The record-union., 1899-08-23

thrust at headquarters and we had to
get rid of him?''
Lieutenant-Colonel Bertin-No, never.
I absolutely deny it. When I was in
the War Office the Jewish question was
never raised. Dreyfus was regarded as
a conf1dant; I confided all my secrets
to him, and gave him the password Of
my locker. A number of my official
reports were here read unanimously
| recognizing Dreyfus as a brilliant Off
Ger who was anxious TO succeed.
The reports of the headquarters staff
alone cast imputations upon the pris-
oner's character.
NJ Labori asked the Courts leave to,
with the permission of Bertin, to ques-
| ton the witness on a delicate subject.
He referred to a remark made by Ber-
tin at a dinner at which NJ. Labori was
present, at the house of a mutual
friend, a fortnight after the tdegrada-
ton of Dreyfus.
'T have absolute confidence in the
good faith of Lieutenant-Colon Ber-
tin" added M. Labor, "and I am con-
vinced that if his reco1lections are ex-
act enough he will not hesitate to re-
ply"
name of the mutual friend who gave
the dinner. Labori whispered the name
and the witness nodded assent.
NJ Labori-Do you remember that
you were among the first to suggest TO
me belief in the innocence of Drey-
| fus?
Bertin-No, no; it is impossible.
| Labori-Does the witness remember
| that during the course of the dinner
! he became excited in talking of Drey-
| fus?
| The witness pointed out that the
terms of intimacy which prevailed at
| the dinner must be taken into account,
reminded NJ Labori that he was an old
| friend of his father, and wondered
whether counsel was the same man,
who, taking the witness hands on the
| occasion of the dinner, said: L Will
never forget what you have done for
my father"
'I do not forget the words" said M.
| Labori, his voice trembling at the
recollections, ''but I am referring to
| the somewhat strong remarks you
made against Maitre Demange. [ am
not seeking to provoke scene between
| Lieutenant Colonel Bertin and M. De-
mango. Did you not say to me When
I spoke of Maitre Demange's belief IN
| the innocence of Dreyfus: 'Demange!
| Don't mention him. He is counsel for
| the German Embassy" (Cries of "Oh,
| ohl')
eff I can remember / will reply L
am here to tell the truth and | will tell
| all I know; I am here for the truth,
| like you
! M. Labori-When I asked you why
you said that, you replied that M. De-
mango had already defended other
spies and that he was an official de-
| fender.
| Lieutenant Colonel Bertin admitted
the truth of M. Labori's statements.
M. Labori-You should be sure re-
garding the intervention of Maitre De-
mango, because a barrister of his
| standing is not appointed officially un-
| less there are important reasons for 1T.
| Counsel proceeded to relate how
when he left Lieutenant Colonel Ber-
tin he discussed the foregoing conver-
sation with his wife, and wondered
what security could be found in the
oath or judgment of men who believed
| things so ridiculous.
| MY belief in the innocence of Drey-
| fus," M. Labori added, began that
day. I give you my word OF honor
| that Lieutenant Colonel Bertin admit
| ted he had grudge against M. De-
mango, saying it was because ne de-
| Tended Dreyfus badly by persisting in
! making Dreyfus deny all the charges