Sydney Evening News - Saturday, May 25, 1895

London, May 24. -- While giving evidence to-day, Oscar Wilde, who appeared very weak, was allowed to be seated in the witness box. He said he always understood Taylor to be a respectable man. Referring to the station in life of the people with whom he had associated, he said the reason for his friendship with them was that he personally liked praise, and lionising was delightful.

Sir Edward Clarke, in addressing the jury for the defence, said the witnesses were blackmailers, whose evidence it was impossible to believe.

The Australian Star - Thursday, May 2, 1895

Oscar Wilde says the intimacy between him and Lord Alfred Douglas was merely of the nature of a deep spiritual affection.

The prisoner went on to say that his affection for Lord Alfred was as pure as perfect, and similar to that which existed between David and Jonathan.

Taylor, Oscar Wilde's accomplice, says he inherited £45,000, spent it in enjoying life, took refuge in the Bankruptcy Court, and ended up by enlisting.

Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., addressing the jury for the defence in the Wilde scandal, described some of the witnesses as blackmailers whose evidence could not be relied upon.

He said the reason Wilde entertained the boys referred to in the evidence was because they ministered to his vanity.

Sir Edward eloqueutly asked the jury for a verdict of acquittal to clear the character of a renowned and accomplished man and to clear society of a dark stain which the scandal had cast upon it.

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