The Judge.—“It is a standing decree.”
M. Labori.—“There was nothing like that in the old régime. It is inaugurated in this assize court. I can only bow, while I protest.”
The Judge.—“It is the law, according to Article 270 of the code of criminal examination.”
M. Labori.—“It is the first time that a court of justice has declared that a decree rendered constitutes a standing decree, and that all incidents to come will be decided by the same decree. It is the first time, and, while I bow before your words, I can only protest.”
The Judge.—“Protest as much as you like. But every time, under the same circumstances, the same decree will be rendered.”
Testimony of M. Auguste Molinier.
The next witness was M. Auguste Molinier, a professor in the Ecole des Chartes.
“I have lived among manuscripts,” said the witness, “for 25 years, and I have observed them in such detail that now, by signs almost imperceptible to others, I can recognize the identity of handwritings, and tell about how long a certain manuscript has been written. I have had in my hands a fac-simile of the bordereau, and, after examining the formation of the letters therein, and comparing it with letters written by Major Esterhazy, I affirm, on my soul and conscience, that I find in Major Esterhazy’s letters all the principal formations that occur in the bordereau.”
The Judge.—“At whose request did you make this examination?”
M. Molinier.—“I made it of my own accord, for, in common with all Frenchmen, I am interested in this case.”