The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1906-07-20

the charges on which he was condemn
ed as traitor, DISMISSED from the
army and imprisoned on Devils Island,
and regarding which France has been
torn for years by the most bitter poll
teal and racial agitation.
His vindication is twofold, the ST.
preme Court first announcing its decis-
ion establishing the entire innocence of
the accused man, and the ministry later
deciding to present an urgent bill in
Parliament restoring Dreyfus to the
army with advanced rank, and otherwise
giving the governments most ample re-
paration.
The decision of the court was fore
gone conclusion, as exhaustive inquiries
had completely demolished the fabric OF
the accusation against Dreyfus. showing
that the real culprit was Major Count
Esterhazy. The decision, therefore, an
nulled the condemnation of the Rennes
court martial and ordered that the ac-
quittal be posted and published through
out France.
Thursday night the ministers held
protracted social session at the Elysec
Palace under President Fallieres and
determined on the governments course
in carrying out the decision. The text
of the bills was formulated, which will
be introduced in the Chamber of De-
puties. concerning, respectively, Dreyfus
and Colonel Picquart, whose sense of
the verdict for Dreyfus, with the object
of restoring both to the ranks they would
have held if they had continuously served
in the army
Dreyfus consequently will be nominal
ed major with eventual early promotion
to lieutenant colonelship.
Picquart will Immediately become
brigadiler general
Dreyfus' name also will be inscribed
on the list for the Legion of Honor,
but he will not be directly nominated
to that distinction, though probably a
decree placing him on the list will short
ly appear.
Discussions of the bills will be taken
up Immediately and the ministers will
endeavor to have them pass both houses
in the course of the day, the cabinet de-
string to settle the matter before the
Parliamentary vacation in order to avoid
a recurrence of the agitation of the
country
Deputy Pressense's Interpolation rela-
tive to the governments intentions re-
garding the officers VINO were witnesses
before the court-martial will follow the
passing OF the above mentioned bills.
Dreyfus' demand for honorable rein
statement in the army had been acceded
TO by Procurator General Baudouin.
"The peace of France demands that the
verdict of the Rennes court-martial
be quashed." Baudouin had announced,
"and the whole world awaits the courts
summary disposition of the subject,
which will be triumph for justice and
truth" He has been acquitted of all
faint of treason.
The triumph of Dreyfus and the spirit
in which he sought justice was empha-
sized this week when the Supreme Court,
in acquitting him, Offered him financial
reparation. He refused to accept dam
ages. declaring that he demanded only
the restoration of his honor as an officer.
He wished neither money nor revenge.
The decision of the court was read by
the presiding judge, NJ. Bollot- Beaupre,
president of the Court of Cessation. i'm
mediately on the reassembling of court
at noon. The Palace of Justice was
thronged by an eager crowd seeking adj
mission to the courtroom. Among those
present were Matthew Dreyfus. brother
to Alfred Dreyfus; Maitre Mornard.
counsel for Captain Dreyfus; Joseph
Reinach, the historian of the Dreyfus af-
fair, Colonel Picquart, Madame lola and
many others who have figured in var
ious stages of the celebrated case. Cap
tain Dreyfus was not present, continuing
his habitual secrecy by remaining seclud-
ed in the garnet where he has hitherto
been cut off from the outer world.
The scene as the decision was pro-
nounced was one of impressive dignity