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When the court adjourned last evening Mr. Carson, Q. C., was in the middle of one of the most pitiless and scathing opening speeches ever heard within the four walls of the Old Bailey. Mr. Oscar Wilde had dicussed at length the grounds for accusing the Marquess of Queensberry of criminally libelling him. He had been searchingly cross-examined. Now Mr. Carson was undertaking to demonstrate that even the cross-examination had fallen short of exposing the real gravity of the case against Mr. Wilde. The earlier stage of the case had been redeemed from utter offensiveness by the brilliancy of Oscar's sparring with a dogged assailant. Now Oscar was out of it, and the proceedings treatened to sink into matter unreportable.

Oscar could not be seen this morning, and excited exclamations began at half-past ten to find sensational reasons for the unexpected non-appearance. The Marquess of Queensberry arrived before the half-hour, and was very civilly handed into the dock and relieved of his overcoat and hat. Sitting there like a rather rusty house-servant, with an untidily-tied white scarf sticking up above the ill-fittng collar of his discolored coat, he quietly perused a newspaper till the three premonitory taps announced the coming of Mr. Justice Collins, when he came up to attention at the front of the dock.

MR. CARSON LOOKED HAGGARD

and ill, and his saturnine face appeared even more drawn and lined than is usual, when he rose to resume his denunciatory address. Still Mr. Wilde had not arrived. It was the more painful part of the case, said Mr. Carson, to which he was now coming. It would be his painful duty to bring before the jury the young men whose names had already been mentionned. Let those who were inclined condemn these lads for allowing themselves to be dominated, misled, and corrupted by Mr. Oscar Wilde. But at least let them remember the relative positions of the parties, and they would realise that the younger men had been more sinned against than sinning.

There was a close similarity, said Mr. Carson, between the history of all the cases, and there could be no doubt that Taylor's position was that of procurer for Wilde. It was Taylor who first met the lad named Parker in a restaurant in Picadilly. If his relations with Wilde were innocent, what an idea of Wilde's tastes he must have had to bring a groom and a valet to dine woth him. Charlie Parker would tell for himelf the story of what happened when,

PLIED WITH WHISKY AND CHAMPAGNE,

he was taken by Wilde to the Savoy Hotel. When they had heard the story the jury would wonder less that gossip and scandal reached Lord Queensberry's ears than that "this man Wilde" had been tolarated in society in London as long as he has. "No doubt in many of his answers yesterday Mr. Wilde thought he was making a smart repartee, and scoring off counsel." But now the bail was at Mr. Carson's feet, and he kicked it pitiliessly. As if by prophetic instinct of what in a few moment was to happen, he added with reference to the seeming candor of Mr. Wilde as to his friendship with these lads, "he knew we had all the evidence," and he preferred to discount it as far as possible in advance.

SIR. E. CLARKE WITHDRAWS.

At this point Sir Edward Clarke touched Mr. Carson's arm, and whispered a word in his ear. "Will your lordship excuse me?" said Mr. Carson, and returned his seat. Sir Edward Clarke was in earnest conversation with Mr. Mathews. Then, very slowly, he rose to address the judge. "Your lordship," he said, "I rise to make a statement under a feeling of very great responsibility. My learned friend Mr. Carson yesterday addressed the jury upon the question of the literature involved in this case, and upon the inferences to be drawn from the admissions made by Mr. Oscar Wilde in regard to letters, and began his address this morning by saying he hoped yesterday that he had said enough upon these topics to induce the jury to relieve him from the necessity of dealing in detail with the other issues of the case. It must have been present to your lordship's mind that those representing Mr. Oscar Wilde in this case had before them

A VERY TERRIBLE ANXIETY

that they could not conceal from themselves that the judgment that might be formed of that literature of conduct which had been admitted might not improbably induce the jury to say that when Lord Queensberry used the words of the libel, he was using words for which there was sufficient justification to entitle a father who had used these words in these circumstances to the upmost consideration, and to be relived from a criminal charge in respect to the statement. And, my lord, in our clear view that that may not improbably be the result upon that part of the case, I and my learned friends, who desire to be associated with me in this matter, have to look forward to this--that a verdict given in favor of the defendant upon that part of the case might be interpreted outside as a conclusive finding with regard to all points of the case; and the position in which we stood was this--that, without expecting to obtain a verdict in this case, [...] be going on from day to day, it might be with long evidence to investigate matters of

A MOST APPALLING CHARACTER.

