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The hearing of the charge against the Marquess of Queensberry of criminally libelling Mr. Oscar Wilde was resumed yesterday morning at the Central Criminal Court, before Mr. Justice Henn Collins. The defence was a justification of the libel.— The counsel for the prosecution were Sir E. Clarke, Q.C., Mr. C. Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys. Mr. Carson, Q.C., Mr. C. F. Gill, Q.C, and Mr. A. Gill appeared for Lord Queensberry ; while Mr. Besley, Q.C., and Mr. Monckton watched the case for Lord Douglas of Hawick, the eldest son of the Marquess.

The public galleries were again crowded, the greatest interest being shown in the proceedings. The Judge took his seat at half-past ten. Mr. Oscar VVilde was not present when Mr. Carson rose to resume his speech for the defence.

Mr. Carson said that at the adjournment yesterday he had dealt as fully as he intended to deal with the question of Wilde's connection with the literature that had been produced in this case, and also with the two letters that had been read, and he almost hoped that he had sufficiently demonstrated upon these matters, which were not really in dispute, that Lord Queensberry was absolutely justified in bringing to a climax, in the way that he did, the question of the connection between Mr. Oscar Wilde and his son. He had, unfortunately, a more powerful part of the case now to approach. It would be his painful duty to bring before the Jury those young men, one after another, to tell their tale. It was, of course, even for an advocate, a distasteful task ; but let those who were inclined to condemn these men for allowing themselves to be dominated, misled, and corrupted by Oscar Wilde remember the relative position of the two parties, and that they were men more sinned against than sinning. He was not going in great detail to criticise the evidence of Wilde with regard to the several transactions as to which he cross-examined him. There was a general observation applicable to all the cases There was a startling similarity between each of them, on Wilde's own admission, which must lead the Jury to draw the most painful conclusions. There was the fact that in not one of those cases were the parties upon an equality with Wilde in anyway. They were not educated parties such as he would naturally associate with, they were not his equal in years, and there was a curious similiarity between the ages of each of them. Mr. Wilde said that there was something beautiful and charming about youth that led him to adopt the course he did. but was he unable to find more suitable companions who were at the same time young among the youths of his own class ? The thing was absurd. His excuse in the box was only a travesty of what was the reality of the matter. Who were these younp men ? They were out of employment, and of their antecedents Wilde professed to know nothing. All of them were from 18 to 20 years of age, or thereabouts, and in the manner of their introduction to Wilde and his subsequent treatment of them all were in the same category, leading to the same conclusion, that there was something unnatural and what might not ordinarily be expected in the relations between them. Parker was a gentleman's servant out of employment. He and his brother were in a restaurant in Piccadilly and were met by Taylor, and when a day or two later Wilde gave Taylor a dinner on his birthday, telling him to bring any friends he liked, what an idea he must have had of Wilde's taste when he brought a groom and a valet ! If that one fact was true — and the main features had been admitted by Wilde — why did Taylor speak to those young men at all, and why did he bring them to dine with Wilde ? There could be no explanation of these matters but the one that Tavlor was the procureur for Wilde. They would hear from Parker, when he came to tell his unfortunate story, that he was poor, out of place, and fell a victim to Wilde. He would tell them that on the first evening they met Wilde addressed him — the valet — as Charlie, and that he addressed this distinguished dramatist, whose name was being spoken everywhere in London as the author of a most successful play, as Oscar. He did not wish to say anything about Wilde's theories of putting an end to social distinctions. It might be a very noble and generous instinct in some people to wish to level down all social barriers ; but one thing that was plain in this case was that Wilde's conduct was not regulated by any very generous instincts towards these young men. If he wanted to assist Parker was it of benefit for a man in Wilde's position in society and literature to take him to a magnificent dinner and prime him with the best champagne ? All the ridiculous excuses of Wiide would not bear a moment's examination. Wilde pretended that the whole of these dinners and lunches were mere generous actions on his part. He gave no explanation of why he had that suite of rooms at the Savoy Hotel. It was a large hotel, and Wilde had no difficulty in taking Parker into his rooms, where he treated him with whiskies and sodas, and some of that iced champagne which his doctor forbade Wilde to have. There had been no open scandal at the Savoy Hotel ; but a man could not live that kind of life without gossip going abroad and reports being circulated in the circles in which he mixed. After they heard the evidence from the Savoy Hotel they would wonder, not that the gossip reached Lord Queensberry's ears, but that the man Wilde had been tolerated for years in Society as he had. He referred to the youth Parker, who was coming there with the greatest reluctance, and was now earning for himself a good character in the Country, and Wilde's dealings with the boy Conway.

