Colonel Picquart.--“For months I have been in the most horrible
situation that an officer can occupy,--assailed in my honor, and unable
to defend myself. Tomorrow perhaps I shall be driven from this army
that I love, and to which I have given twenty-five years of my life.
That has not deterred me, remembering, as I did, that it was my duty to
seek truth and justice. I have done it, thinking thereby to render a
greater service to the army. I considered that I must do my duty as an
honest man. That was what I had to say.”
M. Clemenceau.--“Did I understand Colonel Henry to say that, a few
days after he saw the file on Colonel Picquart’s desk, he spoke of the
matter to General Gonse?”
Colonel Henry.--“Perhaps two or three days after; I do not remember
exactly.”
M. Clemenceau.--“How long after this conversation with General Gonse
did Colonel Picquart leave the bureau?”
Colonel Henry.--“A week, I think.”
M. Clemenceau.--“Summing up the matter, we shall have the truth. The
presence of M. Leblois at the war department” ...
The Judge.--“You are not asking questions now.”