In these circumstances I hope your lordship will think that I am taking a right course--which I take after communicating with Mr. Oscar Wilde--and it is to say that, having regard to what has already been referred to by my learned friend with respect of the matters connected with the literature and letters, I feel he could not resist a verdict of not guilty--having regard to the words "posing as." In these circumstances I hope your lordship will think I am not going beyond the bounds of duty, and that I am doing something to save and prevent what would be a most terrible task, however it might close, if I know interpose to say on behalf of Mr. Oscar Wilde that I would ask to withdraw from the prosecution. And if your lordship does not think at this time in the case, after what has taken place that I should be allowed to do that, on his behalf I am prepared to submit to

A VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY

having reference, if to any part of the particulars at all, to that part connected with the publication of "Dorian Gray."

THE SENSATIONAL END.

This statement had been followed by everybody in court with the most breathless attention, and a long-drawn inspiration audibly followed its closes.

Mr. Carson said he had no right to interfere with the application his learned friend had made. He could only say so far as Lord Queensberry was concerned that if there was a plea of not guilty it would involve a verdict that he had succeeded in his plea of justification. With that Mr. Carson was quite satisfied.

Mr. Justice Collins: Inasmuch a the prosecuter in a verdict of not guilty against the accused, I do not think it is any part of the function of the judge or jury to insist on going through prurient details which can have no bearing on the matter already concluded by the assent of the prosecutor to an adverse verdict. But as to the jury putting any limitations on the verdict as to the justification, if the words used are justified

THEY ARE JUSTIFIED,

if they are not they are not. The verdict of the jury must be guilty or not guilty, and I understand the prosecutor to assent to a verdict of not guilty. There can be no limitation. The verdict will be not guilty. I shall put to the jury two things--that the justification set up was true in substance and in fact, and that the statement was published in such a manner as to be

FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT.

The jury at once reached a verdict accordingly, amid loud applause.

Mr. Carson: Lord Queensberry may be discharged?

Mr. Justice Collins: Oh, certainly.

There was again loud applause, and little attempt was made to suppress it, as Lord Queensberry stepped out of the dock and joined his solicitor to the wall of the court. Amid general excitement over the sensational nature of the end to a sensational case, the court was rapidly emptied of its crowded audience.

It appeared that Mr. Oscar Wilde had been somewhere in the precincts of the court. His brougham was in waiting, and he stepped rapidly into it, calling to the coachman to drive to the Holdorn Viaduct Hotel. Before the carriage had stopped at the door of the hotel he thrust his arm and a gold-headed cane out of the window, and signalling to a man who stood there, apparently waiting, hoarsely cried, "The verdict, not guilty ?" Afterwards Lord Alfred Douglas was also seen to go into the hotel.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NOW ?

The Exchange Telegraph Company states that Oscar Wilde went to the Old Bailey this morning, but did not enter the precincts of the court. He held a consultation with Sir Edward Clarke in a room off the court, and while the learned gentleman was making his statement to the judge Wilde hurriedly left the building. No warrant has been applied for, but on leaving the court Mr. Charles Russell, Lord Queensberry's sollicitor, addressed the following letter to the Public Prosecutor:--

Dear Sir,--In order that there may be no miscarriage of justice I think it my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witnesses statements, together with a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial.

PRIVATE TALK AT BOW-ST.

At half-past two this afternoon Mr. Angus Lewis, of the Treasury, attended at Bow-st., accompanied by Detective-Inspector Brockwell, of Scotland-yard, and had a private conversation with Sir John Bridge. It is understood the learned counsel asked whether it would be convenient for the magistrate to ask a certain case to-day in reference to the recent libel suit at the Old Bailey.

"WAITERS" AT THE HOTEL.

There is some ground for supposing that the "prosecutor" had appointed the Viaduct libel as a rendezvous with his particular friends. Within half an hour of his arrival there several gentlemen arrived hurriedly and were conducted at once to the rooms which have been reserved for Mr. Wilde since yesterday. The brougham, with two smart little brown horses, was driven slowly up and down the Viaduct, pausing once while the coachman received instructions from Lord Alfred Douglas, who came out bareheaded with the hall porter. These movements were closely watched, in a number of interests, and it is reported that Scotland-yard was keeping a provisional eye on the hotel.