Mr. Carson was proceeding when Sir E. Clarke spoke to him, and they consulted for a moment.

Sir Edward Clarke then said :— Will your Lordship allow me to interpose and make a statement, which is, of course, made under a feeling of very grave respon-sibility. 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 admissions made with regard to the letters read yesterday. My learned friend began his address by saying that he hoped the need of having the Jury deal with those details could be avoided. I think it must have been present to your mind that the representatives of Mr. Oscar Wilde have beFore them in this case a very terrible anxiety. They could not conceal from themselves the inferences which might be drawn might not improperly induce the Jury to say that when Lord Queensberry used the words "posing as" he was using words which there was a sufficient justification for a father to use. That in our view might not he an improbable result of that part of the case. I and my learned friends who are with me had to look forward to this — that a verdict given in favour of the Defendant upon that point might be regarded as a finding with regard to all parts of the case. The position we stood in was that, in view of the finding of a verdict, we would be going through long evidence dealing with matters of a most appalling character. In these circumstances, I hope your Lordship will think I am taking the right course or action. Having regard to what has been already said in respect of the literature and of the letters, I feel that I could not resist a verdict of Not Guilty in this case — not guilty, that is, having reference to the words "posing as." In these circumstances, I hope your Lordship will think that I am not going beyond the bounds of duty, and that I am doing something to save and to prevent what would be a most terrible task, however it might close, if I now interpose to say that, on behalf of Mr. Oscar Wilde, I would ask to withdraw from the prosecution. If your Lordship does not think that at this time of the case, and after what has taken place, I ought to be allowed to do this, I am prepared to submit to a verdict of Not Guilty, having reference — if to any part of the particulars — to that part of the particulars which is connected with the publication of "Dorian Gray" and with the publication of the Chameleon. I trust, my Lord, that that may make an end of the case.

Mr. Carson. — I do not know that I have any right whatever to interfere in any way in the application my learned friend has made. I can only say, as far as Lord Queensberry is concerned, that if there is a plea of Not Guilty — a plea which involves that he has succeeded in his complete justification — I am quite satisfied. Of course, my learned friend would admit that we must succeed on that plea in the manner in which he has said, and, that being so, it will rest entirely with your Lordship as to whether the course suggested by my learned friend ought to be taken.

Mr. Justice Collins. — Inasmuch as the Prosecutor in this case is prepared to acquiesce in a verdict of Not Guilty against the Accused, I do not think it is any part of the function of the Judge or of the Jury to insist on going into details which can have no bearing on the matter which is already concluded by the assent of the Prosecutor. But as for putting any limitation on the verdict, the justification is one which is a justification of the charge of "posing as." If that is justified it is justified, and if it is not it is not, and the verdict of the Jury upon it must be Guilty or Not Guilty. As I understand, the Prosecutor will assent to a verdict of Not Guilty. There can be no terms. There can be no limitation of the verdict, which must be Guilty or Not Guilty. I understand the Prosecutor to assent to a verdict of Not Guilty, and of course the Jury will return a verdict of Not Guilty.

Mr. Carson.— The verdict will be that complete justification is proved, and that the publication was for the public benefit.

The Judge.— The verdict will be Not Guilty, but it is arrived at by that process of course. I shall have to tell the Jury that the justification was proved, and that it was true in substance and in fact that the Prosecutor had "posed as." And I shall also have to tell them that they will have to find that the statement was published in such a manner as to be for the public benefit. If they find on these two points the verdict will be Not Guilty.

