The age-herald., 1899-09-09
Counsel Fears Conviction But
 Will Fight DoggedIy.
THE PEOPLE SEEM INDIFFERENT
Most Elaborate Military Precautions Have Been Taken, and an Out
 break When Verdict is Rem .e dered is Improbable

Rennes, September s.-That Captain Drey- fus will be condemned is the almost uni Nersa opinion heard in Rennes tonight. Hitherto there had always been a diverg- ence, but now both camps, Dreyfusards and anti-Dreyfusards, seem unanimous in the conviction that the verdict will go against him. Upon just what this is based and the precise reason for the conclusion are a mystery, but there is no disgusting the fact that, from M. Labori down to the numerous Dreyfusards who crowd the ho- teis and cafes and who last were still hope ful that Dreyfus would ,be saved, all seem now to agree that his last chance is gone.
 Labori is Game
 The one source of hope is M Labori himself, who said this evening to the cor respondent of the Associated Press:
 We fear that Captain Dreyfus will be condemned, but we don't intend to throw up the sponge. We shall go on fighting for him."
 M Jaurez the socialist leader, and other prominent Dreyfus leaders expressed similar opinion. Excitement is at fever heat, and nothing is discussed but the yer dict tomorrow. The military precautions are of the most elaborate character and no attempt at disorder is likely to have the slightest success. Orders have been issued to suppress the first symptom of trouble with an iron hand.
 A small anti-Semitic meeting was held here this evening, and the complete calm that attended it is an indication of the quiet tomorrow. A strong force of gend- armes guarded the approaches to the build Ing where the meeting was held and their crders were to arrest the first man who raised a sedtious cry. Nothing occurred, however.
 People Seem Indifferent
 Indeed he inha bitants of the town seem indifferent and the neghborhood of the Iycee and the prison is deserted, save for few gendarmes.
 The news of the publication of Count von Buelows speech in the reichsanzeiger reached Rennes tonight and is considered very important on the eve of a verdict, which is in some quarters thought will be regarded as slight by Germany if 1t be e condemnation, as being tantamount to a public refusal to take the word of Elm peror William, as his minister is merely his mouthpiece.
 
 may be delivered between. 3 and o'clock tomorrow afternoon, the court adjourning after M Demange's speech until o'clock. There is some criticism of M. Labori's de- cision not to speak. The friends of M. Demange think 1t his object to escape his share of responsibility in the event of verdict of condemnation. M. Demange having once seen Dreyfus condemned un- dar llv {la Labor to share the criticism this tme es- pecially M Labori has assumed such prominent part in the proceedings.
 Dreyfus Is Cheerful
 Captain Dreyfus today appeared cheerful He smiled and shook hands with his coun- sel on entering the oourt. The English chief justice followed the speech of M. De- mango with the closest attention. The law yer gave very fine performance, so far as the audience was concerned. His voice was exquisitely modulated, sometimes soft and persuasive and at other times sharply ar gumentative.
 Finally he filled the room with his stem toran tones as he thundered with indigna- ton at the charges against Dreyfus and the shameful weakness of the prosecution and in denunciation of Esterhazy. The ges- lures and features of M. Demange were equally expressive
 ettt Picquart Has Gone
 The front rows of the chief witness seats were empty but for the presence of M. Ira rieux, the former minister of justice. and M. Cavaignac, former minister of war, all the generals and officers having left Rennes by order of the minister of war, General de Gallifet. Lieutenant Colonel Picquart has also left Rennes, although he holds no rank in the army.
 Dreyfus listened to the oration of M. De- mango with a mask of impassability re- sembng his frozen attitude during the first days of the trial. Whatever the pris- oner's feelings were as he heard M De- mange's plea in his behalf, he carefully concealed them.
 Demange Wants More Time
 At II o'clock NJ. Demange was still speak, ing and be announced that he wanted an- other two hours and half to finish his plea. so the court adjourned until 7:30 o'clock tomorrow morning.