Even more sensational than this answer to the alleged confession
is the letter addressed to M. Brisson, the Prime Minister, by Colonel Picquart, in which that officer makes certain assertions as to the secret documents, referred to by M. Cavaignac in his speech in the Chamber, in order to prove the guilt of Dreyfus. The Minister of War quoted three. " I am in a position," says Colonel Picquart, " to prove before any competent tribunal, that the two documents dated 1894 cannot possibly apply to Dreyfue, and that the one dated 1896 has all the marks of a forgery." As Colonel Picquart was Head of the Secret Intelligence Department this declara- tion is of the utmost importance. M. Cavaignac has retorted by ordering the prosecution and arrest of Colonel Picquart, and this took place on Wednesday. At the same time Major Esterhazy and his mistress were arrested on a charge of forging letters, post-cards, and telegrams, and their papers were seized.
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