A few seconds later the Judge, turning to the Jury, said : Your verdict will be Not Guilty ; but there are other matters which have to be determined with reference to the specific finding of complete justification, and as I told you, that involves that the statement is true in fact and that the publication is for the public benefit. These are the facts on which you will have to find, and if you find them in favour of the Defendant, your verdict will be Not Guilty. You will have to say whether you find complete justification has been proved or not.

The Jury without leaving the box signified in a few minutes that they had arrived at their decision.

The Clerk of Arraigns.— Do you find the complete justification proved or not ?

The Foreman of the Jury.— Yes.

The Clerk.— Do you find a verdict of Not Guilty ?

The Foreman. — Yes.

The Clerk.— And that is the verdict of you all ?

The Foreman. — Yes ; and we also find that the pub- lication was for the public benefit.

The verdict was received with applause, of which the Judge took no notice and becoming known in the streets, there was a demonstration of approval on the part of a large crowd.

Mr. Carson.— The costs will follow. May I ask that Lord Queensberry should be discharged.

The Judge. — Certainly.

Lord Queensberry then left the dock and came into the well of the Court, where he received the congratulations of his friends.

—

Mr. Oscar Wilde, who had been in consultation with his counsel in the vicinity of the Court, left the Old Bailey a few minutes before Sir Edward Clarke made his withdrawal. He drove in his carriage, drawn by a pair of horses, to the Holborn Viaduct Hotel, where he has lunched daily during the trial. Here Mr. Wilde, Lord Alfred Douglas, Mr. Wilde's solicitor, and one or two other gentlemen remained for some time in consultation. When they left he drove in a brougham to the West-end.

After the close of the case, the following letter was addressed by Mr. Charles Russell, the Marquess of Queensberry's solicitor, to the Public Prosecutor : —

"37, Norfolk-street. Strand. " 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 trial. — Yours faithfully, "Charles Russell."

Immediately after the House of Commons met yesterday, a representative of the Public Prosecutor had an interview with the Home Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Solicitor General in regard to the case of Mr. Oscar Wilde. It was at once agreed that a warrant should be applied for, and Mr. Asquith gave instructions that, wherever Wilde might be found, he should be stopped.

There was a great deal of excitement at the Bow- street Police-court yesterday afternoon in consequence of a report that a warrant would be applied for for the arrest of Mr. Oscar Wilde. Sir John Bridge was the presiding Magistrate, having taken the place of Mr. Vaughan early in the morning. When Sir John Bridge took his seat after the luncheon interval, Mr. Angus Lewis, of the Treasury, intimated that he would like to speak to him privately. Sir John assented, and the Magistrate and Barrister carried on a whispered conversation for a few minutes. What actually took place did not transpire, but it was understood that Mr. Lewis intimated to Sir John Bridge that he might have an important application to make to him later in the afternoon. Detective Inspector Brockwell was also in attendance. With him were two youths whose names figured prominently in the Wilde v. Queensberry case. Sir John Bridge did not return to the Court after disposing of the summonses, but it is understood that he saw Mr. Angus Lewis, Mr. C. F. Gill, and Mr. Charles Russell in his private room, and afterwards granted a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Oscar Wilde.

The arrest was made by Inspector Richards last evening at the Cadogan Hotel, Sloane-street, to which place Mr. Wilde drove after leaving the Holborn Viaduct Hotel. The Inspector, who had with him Sergeant Allen, made the arrest about half-past six o'clock. On the senior officer asking for Mr. Wilde he was told he was not there ; but on the Inspector insisting, he was conducted to his room. Mr. Wilde had with him two friends, and the Inspector stated the object of his visit. Mr. Wilde made no reply, and the party at once drove to Scotland-yard to meet Inspector Brockwell, who had the warrant for the arrest. The warrant was read to the Prisoner, who made no reply, and after some delay he was taken to Bow-street Police-station, arriving there at 8.10 in a four-wheel cab. Mr. Wilde, who was the first to alight, walked straight into the station followed by the detectives. He was dressed in a long black frock coat, dark trousers, and silk hat, and did not appear in the slightest way to be affected by the circumstances of his position. He was at once placed in the dock, and stood there with his hands in his pockets while the charge was taken down by Inspector Digby. When the charge had been entered Mr. Wilde was escorted to the cells.

