HOW DREYFUS WAS OONVICTED.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 264, 26 March 1898, Page 1 (Supplement)

HOW DREYFUS WAS OONVICTED.

A PARALLEL TRIAL. As the system upon which courts tnaitial are now conduoted by our neighbours across the Channel is occupying the attention of tho public, it is curious to note that a parallel to the Dreyfus Es*erhozy cise is to be found in " Alice in Wonderland." Hore is the extract from chapter XII. :-

" Tho king turned pale, and shut bis note book hastily. " Consider your verdict," he said to tho jury, in a low, trembling voice. 1 There is more evidonce to come yet, please, your Majesty," aaid tbo White Rabbit, jumping up in a groat hurry ; " this paper has just been picked up." " What's in it ?" the queen. "I haven't opened it yet," said the White Rabbit; " but it seems to be a letter written by the prisoner to—somebody." " It must have been that," said the king, unless it was written to nobody, which isu't usual, you know." " Who is it directed to ?" said one of the jurymen. "It isn't directed at all," said the White Rabbit; "in fact there's nothing written on the outside."

"He unfolded the paper as he spo!;o, and added, "It isu't a letter, after all, it's a sot of verses."

" Are they in the hand* writing P" asked another of the jurymen.

" No, they're not," said the White Rabbit; " and that's the queerest thing about it." (The jury all looked puzzled.) "He must have imitated somebody else's band." sud the king. The jury all brightened up again.) 'Please your Majesty," said the knave, I didn't write it, and they can't prove I did. There's no name signed at the end."

" If you didn't Mgn it," said the king, " that makes the matter worse. You must have meant some mischief, or else you would have signed your name like un honest man."

There was a general clapping of hands at this; it was the first really olsver thing the king had said that day. "That proves his guilt," saii the

queen. If "Alice in Wonderland " has not been translated into the Fronch language, may I venture to suggest that the work should be commenced at once ?