Regarding the note on Madagascar, which offered great interest for a
foreign power, an expedition had been sent there toward the beginning
of 1894. Captain Dreyfus could easily have procured it. In fact, in
the month of May last Corporal Bermelin, then Colonel Sandherr’s
secretary, copied its twenty-two pages in the ante-room next to the
office of this superior officer. The making of the copy took about
five days, and in the meantime original and copy were left in a
blotting-case.
“I ask General Gonse how he reconciles the date August, which he has
given, with the report of M. d’Ormescheville, which gives the date
February, 1894; and how he explains the copying of notes so serious by
a corporal, during five days, in an ante-room?”
General Gonse.--“There was a note in August. I do not know whether
there was a note in February.”
M. Labori.--“You see, gentlemen, how important it is to be exact. This
matter is being continually befogged by equivocation. They say it is
a note on Madagascar which was written in August, 1894, and, when we
consult M. d’Ormescheville’s report relating to the Dreyfus case, and
consequently to the _bordereau_, we find mention of a note written in
February, 1894. So that matter is settled.”
General Gonse.--“I have nothing to say. I maintain all that I have
said.”