Shortly after the Prisoner's arrival at Bow-street a friend of Mr. Wilde, drove up with a small gladstone bag, containing a change of clothes and other necessaries for Mr. Wilde, but, after a short interview with the inspector on duty, that gentleman returned to his cab with the bag, not being allowed to leave it. Later on Lord Alfred Douglas visited Bow-street to see if he could bail out Mr. Wilde, and appeared much distressed when he was informed that on no consideration could his application be entertained. He then offered to procure extra comforts in the shape of bedding for his friend, but this offer was also refused by the officer on duty. Mr. Wilde occupies an ordinary cell, but will be allowed to supply himself with any extra food he thinks fit. He will be brought up this morning at tea o'clock at Bow-street Police-station.

The Marquess of Queensberry states that as soon as the trial ended yesterday, he sent this message to Mr. Oscar Wilde : — " If the country allows you to leave, all the better for the country, but if you take my son with you, I will follow you wherever you go and shoot you."

NEW YORK, April 6. - A cable special from the Sun from London says: Most observers of the English character would have declared it impossible to arouse the phlegmatic conscience and emotions of the nation to such a pitch of intensity as is to-day manifesting itself in all classes. The horror, loathing and anger which the revelations in connection with the Wilde-Queensberry case have caused can be compared only with one of those whirlwinds of passion which once in a few decades suddenly sweeps over the nation and by its very violence restore confidence in human nature. Not until to-day, apparently, has the country realized that a moral pestilence in the atmosphere has been doing deadly work.

Already there are signs that the popular revenge, and the reformers will be indiscriminating and unreasoning in their work. The finger of suspicion is already carrying condemnation wherever it is pointed. Many will suffer fearful social penalties who are absolutely innocent, but the general effect of the great onslaught of public opinion which has now begun will be salutary and for the purifying of the nation.

The best sign of all is that Englishmen are ashamed. They feel that a deep, black, national disgrace has been uncovered, and the feeling is more poignant because it is new to them. Their anger against the human reptiles who have brought this shame upon them is indescribable. It not only demands the swiftest and severest punishment, but it has been instantly turned against every art, every fad, every innovation with which those accused or suspected have been identified. To-day's newspapers are unanimous, for instance, in pronouncing the doom of estheticism and everything connected with that cult.

Regarding the methods which society, now so thoroughly aroused and exasperated, will employ for dealing with the evil, it may be said that the Government has wisely decided upon sharp, rapid and severe action. Evidence has accumulated in the last few days ample for the condemnation of several leaders of the abominable coterie, which has its ramifications throughout Europe. They will be arrested and railroaded as fast as possible to penal servitude.

The Government promptly began to-day by arresting Alfred Taylor, whom the police say has long been known as the leader of this infamous band. Like others of his class the development of his mania has followed sudden accession of wealth and luxury. His father, who was prominent in the city and was once close to the Lord Mayor’s chair, left him an immense fortune, which he used to gratify every physical appetite.

He spent £60,000 furnishing his house, which has been the headquarters of this class of sensualists. The victims of himself and his crew were dazzled by the oriental luxuries of the place. One of the features of the drawing-room, to which daylight is never admitted, is a marble fountain distributing perfume instead of water. The police searched the whole place yesterday.

Both Wilde and Taylor were committed for trial without bail at the Bow-street Court to-day, after an overwhelming mass of revolting evidence had been given by the victims. Prison life is expected to have an immediate effect on men who are accustomed to every luxury and indulgence, and Wilde is much depressed after a night's confinement.

