New-York tribune., 1906-07-22
DREYFUS DECORATED.
FRANCE MAKES AMENDS.
Major Named CheUaIier on Scene
of Former Degradation.

Paris, July 21-In the presence Of brilliant
military assemblage. Major Alfred Dreyfus,
wearing the full uniform Of his rank. this after
noon received the Cross OF Chevalier of the
Legion Of Honor. The ceremony, which took
place in the courtyard Of the Military School.
was made doubly impressive by being held on
the very spot where the buttons and gold lace
were stripped from his uniform and his sword
was broken twelve years ago. The courtyard.
from which the public was vigorously excluded
as the ceremony was purely official, was encir-
cled by two batteries OF the 18th Artillery, COM
manded by Colonel large, who made the re-
cent discoveries at the War Office leading to the
rehearing Of the case against Dreyfus and his
acquittaI
The Chancellery OF the Legion Of Honor hav-
Ing refused to approve the governments nonaina-
ton of Sarah Bernhardt for the insignia Of
Chevalier Of the Order, Minister of Public In
struction BRAND to-day announced his formal
approval of the chancellery's action, which is
based on Nine. Bernhardt's being an actress.
without official status.
The decoration of the major was a striking
ceremony. His brother officers, who were prom
inent figures in various stages of the contro-
versy. were among the spectators. Outside OF
the circle Of troops stood Nine. Dreyfus and
the little son of Dreyfus: Brigadier General Pic
quart, who shared in the courts acquittal OF
the famous prisoner; AnatOle France of the
French Academy; Alfred Capus and other liter
ary men who aided Zola's campaign in behalf
of revision.
Previous TO the ceremony Major Dreyfus was
presented to General Gillian, commander Of the
First Division Of Cavalry; General Peren and
other prominent officers, who warmly shook
hands with him. testifying their satisfaction at
his return TO the army The officers then went
70
four calls Major Dreyfus took position at the
head of two batteries of artillery by the side
Of Colonel large. while General Gillian, step
ping into the centre Of the circle announced the
decoration OF large as a commander and Drey-
fus as a chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
Dreyfus and large, with their sabres drawn.
then advanced to the centre of the troops. fac
ing General Gillian. The latter bestowed the
decoration on large, and then. turning to Drey
fus. said:
In the name of the President OF the Republic
and in virtue of the powers intrusted to me,
Major Dreyfus. hereby name you chevalier
Of the National Order OF the Legion Of Honor.
After pinning the cross on Dreyfus's breast,
the general saluted the major, the trumpets
sounding and the spectators applauding. The
troops then fled before General Gillian, Dreyfus
occupying the post of honor on the generals
right, Colonel large and the generals being on
his left.
After the march past the trumpets again
sounded four calls, announcing the close Of the
ceremony, and Dreyfus and large were immedi-
ately the centre OF an eager crowd Of officers
and friends Ono OF the first to reach Dreyfus
was his little son, who rushed forward and
threw HIS arms around his fathers neck, sob
bing violently.
The officers who had not taken official part in
the ceremony also came forward to greet their
comrade. AS Dreyfus received the good wishes
OF his relatives and the officers, his face, usually
impassive twitched with emotion. and it was
with difficulty that he preserved his soldierly
calm Turning to Anatcle France, Dreyfus said:
thank you more than I can say; you who
have always struggled for my cause
NJ. France replied:
We merit no thanks for what has been done
was in the interest Of right and justice We
congratulate you all the more, since many
others who have struggled for justice have died
before it was attained
Colonel large conducted Major Dreyfus to the
officers quarters. where Nine. Dreyfus was
waiting The meeting between the husband and
wife was most affect'onate. the spectators with
drawing 70 permit them TO be alone.
Shortly after this DreyfuS, accompanied by his
wife and son, went out from the military school
and entered carriage. AS the major appeared,
the crowd in front of the main entrance gave
him hearty ovation, waving handkerchiefs and
shouting 'Vive Dreyfus" 'Vive Ia Republique!
''ViVe PArmeei"
On reaching his residence Major Dreyfus, who
has heart trouble, suffered a violent attack, but,
thanks to his strong will, the faintness soon
passed away and he was able to receive Proc
urator General Baudouin and Brigadier General
Picquart, to whom he expressed his sincerest
thanks for their exertions in his behalf.