am mistaken,
but I'm good faith"
A DRAMATIC SCENE IN COURT.
Then Dreyfus electrified his hearers He
Jumped TO his feet though the words had gal
vanlzed him into life and shouted with
voice which resounded through the hall like
trumpet note:
You ought 10 say so now!'
The audience burst into a wild cheer. where
upon the ushers called for silence.
General MERCER then stammered:
Il would come and say. Captain Dreyfus,
was mistaken in good faith. and come with the
same good faith to admit IT, and will do all in