The police have reason to believe that to-day's exposure is already causing a panic-stricken exodus of many persons from England, such as followed the Cleveland-street scandal a few years ago. There are some who are not unknown in society among them. The effect of the Wilde case has been intensified in the public mind by the trial of Lord Russell's matrimonial suit at the same time. The same charge is at the basis of this case, and if it were not overshadowed by the Wilde-Queensberry scandal it would have made a great sensation.

IN THE COURTROOM. Some Very Strong Evidence Against Oscar Wilde.

LONDON, April 6. - Crowds besieged the vicinity of Bow street early this morning, and the Police Court was filled with interested spectators as soon as the doors were opened. Among those who succeeded in pressing through the crowd was one good-looking, middle-aged woman.

All were anxious to see Oscar Wilde, whose arrest yesterday followed close upon the sensational termination of his suit for libel against the Marquis of Queensberry. C. F. Gill, who was Edward M. Carson's junior counsel in the defense of the Marquis of Queensberry, acted as prosecutor to-day for the Treasury Department.

Sir John Bridge, the presiding magistrate, took his seat on the bench at 11 o'clock. The doors leading to the cells were then opened, and Wilde was seen approaching, carrying his silk hat in his hand. When he reached the centre of the prisoners’ dock he deposited his hat on a seat, bowed to Sir John Bridge, folded his arms and leaned on the rail in the same insolent manner that he displayed on the witness-stand in the Old Bailey.

Gill said he appeared to prosecute the prisoner on a series of charges of inciting boys to terrible crimes, and actually committing acts of gross indecency. The prosecutor then related how, in 1893, when Wilde was staying at the Savoy Hotel, Alfred Taylor, who was arrested to-day, acted as procurer for Wilde, who repeatedly visited Taylor’s house.

Continuing, Gill said the prosecution proposed to show how Taylor approached a young man named Parker, a valet out of a position, and his brother, a groom. Taylor, it was stated, told them how money could be made by going with gentlemen, and said that Wilde was a man who gave much money to youths and men. They finally consented, and it was arranged that they should be introduced to Wilde at a dinner he would give in a private room at Kittner's restaurant.

After this dinner Wilde announced to Taylor, who was also present, that Charles Parker was the boy for him, and he took the latter to the Savoy Hotel, where he committed a crime.

Parker was called to the stand, but the proceedings were interrupted by an official announcing that Taylor had been arrested. A few moments later Taylor was brought into court and placed in the dock beside Wilde, who nodded to him.

Parker gave the most minute details of his intimacy with Wilde. He testified that he visited Wilde at the Savoy Hotel, at the Albemarle, at Wilde’s chambers and at other addresses almost daily. While Parker was giving this testimony Wilde moved restlessly in the dock and passed his hands across his face. Parker added that he was arrested with Taylor in a raid in 1894 in a house in Fitzroy square, but he claimed that he had since abandoned his evil life.

Counsel for Wilde asked leave to postpone the cross-examination of Parker, as the evidence had taken them by surprise.

Parker was then bound over to testify at the trial of Wilde, which is to take place in the Old Bailey.

The woman previously referred to as having entered the courtroom early this morning was the next witness. She gave the name of Mrs. Grant, and said she let rooms to Taylor, who, she added, was visited by young men.

Mrs. Grant was asked to state the ages of the young men. She replied that many were 15 and upward. Mrs. Grant was then asked if she could identify Wilde as a visitor to Taylor’s rooms. She replied she could not. Thereupon Sir John Bridge said quietly: "Wilde, stand up."

Wilde arose, but the witness was still unable to recognize him, but, replying to counsel’s questions, said she remembered Taylor addressed one visitor as "Oscar."

Mrs. Grant said Taylor's rooms were furnished well and were highly perfumed. Taylor, she added, dressed effeminately. The witness also said that boys stayed all night with him. She testified that before Taylor left her house the sergeant of police went to his apartment and secretly watched Taylor's proceedings.

