THE DREYFUS CASE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11505, 18 August 1899, Page 5

THE DREYFUS CASE.

Pre 33 Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. PARIS, August 16.

M. Cavaignac. in giving his evidence at the Rennes court-martial, testified that it Eslerhazy wrote the bordereau he did so merely as an accomplice. The witness relied for the proof of the guilt of Dreyfus chiefly upon confessions which were alleged to have been made.

Dreyfus exclaimed: " I'm astonished that the man who produced in the Chamber of Deputies Henry's forgery, as a basis of his conviction of my guilt, should now rely upon evidence which the Court of Cassation have disposed of."

The court rejected M. Demarige's request for an adjournment until Monday to enable M. Labori to appear. It is reported that the latter is progressing favourably. The bullet did not touch the lungs or the spine. M. Lebon, ex-Minister for the Colonies, gave evidence. He testified that he did not regret and was prepared to repeat the precautionary measures he took for the safety of Dreyfus at the He dn Diable. Dreyfus wept bitterly, and passionately protested against the tortures Lebon had inflicted upon him, causing a sensation in court.

August 17, (Received August 18, at 0.35 a.m.)

There is a. growing conviction that tin: attempt -on M. Labori's life was prearranged. The police are indifferent about making an arrest.

The court-martial could not he suspended t) permit M. Labori taking part, because the law limits each suspension to two days.

The Government Commissiary resisted the adjournment in the public interest. He himself had only studied the dossier for two months, while M. Demange, acting with M. Labori, had studied" it for years. The widow of Colonel Henry testified that her husband committed forgery with a view to saving the army from Picquart's machinations. Colonel Jauoust, the president, helped the widow to further answer by suggesting that Henry acted in the interests of his country. General Roget testified that Esterhazy and Bertulus, tlie examining magistrate, both lied. Esterhazy never wrote the bordereau. The prisoner's treasons were traceable in every paragraph of the bordereau. • Dreyfus on hearing this, Hushed with wrath and pain, exclaimed: "It is frightful to have the heart, soul, and entrails daily torn, without permission to have one's reply heard; only lies. The torture is too horrible. Never was innocent man in so terrible a position." This caused another sensation in court.

Dreyfus, in his letter to Colonel Juuoust asking for a suspension _of the court, stated that M. Labori's absence disorganised the defence, as each of his counsels had a distinct role.