The second Court-Martial began at Rennes on Monday, but after
one day's sharp examination of the accused was inter- rupted by a closed session to examine the secret dossier. This will not end till to-day, and it is calculated that a verdict cannot be reached until August 25th, while it may be delayed for another week. A host of Generals and politicians are to give their evidence, besides a number of gossips who will relate things they heard or did not hear about relations between Dreyfus and foreign diplomatists. One will testify, it is said, that he saw on the German Emperor's table a paper with the words "Dreyfus has been arrested" underlined. The first clay was occupied chiefly by denials given by the accused to charges embodied in questions put by the Presi- .dent of the Court. They have little interest for those who have watched the affair throughout, but they leave the im- pression that the Court is distinctly unfavourable to Dreyfus, and would condemn him if its members could find a reason- able excuse. Unless something new is produced, however, they will not find one, and the novelty may be on Dreyfus's side. Indeed, it is reported that M. Casimir-Perier has determined to speak out, and that he can clear Dreyfus at once, but this is most improbable, as in that case his clear duty would have been to pardon the victim, and, if necessary, pnblish his reasons.
