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.

West Coast Times - Saturday, April 6, 1895

London, April 4.

In cross-examination, Oscar Wilde admitted he was acquainted with young men named Taylor, Parker, and Atkens. Taylor had introduced him to 5 young men on separate occasions, to whom witness had given money, but he was not aware that any of them were gentlemen's servants. He said he derived pleasure from being in the company of bright and happy people. Witness had frequently been to Taylor's room, and was aware that both Taylor and Parker had been arrested, but still continued their friendship. Once he took Atkens and a youth named Price to Paris and introduced them to another youth named Earnest Scarp, who became acquainted with Lord Douglas when making a voyage to Australia. Wilde said he had made presents to Scarp and Mabor because he liked them. Letters were read in Court which proved that the Marquis of Queensbery was endeavoring to stop his son from visiting Wilde. His son wired back to his father that Wilde was a funny little man. The Marquis subsequently called at Wilde's house, where a furious scene took place. The latter denied the charges levelled against him, and showed the Marquis the door. Witness wrote to the Marquis complaining that his wife encouraged his son's visits. Wilde's friendship with Lady Queensbery and the sons remained unbroken. Certain letters from the youths already named showed that the writers were poverty stricken. Some were imploring assistance or employment.

Wilde admitted close intimacy with a number of young men but denied anything impropsr in it. He said he paid no regard to social inferiority if the friends were amusing. Lord Douglas' letters showed he threatened to shoot his father if he attempted to thrash him. The Marquis's letter referred to an eminent statesman but the reference was political. Wilde's case is closed.

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

Highlighted DifferencesNot significantly similar