The Yorkshire Evening Post - Saturday, April 6, 1895

As reported in the Evening Post yesterday, a warrant was issued yesterday for the arrest of Oscar Wilde. He was arrested last evening. At the conclusion of the trial at the Old Bailey yesterday, Oscar Wilde left in a brougham drawn by two brown cobs. He was driven to the Holborn Viaduct Hotel, where he had reserved a large sitting-room. In a few minutes he was joined by Lord Alfred Douglas and Lord Douglas of Hawick, and another gentleman. The four had lunch, finishing shortly before three. After satisfying themselves Wilde and the two Douglases left the hotel, and entering the brougham drove to the offices of Sir George Lewis in Bly Place, where Wilde personally delivered a note. He re-entered the brougham and drove back with his two companions to the Viaduct Hotel. There Lord Alfred Douglas and Lord Douglas of Hawick left the carriage and took up a cab, which the brougham followed. There was a drive into Fleet Street, and thence to St. James's Square, where the cab pulled up at the London and Westminster Bank, and Lord Alfred Douglas cashed a cheque. Wilde, in the brougham, did not stop, but drove straight to the Cadogan Hotel, in Sloan Street. Shortly after his arrival, there entered Lord Alfred Douglas and Lord Douglas of Hawick. Another account says that Wilde went to a bank in St. James's, where a large sum of money was drawn out on a cheque payable to "self."

Later in the day Mr. Oscar Wilde was arrested by Inspector Richards at this hotel in Sloane Street. The inspector, who had with him Sergeant Allen, made the arrest about half-past six o'clock. When the senior officer asked for Mr. Wilde he was told that he was not there, but on the inspector's insisting, he was conducted to his room. In the room were two young men. Wilde was seated by the fireplace in a saddle-bag chair, calmly smoking a cigarette. He raised his inquiring eyes to the intruders. Inspector Richards said, "Mr. Wilde, I believe?" Wilde languidly responded, "Yes! yes!" The floor of the room was strewn with some eight or nine copies of evening papers which had evidently been hastily scanned and then thrown aside. Inspector Richards said, "We are police officers, and hold a warrant for your arrest." Wilde replied, "Oh, really." Inspector Richards added, "I must ask you to accompany me to the police station." " Whither shall I be taken?" inquired Wilde. "To Scotland Yard," replied the inspector, "and thence to Bow Street." "Shall I be able to obtain bail?" plaintively said Wilde. The officer sternly replied, "That is a matter for the magistrate."

With a deep sigh Wilde dropped an evening paper, and raising himself by the aid of the arms of the chair into standing position he remarked with characteristic nonchalance to the officers, "Well, if I must go I will give you the least possible trouble." Wilde then passed over to a couch, picked up his overcoat and was assisted in putting it on by one of the young men present. Carefully he lifted and adjusted his hat. He grasped his suéde gloves in one hand and seized his stick with the other. Then he picked up from the table a copy of "The Yellow Book," which he placed in security under his left arm. Before departing with the police-officers be asked one of the young men present to go to his house and obtain some clean linen and forward it to the police-station whither he was to be conveyed. Then said he to the detectives, "I am now, gentlemen, ready to accompany you."

Detective Allen, acting upon this condescension, ran down the stairs and hailed a four-wheel cab. It was about 6.45 when the departure took place. It was noticed that Wilde looked considerably flushed, but he did not appear in any way to have lost the arrogant self-possession which he displayed at the court, and that he never for a moment relaxed the grasp of his arm upon "The Yellow Book." One of the young men referred to as having been in the room of the hotel—a sallow complexioned young fellow, wearing a fur-lined coat and a silk hat—exhibited the intention of entering the cab, but, on a strong hint from one of the detectives, he desisted. The detectives and Wilde were now fairly seated in the growler. Detective Allen directed the cabman to drive by the shortest route to Scotland Yard. The driver accordingly proceeded by way of Cadogan Square, and as he passed the cab rank he cried out to some of his brethren, "I've got him inside." The man was evidently animated by the full glory that he had captured a distinguished fare. The four-wheeler then proceeded to Scotland Yard.

Detective Allen alighted first, and Wilde came next. In alighting he missed the carriage-step and nearly fell to the stone pavement. Quickly recovering his position and still retaining between his teeth the cigarette which he was smoking, he dived his hand into his pocket and pulled out some money for the purpose of paying the cabman. Detective Allen interposed, "I'll pay." "No! No!" said Wilde, "Allow me, if you please," but on being informed that it was a way they had at Scotland Yard of paying for the conveyance of prisoners, Wilde returned the coins to his pocket. Wilde was then hurried by the two detectives into "the Yard," where he was detained for some time, and subsequently removed to Bow Street. To that place he was conveyed at 8 p.m. in a cab.

