Jules RENARD (1864-1910). L.A.S., [Chaumot] September 5, 189 - Lot 216

Jules RENARD (1864-1910). L.A.S., [Chaumot] September 5, 1899, [to Louis Paillard]; 3 pages in-8. Interesting letter on the Dreyfus affair, addressed by Renard to his "dear and loyal adversary". He sends him Le Figaro with a deposition by M. de Cernusky [Cernuschi] "which can crush Dreyfus, if it is true. You will then read a letter from Poincaré the mathematician. I have long heard impressive things about this man. It seems that only two or three mathematicians in Europe can talk to him: it's the formula. It's beautiful". He finds discussions salutary: "What does it matter if you're biased, as long as everything ends politely? I confess that my state of mind hasn't changed, which doesn't prevent me from being worried about Dreyfus, very worried, this morning. After the verdict, we'll all have to examine our consciences. That, at least, will have served as a cleansing. It would be good to talk to you again, because I like your reasoned independence. Basically, I'd be much more upset if we weren't of the same literary opinion. But how can I doubt the loyalty of a friend of Histoires naturelles? Finally, don't think that I spend my life hunting. I have butchered a few quails, not without disgust. The heat adds to these scruples"...