FRENCH METHODS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11539, 28 March 1898, Page 3

FRENCH METHODS.

TO THE EDITOE. Sib, —I am sorry if the prominent characteristics, sensitive delicacy and tender equanimity of your French correspondent have been ruffled by any remarks of mine over the late “ mockery ” trial of Zola in his open endeavour to elicit the simple truth. If Monsieur feels assured that I entertain an aversion to Prance and her people, he is labouring under a pitiful delusion. The watchwords, “Vive I’entente cordiale,” have not been written in vain, for the object is to endeavour to establish a better understanding between the English and French people. There has of late years been a growing feeling amongst Englishmen that, under the present system of armed Europe, if an alliance were sought with any European Power, that Power must be France. Although the Englishman has had, in the past, a general prejudice against foreigners,' he has practically got rid of it so far as the French are concerned. They have come to know the French well; much better, in fact, than they know the English. The Englishman, when bent on pleasant travel, almost invariably makesParis his first stopping place, and is possibly more familiar with the Champs Elysees and the Boulevard des Capuoines, than Edinburgh or Dublin. There may be some difficulties which prevent the French from fraternising with the English, yet, is it not a fact that the Parisian journalists seem to imagine that the English have a feud against their country, and, judging by the fiery diatribes occasionally appearing in the French dailies, nothing less than war will wipe out the English offences against them ? Your correspondent asserts that Zola has independent means bf proving the innocence of Dreyfus outside the Courts of Justice. The individual stamp of assurance does not bear the weighty influence of a public‘law court impression. When endeavouring to supply proof in support of his charge was not Zola denied a hearing, and his advocate’s questions unanswered ? It may be a French method for a witness to turn his back to an advocate and remain Silent ; it certainly is not English, and I would like to know to what cause are we to attribute such scandalous proceedings manifested over Zola’s trial. It is bad enough, in all conscience, to learn of the people being impregnated with the military desire, and so-called honour’s reward for murdering people in battle. I sincerely hope the acme of your correspondent’s creed does not sustain the shedding of innocent blood, nor preventing honest men obtaining a fair trial.—l am, &0., H.C.

INSPECTION OP CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. • TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—l notice in your issue of Friday a correspondent, signing himself W. H. Dacombe, says “ that the question of religion has no right to be forced into this application,” but he briefly and conclusively heads his letter with the “ sectarian and denominational ” element which he wishes to make your readers believe he takes exception to* and by so doing places Mmself ‘fill a position hot tenable.” How funny! This gentleman would also have the Board ask for funds from the Minister of Education for an inspection that the State does not recognise and who would have us believe he speaks with authority from the Minister of Education. Will W. H. Dacombe be so kind as to point out what the requirements of the Act are towards Catholic school inspection and then we shall know when to go “backward ” and when to go “ forward.” —I am, &0., A. PARENT. March 25, 1898.