On the road Wilde smoked his cigarette and made divers inquiries of the detectives: Could he have a private cell? Would he be allowed to smoke? Might he order his food from outside the prison? At Bow Street Wilde was placed like other alleged criminals in the station dock. The warrant upon which he had been arrested was read out to him. The charge referred to acts committed on March 25, 1895, and on divers other dates. Wilde, leaning on the side of the dock, smiling, made no reply to the charge. He, however, requested that the dates be repeated. He was searched according to the police regulations, and then conveyed to one of the ordinary cells of the station.

Shortly alter the prisoner's arrival at Bow Street a Mr. Rose, a friend of Mr. Wilde, drove up with a small Gladstone bag containing a change of clothes and other necessaries for Wilde, but after a short interview with the inspector on duty Mr. Rose returned to his cab with the bag, he not being allowed to leave it. Later Lord Alfred Douglas visited Bow Street in order to see it he could bail out 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 he officer on duty. Wilde occupies an ordinary cell, but will be allowed to supply himself with any extra food he thinks fit.

THE TRIAL. A GRATIS DEFENCE BY SIR EDWARD CLARKE.

The doors of Bow Street Police Court were besieged at an early hour this morning, it being known that Mr. Oscar Wilde, who had been arrested on the previous night on a warrant granted shortly after the termination of tho Wilde v. Queensberry case, would be placed in the dock. A few minutes before ten the doors were opened, but only representatives of the press were admitted. They quickly seized upon all available accommodation. After a few minutes' delay it was intimated that the case would be taken in the Extradition Court upstairs, thereupon there was a wild rush from this part of the building on the part of the public, who had by this time got within the gates. The small court was thronged to its fullest capacity by an assemblage of well-dressed men. Only one woman was present and, seated immediately behind the dock, was the object of a great deal of curious and audible speculation.

Mr. C.F. Gill, who in the libel action acted as junior to Mr. Carson, Q.C., in defending the Marquess of Queensberry, entered at eleven o'clock. A moment later Sir Augustus Harris appeared, followed by several gentlemen understood to be connected with the drama. Sir John Bridge took his seat at five minutes past eleven. Simultaneously the door of the passage leading from the cells was thrown open, and the prisoner was seen approaching, carrying a silk hat in his hand. He advanced with an easy and even a stately step. He was wearing the overcoat which he wore at the Old Bailey, with a heavy velvet collar and cuffs. Having reached the centre of the dock, Wilde calmly deposited his hat upon the seat at his side, bowed slightly to Sir John, then crossing his arms over the rails, he bent slightly forward and listened attentively to the opening sentences which fell from Mr. Gill.

Mr. C.F. Gill, rising immediately the prisoner was placed in the dock, said he appeared to prosecute the prisoner on a series of charges, which he then specified. With regard to the nature of the case, he did not think it desirable that he should trouble the Court with any opening detail. No good purpose would be served by going into this matter in an opening speech. He would indicate to the Court generally what had occurred, and the evidence he proposed to adduce, and the nature of the charges upon which he should ask for the prisoner to be ultimately committed for trial would depend upon the evidence disclosed. The case, which counsel went into, in the first instance related to the conduct of the prisoner with regard to a young man named Charles Parker. Mention was also made of the part played by a person named Taylor. Thereafter counsel went on to give details unfit for publication.

Charles Parker was called, and as he entered the witness-box the prisoner, who by this time was seated and supporting his head on his gloved hand, looked steadily for a moment at the youth. Parker is a good-looking, well-set up young man of 19 years. He was smartly dressed, having a full depth white collar and light velvet-cuffed overcoat approximating somewhat to the Newmarket cut. Answering Mr. Gill, he said he was formerly a valet.

During his evidence the learned counsel startled the Court by the sudden intimation that Taylor bad been arrested, and he would postpone the further examination of Pinker pending Taylor's arrival in the dock.

At this juncture Detective-inspector Marshall announced "Alfred Taylor," and in obedience to the call a young man of similar build and address to Parker stepped briskly into the dock, and took his stand on Wilde's left.

Parker, replying to Mr. Gill, said he identified Taylor. When Taylor introduced him to Wilde Taylor said Wilde was a good man. Witness then described his visits to Taylor's rooms. He also gave an account of dining with his brother, Taylor, and Wilde in a private room at a restaurant. The table was lighted with candles with red shades.

Was it a good dinner?—Yes, a very good. (A laugh).

What wine?—Champagne.

Anything besides after dinner?—Yes; Coffee and brandy.

Did you smoke?—Yes.

What?—Cigarettes.

