THE DREYFUS CASE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2331, 3 November 1898, Page 13

THE DREYFUS CASE.

AN EXCITED SITTING.

THE WAE MINISTER KESIGNS.

DEFEAT OF THE GOVERNMENT.

RESIGNATION OF THE'PREMIER

PARIS, October 26. The French Chamber of Deputies has just concluded a tumultuous sitting. M. Chanoine, Minister for War, declared amid vehement applause that his opinions with regard to the Dreyfus case agreed with his predecessors. He was the guardian of the honour of the army, and he resigned his office from the Tribune. A great demonstration followed on M. Chanoine leaving the Chamber. M. Brisson, the Premier, declared that M. Chanoine was present when the Cabinet decided to refer the Dreyfus case to the Court of Cassation. The Premier commented strongly on M. Chanoine's conduct in general, and especially on his sensational method of tendering his resignation in the Chamber. He believed Parliament would ; declare for the supremacy of the civil over the military authority. i The sitting of the Chamber was tempo- j rarily suspended. On resuming M. Brisson i announced that the irregular resignation of M. Chanoine had been accepted, and in the interim a Minister for War would immediately be appointed. A resolution of confidence in the French Ministry was rejected by 286 to 250. In the Chamber of Deputies, during the Dreyfus debate, M. Paul Deroulede (Socialist deputy) accused the Oovernment of allowing the army to be insulted, and with exceeding their powers in referring the j Dreyfus case to the Court of Cassation. j General Sarrien declared that General ; Chanoine (the War Minister) had thrice refused to grant the request of the Ministry j that_ proceedings should be taken against ; the insulters of the army. A motion proposed by M. Ribot affirming the supremacy of the civil over the military- power, but declaring the Chamber's confidence in the army, was carried by 559 to 2. M. Mahy brought forward a resolution ] directing the Government to end the cam- ] paign of insult against the army, which was opposed by the Government, but was carried by a majority of 47. The Premier, M. Brisson, thereupon resigned. The Chamber adjourned until November 4. The Fashoda incident was not mentioned during the discussion. Extraordinary scenes occurred in the streets, which were thronged with excited mobs, the crowd shouting " You are conspiring with the Jews." The resolution of confidence in the Ministry was rejected by 286 to 254. October 27. M. Ribot, a Progressist, will probably be the new Premier. He is a good fiieiid to England. President Faure severely condemns M. Chanoine's action, and refused to receive him, saying that M. Chanoine should have tendered his resignation to the Premier. M. Delcasse remains at the Foreign Office. October 28. The Court of Cassation was crowded when the Dreyfus case came on. M. Bard (the barrister appointed to review the evidence) reported that the evidence was a most signal pronouncement in favour of a revision of the Dreyfus case. Dreyfus had consistently admitted despatching documents abroad, hoping to obtain others of greater importance. Dreyfus was wealthy, and had no reason for resorting to treason. Paty de Clam and Henri, in beating up proofs against the prisoner, had re- ! course to abominable tactics. M. Bard | paid tribute to Picquart's manly straight- j forwardness. j M. Brisson, the ex-Premier, has ordered • the seizure of General Chanoine's papers, on the suspicion that he conspired with General j Zurlinden and others for the overthrow of the Government. M. Bard's report on the Dreyfus case has produced a deep impression, and a revision of the case is considered likely, unless the generals intervene. October 29. Madame Dreyfus asked for a revision investigation by the courts, but M. Manan, public prosecutor, said the conviction rested on tainted evidence, and the new facts necessitated a new trial before a courtmartial. It was urged that Dreyfus should immediately be released. Maitre Bard's report on the evidence eased the highest tribunal's task. The new facts seem to establish his innocence. Le Siecle states that the secret dossier bearing on the case was burned a few days ago. October 30. The Court of Cassation deliberated three land a-h&lf hours* and. then accented Madame

Dreyfus's petition in favour of the release of her husband. The court ordered a supplementary inquiry into the documents submitted, not being unable to decide on their merits. Dreyfus's release at the present stage of the inquiry was refused. There was a public demonstration over the proceedings. October 31. Leading Parisian papers approve of the revision of the Dreyfus trial. Dreyfus is now being accorded the treatment meted out to accused persons instead of that of a convicted person. The Court of Cassation undertakes the preliminary inquiry in order to secure possession of the secret evidence.