The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-06-04
Wounded in Hand During Cere-
mony in Honor Of Zola.
People at First Thought It Was
the President.
BLOODY HANDHELDUP
Incited the Crowd to a Fury of
Vengeance.
1t Tears the Assassin's Clothing
From His Body.

Paris. June 4.-The canonization
today of Emile Zola at the Pantheon
was marred by a dastardly, though
unsuccessful attempt upon the life of
Major Alfred Dreyfus. Paris was
thrown into a state of panic, for it
was at first thought that the president
of the republic has been shot down.
The major was wounded in the hand
and his assailant is a prisoner.
The incident occurred at the foot of
the catafalque, directly in front of
the tribune from which NJ. Daumer-
que, the minister of public instruction,
delivered a eulogy on NJ. Zola's match
less courage in arouSing the con-
science of the nation to the necessity
of doing justice to Dreyfus. AS the
last refrain of the, orchestra's playing
the "Chant Du Depart" was floating
away through the classical temple
members of the presidential party af-
ter shaking hands with Madame Zola
and her two children, was moving out
towards the portico to review the gar
rison of Paris, two sharp reports
startled the vast assemblage.
For the instant every one believed
that President Fallieres had been
shot. A scene of indescribable con-
fusion followed and many women
present shrieked and tainted. The
crowd surged forward, but quickly
broke and scattered when the mem
bers of the Republican guard, who
lined the tranzeport rushed up. The
assailant of the major was struck
down. A fierce knot of soldiers and
civilians were struggling over Major
Dreyfus and his fallen assailant.
Major Dreyfus, his hawk-like features
pale as death, but manifeSting COM
plete composure, was holding up his
hand from which bloou was stream
ing, while the soldiers could with
difficulty prevent the enraged crowd
from beating and kicking the man
upon the floor.
lice Lepine, who was Immediately on
the scene, the assailant of Dreyfus was
dragged away. He presented a pitable
spectacle. From blood smeared face
his wild eyes looked around appealing
as If for sympathy, but they met only
the angry crowd, and his. ears heard
only imprecations upon his foul deed
His Clothing Torn to Shreds.
The mans clothing was in shreds
and his coat and vest had been liter
ally torn from his body.
Major DreyfuS, accompanied by his
brother, Matthew, who was the first
to strike the assassin after he fired
DR.. Pozzi and several other friends. was
led away to the mayors office opposite
the Pantheon, where his wound was
dressed. The doctors found that the
bullet had entered his wrist.
In the meantime a Gordon had been
formed around the assailant, who under
the direction of M. Lepine was con-
Quoted to a side entrance of the Pan
theon.
All this time the vast multitude
packing the sidewalks and crowdine
the windows on the streets convergine
on the Pantheon had no suspicion OF
the excitement that reigned within the
temple. The appearance of President
F'allieres at the portico had been greet
ed with a great cheer, which drowned
the cries of down with Dreyfus," and
long live the army" which came from
a band of about 500 men belonging to
an association known as La Jeunesse
Catholic who had stationed them
selves on corner opposite. Soon after
this cheering regiment after regiment
came swinging by to the blare of trum-
pets and the sound of martial music
| After having his wound dressed, Major
Dreyfus was taken to his home, where
he was joined by his wife, who was
with him when he was shot
The news spread like wildfre
through Paris and caused a veritible
(Continued on Page Eighth