![]() The principle has been laid down that the generals of the French army are not only trustworthy, but infallible. ![]() As one French officer, who seemed in his private opinion to hold Dreyfus innocent, gallantly said, “The verdict of the court-martial is for me as conclusive as the word of God.” Precisely this has been the position in which the French government has been sustained by the French people. “Vive l’armée” might involve not only “Down with Jews,” “Down with Dreyfus and Zola,” but also “Down with law and justice.” No matter down let them go, and let the ruins make an altar for Esterhazy, wretch and probably enough traitor, but an officer, and not a Jew. Yet, in spite of the fierce support given by the anti-Semites, the small band of distinguished citizens who condemned the proceedings in the Dreyfus case would have forced the government either to submit to a revision or to show that conclusive evidence which it professed to have, had it not been for the element of “our dearest blessing, the army.” The political life of the Cabinet flickered dubiously until the cry of “Vive l’armée!” was raised, and then all was safe. Nevertheless, in France to-day it is perilous to be a Jew. Bartholomew which some of the fanatics have dared to mention. The state of feeling is mediæval, but probably the demonstration will stop short of the St. Will it now subside? The only cheering indication is the present violence, such as usually foreruns reaction. This Dreyfus case is only a measure whereby we can gauge the height to which the race hatred has risen. For many years past anti-Semitism has been rapidly advancing in France, somewhat less rapidly in other Continental countries. They have stimulated that which needed no stimulation, - the blind rage, mingled with dread and cupidity, which often means bloodshed. No one upon this side of the water, unless he has read the French daily newspapers most industriously, can form an idea of the savage, merciless onslaught which they have combined to make upon the unfortunate race. For the French nation, the point of interest has been, not the treason, but the Jew.
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