Did you see who paid for the dinner?—Wilde wrote out a cheque.

Parker gave his evidence with some hesitancy, and blushed deeply. As the examination of this witness had proceeded, Wilde moved restlessly about the corner of the dock in which he had seated himself, and occasionally passed his hands across his face in a way indicative o£ distress of mind.

Mr. C.O. Humphreys here announced that he had instructed counsel for the defence, and Mr. Travers Humphreys, who was with Sir Edward Clarke and Mr. Mathews at the Old Bailey, now entered the court and took his seat at the barristers' table.

Cross-examination was reserved. The Court then adjourned for luncheon.

During the adjournment for luncheon the gossip in court was to the effect that Sir Edward Clarke had written to Wilde's solicitor expressing his willingness to defend the prisoner without fee. On inquiry this statement proved to be well founded.

On the court resuming W. Parker, a brother of the former witness, and strongly resembling him, waa called. The witness complained or feeling unwell, and was accommodated with a seat. Parker, whose face was deathly pale, said falteringly that he, his brother, Taylor, and Wilde dined together.

Mrs. Ellen Grant, 13 Little College Street, described prisoners peculiar way of furnishing and lighting his rooms.

ANOTHER ARREST.

The Press Association telegraphs:—The man Taylor, who is alleged to have acted as an intermediary for Oscar Wilde, was arrested this morning and taken to Bow Street.

THE NIGHT IN THE CELL.

As soon as Wilde was inside the police-station last night his demeanour appeared to change completely. Had he not supported himself by the rail which runs down the lower end of the office he would have fallen. In a few seconds, however, he recovered himself, and sweeping back his hair from his forehead desired to know in what manner he was to be treated. He was informed, says to-day's Echo, that he would be placed in an ordinary cell. "Cannot I have a private room?" he plaintively queried. "No." was the reply, "but we will make you as comfortable as possible." He was requested to give up any articles winch he had upon him. He, without a word, turned out his pockets. A few loose coins, a pencil case, some papers, and 20 £5 notes, this was all he had upon him. The notes were kept by the police, but the remaining articles, excepting the pencil, were returned to him. Then he was conducted to the cell. "How am I to sleep to-night?" was Oscar's next question. In reply a constable brought in a few rugs, and throwing them upon a bench in the cell indicated that that would be the bed for the night.

LAST NIGHT'S DINNER.

The question of dinner was next considered. The prisoner, placed as he was, would be allowed to secure special food if he desired it. He did so desire, and a messenger acting on his request was despatched to an hotel. He returned attended by one of the hotel servants bearing a waiter piled with soup, fish, chicken, and a small bottle of champagne. For this repast Oscar displayed only the slightest partiality. Then he requested to be provided with a book, but the light in the cell, however, prevented reading. He also pleaded for permission to smoke, but this was refused. He slept very lightly, and now and then paced his cell. As soon as morning broke he stepped up to the door of the cell, and catching sight of the constable who had been detailed for the duty of watching him during the night had a brief conversation with him. At eight o'clock a messenger arrived with his breakfast of coffee and bread and butter. The coffee he drank, but the solid food he returned untouched. A curious feature, however, was that before this food could be taken from the cell another messenger arrived with coffee, bread and butter, and two eggs. This, of course, was returned.

HIS AGITATION.

It is reported from Bow Street that when Mr. Gill stated that Taylor had been arrested Wilde displayed the greatest agitation, and repeatedly laid his head on his hands. Tayior, on going into the dock, smiled at his felloW prisoner, who, however, was buried in a fit of abstraction.

ALL IRISHMEN.

The Westminster Gazette points out that it is somewhat remarkable that Oscar Wilde, Mr. Carson and Mr. Gill (the leading counsel against him), and Mr. Justice Henn Collins, who tried the case, are all Irishmen, and are ail graduates of Dublin University.

ON THE WATCH.

All the railway stations from which trains left in connection with steamers for foreign ports were watched by detectives yesterday afternoon, aud Wilde's description was sent by telegraph to the chiefs of police in British ports with urgent requests that, if he was seen there, he might be arrested at sight.

"THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST."

Mr. George Alexander, lessee and manager of St. James's Theatre, London, where Mr. Oscar Wilde's successful comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, is being performed, does not at present intend to remove the play from his boards, although the name of the author will no longer appear in the advertisements or the bills. He points out that no kind of objection, on grounds of morality or of taste, can be taken to the comedy.

(Continued from Page 3.)

The prisoners were remanded until Thursday next. Bail was refused, and prisoners were taken to the cells.

The police have re-searched Taylor's rooms, and it is said other startling disclosures are on the tapis.

The Standard - Saturday, April 6, 1895

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."

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