Sydney Evening News - Friday, April 5, 1895

London, April 4. -- The trial of the Marquis of Queensberry for libelling Oscar Wilde was continued at the Old Bailey to-day.

Evidence was given that the Marquis wrote to Lord Alfred Douglas that if the worst were true he would be justified in shooting Wilde. He (the Marquis) believed Lord Alfred was crazy, and suggested he should leave the country.

Prosecutor, re-called, admitted close intimacy with young men who had been introduced to him by Taylor. He had entertained them at dinner at fashionable cafÈs. Several had spent the night as his guests at his hotels, but nothing improper occurred. He was regardless of the social inferiority of his guests if they were amusing.

Letters written by Lord Alfred Douglas were read, in which the latter threatened to shoot his father if he thrashed him.

Some letters of the Marquis of Queensberry read referred to eminent statesmen, but the references to them were only political.

The case for the prosecution having closed,

Mr. E. H. Carson, Q.C., M.P., in opening the defence, declared that Wilde's proteges were among the most immoral men in London. He commented strongly on the fact that the prosecutor had not called Taylor as a witness. Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcilable with his claim as an exponent of culture, and his literature alone justified the action of the Marquis. In conclusion, Mr. Carson said among other witnesses he would call Wood, the chief black-mailer, and would prove his case up to the hilt.

New Zealand Times - Saturday, April 6, 1895

London, April 4.

During his cross-examination in the libel case, Wilde admitted that he was acquainted with young men named Taylor, Parker and Atkins, and that Taylor had on separate occasions introduced him to five young men, to whom witness had given money, but he was not aware that any of them were gentlemen's servants. He derived pleasure from being in the company of bright, happy people. Witness had frequently been in Taylor's room. He was aware that both Taylor and Parker had once been arrested, but he had continued their friendship. Once he took Atkins and a youth named Price to Paris, and introduced them to another youth named Ernest Scarp, who became acquainted with Lord Alfred Douglas when making a voyage to Australia. Witness had made presents to Scarp and Mabor because he liked them.

Letters read in Court proved that the Marquis of Queensberry was endeavouring to stop his son visiting Wilde. The son wired back to his father that Wilde was a funny little man. The Marquis subsequently called at Wilde's house, when a furious scene took place. The latter denied the charges levelled against him, and showed the Marquis the door.

Wilde said he wrote to the Marquis complaining that his wife encouraged his son's visits. Wilde's friendship with Lady Queensberry and her sons remained unbroken. Certain letters from the youths already named showed that the writers were poverty-stricken, some imploring assistance or employment.

Received April 5, 9.15 p.m.

London, April 4.

Wilde, in his evidence, admitted close intimacy with a number of young men, but denied that there was anything improper in it. He paid no regard to social inferiority if his friends were amusing.

Lord Douglas' letters showed he threatened to shoot his father if he attempted to thrash him.

The Marquis' letter referred to an eminent stateman, but the reference was political.

Wilde's case is closed.

Mr Carson, in opening the case for the defence, declared that the plaintiff's protégés were among the most immoral persons in London, and that Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcilable with his claims as an exponent of culture. His literature alone justified charges against him. In conclusion, counsel claimed that defendant's witnesses, amongst whom was Wood, the chief blackmailer, would prove the case to the hilt.

Special.—Received April 5, 7.30 p.m.

London, April 4.

The Marquis of Queensberry wrote to his son saying that he believed he was crazy, and suggesting that he should leave the country.

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