Sir John Bridge asked Taylor if he desired to ask the witness any questions. The prisoner replied, "Not yet."

Alfred Woods, a nice-looking young man, was then called to the stand. He testified that Taylor introduced him to Wilde in 1893, and he committed indecencies at Wilde's own house while the latter's family was away. The witness added that he was intoxicated at the time, as Wilde had previously given him champagne, whiskey and hock.

Continuing, Woods said Wilde afterward gave him a great deal of money and a watch and chain. The witness also said that soon after he told Taylor he "wanted to get away from Wilde and people like him."

Counsel, interrupting, said: "Let us deal with the case of Wilde alone; but I believe there were other people at the gatherings."

Witness added: "Yes, one or two of them have left the country." The witness said that Taylor said he wanted to go to America, whereupon Wilde asked to have certain letters returned to him. When he received these letters Wilde gave the witness £35. Witness Woods then went to America.

Sidney Hoover, a good-looking youth, was the next witness. Up on the witness-stand he testified that he met Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas at Taylor’s rooms.

A masseur at the Savoy testified he once saw a youth between 16 and 18 years old in Wilde's bedroom.

Oscar Wilde's brother entered the courtroom at this stage of the proceedings and listened to the remainder of the evidence from the back of the room.

After the chambermaid of the Savoy Hotel had given some evidence similar to that of the masseur, Sir John Bridge remanded Wilde until next Thursday. Counsel asked that Wilde be released on bail, but the magistrate denied the request. Counsel persisted, saying he could offer substantial bail, but Sir John Bridge replied, "This is not a case for bail at all."

GOSSIP ABOUT THE CASE. Wilde Prosecuted by a College Class- mate - Effect on His Plays.

LONDON, April 6. - Naturally the Wilde disclosures continue to be the absorbing topic of conversation at the clubs. Edward M. Carson, Q.C. and M.P., who so ably and relentlessly conducted the case for the Marquis of Queensberry, was a classmate of Oscar Wilde at Trinity College, Dublin. The presiding Judge, Justice Collins, is also an Irishman.

Wilde has been making immense sums of money lately out of his plays and books. His plays are now running at two London theaters and many companies are playing them in the provinces. Of course in future no one will accept his plays.

George Alexander, proprietor and manager of the St. James Theater, stated last night that if it were not for the fact that the withdrawal of Wilde’s play, "The Importance of Being Earnest," would throw 120 persons out of employment, he would at once stop it. Therefore, unless the theater-going public manifests its displeasure of the author by refusing to witness his works, the play at the St. James will be continued as usual.

Another of Wilde’s plays which is now running at the Haymarket Theater will, after this week, be transferred to the Criterion. The author’s name in both cases will be omitted from the bills and advertisements in future.

Rev. Archibald Douglas, brother of the Marquis of Queensberry, has written a letter saying that the statement credited to Lord Douglas of Hawick, eldest son of the Marquis, published in an interview in the Leader to-day, to the effect that every member of the family of the Marquis of Queensberry, except the latter, disbelieves absolutely and entirely all the charges made against Oscar Wilde, is unauthorized by his mother, his sister or himself. Rev. Archibald Douglas adds: "We certainly believe the charges against Wilde."

Taylor was arrested to-day and preserved his cheerful demeanor and asked the detective who took him into custody what the sentence was likely to be.

The Sun of this city says that another sensational arrest is possible before Thursday next, the day when Oscar Wilde will be brought to Bow-street Police Court on remand.

The Marquis of Queensberry has authorized the Globe to deny that there is any truth in the story cable to the United Press that he had written to Oscar Wilde after the trial, saying: "If the country allows you to leave all the better for the country; but if you take my son with you, I shall follow you wherever you go and shoot you."

Effect of the Trial in This Country.

NEW YORK, April 6.- Manager Daniel Frohman of the Lyceum Theater, announces that in consequence of the London scandal, after this week he will withdraw Oscar Wilde's play, "An Ideal Husband," now running at his house.