Daily Times - Thursday, April 11, 1895

London, April 11.- Great crowds of people were gathered outside and inside Bow Street police court this morning when Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor were brought from prison at an early hour in order to be examined on a charge of having committed serious misdemeanors. The court opened at 11 o'clock with both prisoners in the dock. Wilde looked haggard and worn and much more subdued, although he smiled once or twice at certain questions that were asked him, but he seemed to realize the gravity of the situation in which be found himself. He was dressed as faultlessly as ever, carrying a shining silk hat in his hand and displaying on one of his ungloved hands many sparkling gems.

Taylor, the man who is charged with having acted as procuror for the author and dramatist behaved in a sneeringly indifferent manner and was evidently not impressed with the seriousness of the charge brought against him, as was his companion in the prisoners docket. Sir Eddward Clarke, formerly solicitor general again appeared for Wilde and two lawyers acted as counsel for Taylor. The prisoners are evidently making a desperate fight. Taylor's lawyer said he would recall all witnesses who were examined on Saturday last, as Taylor was not represented by counsel on that occasion. Chas. Barker. the 19 year old witness was again placed in the witness box this morning. He was subjected to cross-examination by Sir Edward Clarke but his testimony was not shaken. The proceedings were continued and Mr. C. F. Gill, who acted as prosecutor for the treasury department and who incidentally was Mr. Edward M. Carson's junior counsel in the Marquis of Queensberry case, placed on the stand a man named Fred Atkins, 20 years of age and described as a variety singer. Atkine in reply to questions put to him by Mr. Gill said that Wilde took him to Paris in 1893. Further testimony furnished by the same witness was similar to that given by the young men and boys who have been previously examined in this extraordinary case. He added that Wilde gave him a silver cigarette case and money. Asked if he did any writing for Wilde, witness replied "Yes. I wrote something about a woman of no importance."

Edward Shelly was the next witness. He related how Wilde gave him copies of his works with tender inscriptions, took him to theatres, to the Prince of Wales club and to other resorts. The witness also testified in detail as to Wilde's criminal behavior. Then a number of disreputable lodging house keepers from Chelsea, the district of London in which Wilde's house is situated and several servants testified to Wilde's visits to these houses in company with youths. The proprietor of the Hotel Albemarle was examined and testified as to how he became suspicious of Wilde and finally issued a writ for a week's bill in order to prevent him from returning to the establishment.

Testimony was presented showing the relations between Wilde and Shelly were brought to the attention of the latter's employers and Shelly was discharged. After the police had presented evidence concerning the arrests, Wilde and Taylor were remanded for a week, bail being refused.

Wilde's counsel reserved his cross-examination of witnesses until the trial of the charge against Wilde, Taylor's counsel wrung from one of the prosecution's witnesses, named Parker, that he had been guilty of heinous offences with many persons. Parker also admitted having received twenty pounds which he extorted from gentlemen.

Los Angeles Herald - Friday, April 12, 1895

LONDON, April 11. - Great crowds were gathered at the Bow-street Police Court today when Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor were brought from prison in the Black Maria to be examined on remand on the charge of having committed serious misdemeanors.

Court opened at 11:00 o'clock, with both prisoners in the dock. Wilde looked haggard and worn, and it was noticed he has greatly changed since he appeared on the witness stand to prosecute his suit for libel against the Marquis of Queensberry, due to the collapse of his action in such an unexpected and sensational manner, which led to his arrest and subsequent terrible disclosures.

Wilde today was more subdued, although he smiled once or twice at certain questions. Taylor, charged with having acted as a procurer for the author and dramatist, behaved in the same sneeringly indifferent manner as when arraigned last week, and was evidently not as deeply impressed with the seriousness of the charges brought against him as Wilde. Sir Edward Clarke again appeared for Wilde, and two lawyers acted as counsel for Taylor.

The prisoners are making a desperate fight. Their lawyers today delayed proceedings in every possible way, and the examination of the accused promises to be a protracted affair. Taylor's lawyer said he would recall all the witnesses examined Saturday, as Taylor was not then represented by counsel.

Charles Parker, 19-year-old witness examined Saturday, who related at length his intimacy with Wilde, was again placed in the witness box today. He was subjected to cross-examination by Sir Edward Clarke, but his testimony was not shaken. Other witnesses of Saturday were not present, but by consent of counsel for the prosecution, who promised to produce them later on, proceedings were continued and C. F. Gill, who acted as prosecutor for the Treasury Department, placed on the stand Fred Atlains, twenty years, described as a variety singer.

Atlains said Wilde took him to Paris in 1893. Further testimony furnished by the same witness was similar to that given by young men and boys previously examined. He added that Wilde gave him a silver cigarette case an money. When asked if he did any writing for Wilde, replied: "Yes, I wrote something about ‘A woman of no importance.'"

Edward Shelby was then called. He was formerly in the employ of Elkin & Matthews, at whose store in 1891 he said he made Wilde’s acquaintance.

Testimony was presented showing the relations which existed between Wilde and Shelby were brought to the attention of the latter's employers and Shelly was discharged. After the police had presented evidence concerning the arrests of Wilde and Taylor they were remanded for a week, bail being refused.

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