Lord Alfred Douglas and a friend left the hotel and drove to the London and Westminster Bank. St. James's-sq. They were seen to enter and draw money at the counter.

CURIOSITY AT THE COMMONS.

Our Lobby correspondent writes:--Members of Parliament shared the prevailing curiosity in regard to the Wilde-Queensberry case. It was nearly seven o'clock before Sir Edward Clarke reached the House last night, but the moment he set foot in the Lobby he was surrounded by hon. gentlemen anxious for information concerning the latest developments. Sir Edward Clarke never objects to discuss what has happened in court, but when people try to pump him beyond reason, he withdraws into his shell.

London, Friday Evening.

The hearing of the libel action brought by Mr. Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed today at the Central Criminal Court before Mr. Justice Collins and a common jury.

Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C. M P; Mr Charles Mathews, and Mr Travers Humphreys are counsel for Mr Oscar Wilde. Mr B. Carson, Q C MP ; Mr G F Gill, and Mr A Gill appeared for the Marquis; and Mr Besley, Q C, and Mr Monckton hold a watching brief for Lord Douglas of Hawick.

The galleries and the body of the Court were again throned by half-past nine o’clock, and until the re-appearance of the learned judge barristers and members of the public spent their time in pursuing the reports in the morning papers of yesterday’s proceedings. From the floor of the building to the ceiling printed broadsheets were everywhere visible, the noisy rustling of the papers mingling with the incessant chatter going as to the prospects of the case. Lord Queensberry had this morning made a slight change in his attire. Entering the dock with a confident air, he threw off a great cost, disclosing an under-garment of a moss-green hue and a neat while silk necktie.

His lordship occupied himself with a newspaper until Mr Justice Collins appeared.

Mr Carson resumed his address for the defence at half-past ten o’clock with the observation that he hoped he had justified Lord Queensberry in bringing to a climax in the way he did the connection between his son and Mr Oscar Wilde. He had to comment upon other evidence which was supplemental to what he might call plain, clear, and admitted facts. It would be his painful task to call these several young men to their own tale. He would show that Taylor acted as procurer for Wilde. It had been said by Wilde in this witness box that he wished to break down social distinctions. That might be a noble and generous instinct, but Wilde had not shown very generous instincts in his treatment of these youths. Declaring much emphasis, "It is a wonder this man Wilde has been tolerated in London society as long as he has," Mr Carson proceeded to details as to the conduct of the Savoy Hotel and elsewhere, which cannot be even indicated, "I regret," proceeded the learned counsel, "to be obliged to put into the witness box that young man Parker, for he has since entered the service of his country, and has had no black mark against him since putting her Majesty’s uniform. He bears an excellent character, and I trust his past experience has been a lesson to him." Mr Carson then characterized Wilde’s behavior in regard to the fisher boy at Worthing as an instance of his disgusting audacity. He picked this boy up on the pier, introduced him to his family, dressed him up as a gentleman, as put public school coolers on his hat. The facts in regard to this boy would not have been accepted had they been proved out of any person’s mouth except that of Wilde himself. They almost passed belief. Mr Carson was continuing his arguments when Sir Edward Clarke and Mr Mathews retired from the court for a moment. The plaintiff, Wilde, had up to this point been absent.

On Sir Edward Clarke returning he gave a whispered intimation to Mr Carson, who thereupon resumed his seat.

Sir E Clarke, then rising, said—My lord, I here interpose to make a statement, which which I do under a feeling of the gravest responsibility. Mr Carson yesterday addressed the jury upon the question of the literature involved in this case, and upon inferences to be drawn from admissions made with regard to the letters of Mr Oscar Wilde. My learned friend began his address this morning by saying that he hoped he had yesterday said enough in dealing with these topics to influence the jury, and to relieve him from the necessity of dealing in detail with the other issues of this case, I feel it must have been present to your lordship’s mind that those representing Mr Oscar Wilde had before them a very terrible anxiety. They could not conceal from themselves that the judgment that might be formed of the literature and of the conduct which had been admitted might not improbably induce the jury to say that when Lord Queensberry used those words " posing as a — " he was using words for which there was a sufficient justification—that as a father he was entitled to use two words under the circumstances, and to be relieved from a criminal charge in respect of the statement. In our view we thought that might not improbably be the result. Upon that part of the case, I and my learned friends, who desire to be associated with me in this matter, have looked forward to a verdict given in favor of the defendant upon that part of this case, and that such a verdict might be interpreted outside as a sufficient justification. With regard to all other points the position in which we stood was that without expecting to obtain a verdict we should be going on from day to day it might be with a large amount of evidence in the investigation of matters of the most appalling character. Under the circumstances I hope your lordship will think I am taking a right course, which I take after communication with Mr Oscar Wilde, in saying that having regard to what has already been addressed by my learned friend, Mr Carson, in respect the matters connected with the literature and the letters. I feel that he could not resist "posing as a —." Under these circumstances, I hope your lordship will not think I am going beyond the bounds of duty, and that I am doing something to avoid what would be a most terrible charge, if I now interpose and say on my behalf of Mr Oscar Wilde that I ask to withdraw from the prosecution, and that I am on his behalf prepared to submit to a verdict of not guilty in respect of that part of the particulars connected with the publication of "Dorian Grey" and the "Chameleon."

