THE DREYFUS CASE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2295, 24 February 1898, Page 16

THE DREYFUS CASE.

Paeis. February 13. Afc M. Zola's trial M. Jaures, leader of the Socialists in the Chamber of Deputies, affirmed his balieE that Zola's accusations were made in good faith, and expressed the cp'nion that tha recent trial of Count Esterhazy justified his denunciation. M. Jaures also asserted that M. Dupay and M. Dslcasse, two members of the Chamber, told him that General Mercier pressed for a courtmartial against M. Dreyfus. February 14. At the trial of M. Zola General Billot repudiated the charge made against him by M. Rochefort. Astounding scenes occurred in courfr. Free fights between the military and witnesses and younger barristers ecgaged in the case occurred. Colonel Picquart, of the Intelligence department, referred to the s*artliDg identity between the ordina'y writing of Count; Eaterhazy and tha v coatained in the document which Dreyfus was accused of having written. The witness referred to Count Esterbazy's strange curiosity where the secrels of military orgaaisaiion were concerned, and said that Count Esterhazy asked to be supplied with copies of documents He aftei wards mentioned that in a document Colonel Hsnry accused Colonel Pinqaart of JyjDg, whereupon Picquart retorted that Henry and General Go-aaeta were cor spiring to hush np the real facts ia regard to Dreyfus. This gave risa to a dramatic; rcne in ccurb. A ou?l has been arranged between Colonel Picquait and 1 ' Colonel Hetjry, the outcome of proceedings at the Zola, trial. The gariison of "Paris haa been reinforced owit-g to rhe riotous demonstrations of the populace. M. Damange, who was counsel for Dreyfus whaa the latter was on his trial at the courtmartial, deposed that a member of the court admitted that the judgment was illegal becau?e a secret^ document had been commumcared to the judges. February 16. At the trial of M. Zola several experts testified that the ha! dwrifcing in the bordereau is Count E*>ferhazy'g. It also transpired 'hafc Madame Boulaney had received compromising letters from Count Everhnzy. Professor Grim^u?, of L'Ecole PolytechQfque, deposed that M. Biilot asked the Cabinet to dismiss him for signing the memorial against the illegality of Dreyfus's sentence. He aleo stated that M. Billot attemp'ei fresh intimidation when the Cabinet refused to dismiss him. The statement created a tremendous sensation in court. February 17. At the trial of M. Emile Zola General Pillieux protested agaiasCtheslanderslevelled against she army. He said they were destroying confidence in the chiefs of the army, and if the soldiers I03J; that confidence the time cf danger would perhaps be nearer than people thought. He further said that the sins of 'juries led to butchery. M Zola was achieving a new debacle, and was writing history wjth Frarce eliminated. This evidence created a great sensation in court. February 18. During the proceedings at the trial of M. Zola General M. P^llieux stated that the Governmsr:!. had received a document since the conviction of M. Dreyfus proving his guilt. February 19. General Pellieux stated that after the conviction of Dreyfus the Government obtained fresh proofs of his guilt. General Boisdcffre confirmed General Pellieux's statement. The judge refused to allow M. Labori, Zola's counsel, to cross-examine General Boisdeffre. Violent scenes followed, M. Labori denouncing generals in uniform for making speeches for the prosecution. Ths denunciation created an uproar, necessitating a brief adjournment. On the court resuming Count Ealerhazy was calted, and made a, dramatic speech upon his prosecution. M. Labori reviewed Count Esterhazy's life, but as he put question after question to him Count Esterhazy turned his back and absolutely refused to answer a single one. The excitement in court was intense. The spectators rose ia a body and successively cheered Count Estei'hazy, General Boisdeffre, and the army. General Boisdeffre, overcome with emotion, wepfe. Riotous scenes were witnessed in the streets of Paris. It is feared that M. Zola's release will lead to a grave tumult. The mob Bide with the judge and general, and maintain that Dfeyfas's. conviction was correct.

The Government have intimated to the mayor of Auckland that they will repair Government House on the estimate of the resident engineet (Mr Vickerman). His estimate was £2000. FEW INVESTMENTS give such perfect satisfaction as the outlay involved in tbe pur« chape of a cake of DUNLOr'S DERBY TOBACCO. Spaculate at once.