examples – 23 – The Schneider File in the Public Archives

The Schneider File in the Public Archives – 

I was utterly fascinated by the cover of the Metz file, which was repeatedly used to document Schneider’s subsequent years in prison. On it markings, crossings-out, and comments; reference numbers outlined twice in red and blue; travel and translation costs for the witnesses added up; witness lists noted; and a square white notepad pinned with a pin bearing the following text: “Schneider Charles; Excluded from amnesty—sentence not served—local group leader and shop steward in Rombas, responsible for expulsions and deportations—12/18/53 (followed by an initial)”

This went on until the edges of the file folder were completely worn away from being handled so often by the court clerks, who had to process Schneider’s three petitions for clemency and three general amnesties granted by the state—but none of it resulted in any success for the prisoner. They simply wouldn’t let Schneider out.