The Judge.--“The court will pass upon it later. Bring in Major
Esterhazy.”
M. Labori then began to draw up his motion, and in the meantime Major
Esterhazy was ushered in. As he took the stand, the judge said: “M.
Labori, what questions have you to put?”
M. Labori [without rising].--“_Monsieur le Président_, I am drawing up
my motion.”
The Judge.--“Well, I am going to question the witness. It has been
declared in this trial that you were the author of the famous
_bordereau_. What have you to say thereupon?”
Major Esterhazy.--“I ask permission to make a declaration to the jurors
before answering you.”
The Judge.--“You can make such a declaration, now that you have taken
the oath.”
Major Esterhazy.--“Gentlemen of the jury, I do not know whether you
realize the abominable situation in which I am placed. Without the
shadow of a proof, a wretch, M. Mathieu Dreyfus, has dared to accuse
me of being the author of the crime for which his brother is being
punished. He has accused me of the crime of high treason. For seven
weeks two examinations were in progress. My accusers had a chance to
produce all their proofs. They were offered the widest latitude; they
produced nothing. I have been judged by my peers, by my superiors, who
have acquitted me unanimously. Today, in contempt of all rights, in
contempt of all the rules of justice. I am summoned before you, not
as a witness, but as an accused. I protest with all my might against
this treatment. I am kept in the witnesses’ room, and not allowed to
put anyone forward in my justification. Meantime my accusers question
the witnesses whom they have prepared. There is no one to raise his
voice in my favor. During the last eighteen months, in the shadow,
there has been woven against me the most frightful conspiracy ever
woven against any man. During that time I have suffered more than
anyone of my contemporaries has suffered in the whole of his life. I
have been made the object of the most infamous manœuvres, the most
cowardly manœuvres,--for it is especially cowardice that figures in
this campaign. I am ready to answer all the questions that the court or
the jurors may ask me. It is your right. As for these people, I do not
answer them.”
The Judge.--“M. Labori, have you any questions to put?”