Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 August 1899 — DREYFUS TRIAL IS ON [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

DREYFUS TRIAL IS ON

FAMOUS PRISONER BEFORE THE COURT MARTIAL. Accused Officer Declare* Hi* Innocence and Dramatic Fitnationa Follow—Anawera Queations in a Clear Voice—Face Pallid and Hair Gray. Promptly at 7 o’clock Monday morning the trial of Captain Dreyfus began at Rennes, France. Soon after the prisoner entered the court room former Ministers Hanotaux and Lebon, General Mercier and Paul Cavaignac came in, followed by other prominent witnesses. The seats were filled with ticket holders long before the opening of the court. Thus was the opening of one of the greatest trials of history, and the detailed events will be recorded, to be handed down to posterity among the pages of records of national history of the nineteenth century. Although the features of Captain Dreyfus were noticeably pallid he entered the cdurt room with a firm step and answered the questions of the judge as to name, age, etc., with a dear, determined voice. Dreyfus has become partly bald since he was sent to Devil’s Island, and his hair is gray and cloarfy cropped. He took a seat with perfect composure, facing the judges with hands resting on his knees. The officers of the court took their places on the stage, which occupies one end of the hall. The judges looked much in earnest antfa trifle nervous. Dreyfus, who was sitting to the right of the court, was ordered to stand, and the act accusing him of betraying the French military secrets to a foreign power was read. At the conclusion of this the prisoner gave his name, age and grade, and said: “I am Captain Alfred Dreyfus, who is named in this accusation.” His voice was firm as of one who answered a familiar question. As Dreyfus spoke the audience strained forward breathlessly. The recorder of the court then called the roll of witnesses. At the oouclusion of the roll call physicians’ certificates, etc., were presented explaining the absence of Du Paty de Clam and others. Major Carriere, government prosecutor, then told the witnesses that possibly four days would be spent in the examination

of the secret dossier and that they must retire until called. Colonel Jouast, president of the court, read a decision that, inasmuch as the defense offered no objection, the trial would proceed without the absentees. Dreyfus was brought in from the anteroom under guard. The reading of the act of accusation, which is identical with the charge of the first court martial, took half an hour. At the conclusion the prisoner was ordered to stand and Colonel Jouast said: “Captain Dreyfus, you have heard the accusation. Do you recognize this?” (handing him the bordereau). Dreyfus—l do not. Jouast —Is that your work? Dreyfus—lt is not. lam innocent. As the prisoner said this he trembled palpably, and in a voice throbbing with emotion he repeated: “I am innocent; upon my honor and everything I hold dear—my country, my children, I am innocent.” An examination of the prisoner followed. Dreyfus answered the questions promptly, emphatically and distinctly, without that reputed impediment in his speech d*je to his long isolated imprisonment. His replies to questions relating to different documents which concerned the treason were always of the same tenor: “I bad no knowledge of it,” or simply “Never." Again there would be a detailed explanation of how he knew Certain things under innocent circumstances. , , After ten minutes’ questioning the tone became conversational, and it was difficult to hear wtat passed between the president and Dreyfus. To the question: "Have you ever (naming several dates) visited Germany or Italy?” the answers were “No” and "Never,” with a burst of indignation which sounded through the hall. The question was repeated: “Did you cross into Italy carrying documents for a foreign power?” The answer came with intense emphasis: “No; absolutely never!” This caused a buzz of comment from the officers present, and the court cried: "Silence!” After a short secret session the court announced><that it would deliberate on the dossier behind closed doors. The court then adjourned for the time, thus ending the first scene in the final act of a drama of extraordinary human interest.

DREYFUS AS HE NOW APPEARS.