The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1899-08-19
'DREYFUS HAS little CHANCE
HIS AcoUITTAL UNLOCKED FOR
The Generals Are Glad General Roget
Made IN Impression-Dreyfu Has De-
nied Knowledge Of Plans - Prisoner
Makes Declaration.

New York, Aug. 1.-THE Rennes cor
respondent Of the Tribune, describing
in the trial OF Captain Dreyfus, cables:
The chances OF Dreyfus' acquittal are
becoming smaller and smaller; had judg
in.nt been pronounced Wednesday night
it would, in all probability, have been con-
domination. The testimony Of General Ro-
,get made visiby profound impression on
tie court.
1t must be remembered that all the
uembers of the court-martial are gradu-
ates OF the Polytechnic school and from
early youth have been imbued with re-
spect for military authority and prestage
amounting to religion. 1t should also be
remembered that General Roget, although
not employed at the ministry Of war when
the discoveries were made there, which
led to the first Dreyfus court-martial in
1894, was former sub-chief Of the bureau
Of the general staff, and that Dreyfns
served under his orders and supervision.
General Roget turned toward Dreyfus
this morning and, in ringing voice, with
unilinching glance, said:
''Dreyfus has denied any knowledge of
plans of concentration OF troops in ease
of mobilization; but Dreyfus, himself, in
1893, drew three maps, showing the zones
Of concentration OF the French army.
These maps are in the Fourth bureau of
the general staff"
Dreyfus made no reply, but turned and
spoke to Maitre Demange. General Ro-
get again turning furiously upon Drey-
tus, said:
"Dreyfus denied having any knowledge
OF the manual of arms, but in u letter
from Colonel jeanette, dated June 8,
1898, which l now hand to the court, Col
onel jeanette declares that he distinctly
remembers having given Dreyfus copy Of
the manual OF arms"
1t will be remembered that the zones d
concentration and the manual Of arms are
two Of the five subjects enumerated in
the bordereau and any evidence tending
to connect Dreyfus with them is Of vital
Importance. The prisoners face flushed
with excitement as he declared:
1T is frightful to be compelled for five
days to listen to such charges without
being able to defend myself. 1t is yeri
table tortue to an innocent man."
His face became livid and waxen; he
appeared more nervous and disheartened
than at any previous period OF the trial
Maitre Demange seemed embarrassed by
his failure to secure an adjournment un
til Monday, and either from inability OF
want Of mastery OF the facts, made nc
attempt by cross questions, as Maitrt
Labori would doubtless have done, to sifI
out the truth Of General Rogets testi
n.ony, which, like that of Mercier, Billot
and Cavaignac, is an impassioned pleading
for the prosecution. All the rest of Gen
elal Roget's evidence was a violent and
Irrelevant diatribe against Colonel Pic
quart.
General Mercier, in civilian dress, and
General Zurlinden and General Billot in
uniform, seemed immensely pleased when
Mime. Henry testified that she had had
; no knowledge of the person whom her late
husband referred to in his famous last let
: ter to her, when he said: "You know il
whose interests acted.'
A galaxy of general officers congratu
lated Mime. Henry when she descended
: from the witness stand and from their IA
diant faces, it could be read that they re
garded Dreyfus' condemnation as fore
gone conclusion.