M. Clemenceau.—“Here are two witnesses who contradict each other. Then one of the two lies. Perjury has been committed on this witness-stand. Justice is entitled to know which of the two is guilty. If it refuses to aid us, it will be clear that it is afraid of the light.”
M. Labori offered a motion that the court order the production of the file. The motion was opposed by the attorney-general, and the court suspended its decision. Whereupon General Mercier, former minister of war, and now in command of the fourth army corps, at Mans, was called to the witness-chair.
Testimony of General Mercier.
Being asked by M. Labori if he was acquainted with the document known as the liberating document, he answered in the negative.
M. Labori.—“That document contains a postscript beginning with the words: ‘That scoundrel D——.’ Are you familiar with this document?”
General Mercier.—“No.”
M. Labori.—“Was a secret document communicated to the council of war in the Dreyfus case in 1894, outside of the trial?”
The Judge.—“Can you answer the question?”
General Mercier.—“I believe that the Dreyfus case is not in question here, and that there is a decree of the court forbidding us to call it in question.”
M. Labori.—“Does General Mercier know of the publication in September, 1896, of certain confidential information belonging to the war department?”