This statement of the son and learned gentlemen produced a profound sensation in the crowded court.

Mr Carson— I do not know, my lord, that I have any right to interfere at this stage in any way except to submit that as far as Lord Queensberry is concerned if there is to be a verdict of not guilty it involves also a verdict of justification. If your lordship takes that view I am satisfied. We must succeed in that plea, and upon it depends whether the course suggested by my learned friend can be adopted. Mr Justice Collins—As to the jury putting any limitation upon the verdict the charge contained in the words "posing as a —" is either justified or it is not justified, the verdict of the jury must be guilty or not guilty, and I understand the prosecution assent to a verdict of not guilty. There can be no limitation, and if the jury assent to the course suggested they will return a verdict of not guilty and they will find that the justification set up was true in substance and I fact, and that it was published for the public benefit.

The jury consulted for a moment, and the foreman, in reply to the usual question, said, "We find the defendant not guilty."

The Clerk of the Court—And do you also find that the plea of justification was true in substance and in fact.

The Foreman — We do, and that is was published for the public benefit.

Mr. Carson at once asked that Lord Queensberry be discharged from custody.

Mr Justice Collins intimated his assent, and, replying to a question from the learned counsel, also certified for.

The Marquis was congratulated as he descended the steps of the dock to the well of the court. The feelings of the public and the bar found vent in a flood of excited conversation, but with the disappearance of the learned judge form the tribunal the scene ended and the court was rapidly cleared.

The London "Evening News" states that it has received four letters from Mr Oscar Wilde, written on the notepaper of a Holborn hotel: "To the Editor—It would be impossible for me to prove my case without putting Lord Alfred Douglas in the witness box against his father. Lord Alfred Douglas was trembly anxious to go into the box, and I would not let him do so. Rather than put him in so painful a position I determined to retire from the case, and to bear on my own shoulders whatever ignominy and shame might result from my prosecuting Lord Queensberry."

Mr Angus Lewis, of the Treasury, who was accompanied by Detective-Inspector Brockwell, attended at the Bow street, London, this afternoon and said he would like some private conversation with Sir John Bridge. The magistrate granted the request, and it is understood that Mr Lewis intimated that an application might be made during the day with reference to an important case, which is at present engaging much public attention.

The Press Association on inquiry of Lord Queensberry’s solicitors (Russell and Day) is informed that it is not his lordship’s intention to take the initiative in any criminal prosecution of Oscar Wilde, bur after the finding of the jury this morning in the libel action the whole of the documents, with proofs of the evidence upon which the defense had intended to rely, were forwarded to the Public Prosecutor, the Hon Hamilton Caffe.

The letter written by Mr Russell, with the accompanying document, is as follows:— "in order that there may be no miscarriage of justice, I think in my duty at once to send you a copy of all our witnesses’ statements, together with a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial."

As was surmised, Wilde was in the precincts of the Old Bailey when the speech for the defence of Lord Queensberry was resumed. It was for the purpose of holding a conference with Wilde that his leading counsel left the court. At the close of the consolation in one of the waiting rooms Wilde hailed a hansom cab and drove away, leaving Sir E Clarke to formally withdraw from the prosecution.

The Press Association says its is understood in connection with this case that a warrant was applied for at five o’clock this afternoon and it is believed that it was granted. The application was to Sir John Bridge in his private room, Mr Charles Russell (son of the Lord Chief Justice) and Mr Angus Lewis, of the Treasury, being in attendance. The officials were naturally reticent on the subject.