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London, April 6.--Mr. Oscar Wilde, who for twenty years has, after one fashion or another, attracted to himself the attention of the cultivated world both of England and America; who has posed by turns as a languorous aesthete, as a caustic cynic and as a producer of brilliant epigrams and witty paradox is, as I write, the occupant of a Bow Street Police Court cell on a charge which in the eyes of most honest men is even more odious than that of murder.

Yesterday was a day of sensationalism which, though one at least of its startling effects was carefully prepared in advance by a master hand, was in its essence intensely dramatic.

When Mr. Justice Collins took his seat on the Bench at the Old Bailey at half-past ten, the Court to outward appearances was the same as that of the two previous days, with the same crowd of standing and sitting spectators, with the Marquis of Queensberry quietly lounging over the rail of the dock in his customary attitude and with the long array of counsel fidgeting over their papers and briefs. But there was a feeling of expectancy as though something were about to happen, which in some vague way changed the entire aspect of things.

That the prosecutor was not in his usual place by his solicitor's side added, doubtless,to this strained feeling, but as his presence was not absolutely required at this stage, nothing conclusive was shown by his absence.

A CABLE DESPATCH FOR THE JUDGE.

The Judge, after making the customary bow to the jury, the Court and the bar, opened and read with impressive countenance a cable despatch which was lying on his desk. He said no word, however, but nodded to Mr. Carson to resume his address, which the latter did in his usual solemn but effective manner.

He began by saying that he now came to the more painful and distasteful part of his task, for he had to call one by one the subordinate actors in a hideous drama. After hearing the evidence they would have to hear, the jury would wonder, not that Lord Queensberry should have acted as he did, but that this man Wilde had been tolerated in London society so long as he had.

He then proceeded to outline the evidence which he was to produce, and clearly showed it was of a most horribly conclusive nature. While Mr. Carson was making this scathing attack upon the absent prosecutor, an attack which at times rose to the utmost height of withering vituperation, Sir E. Clarke had quietly left the Court, and had remained absent for some minutes.

THE FIRST SENSATION.

When he returned Mr. Carson was dealing with Mr. Wilde's conduct at Worthing and elsewhere, and pointing out in the most trenchant fashion the disgraceful audacity of his behavior upon the witness stand. At this point the first sensation of this sensational day occurred. Sir Edward plucked Mr. Carson by his gown and for a few moments the opposing counsel conferred together.

Then Sir Edward rose and, addressing the judge, said that Mr. Carson had on the previous day referred to certain literature and letters, and had hoped he had said enough to convince the jury on that score alone, without dealing with other issues. Lord Queensberry, in the libel complained of, had used the word "posing," and his colleagues knew that they could not resist a verdict of "Not guilty" in this case.

ASKS TO WITHDRAW.

Taking into consideration the word "posing," he now said that on behalf of Mr. O. Wilde he would ask to withdraw from the prosecution, and if at this stage of the case that were not allowed he was prepared to accept a verdict of "Not guilty" in reference to such parts of the plea of justification as referred to Dorian Grey and The Chameleon.

Mr. Carson said, so far as Lord Queensberry was concerned, that if the verdict should involve that he succeeded in his whole plea of justification he was quite satisfied.

Mr. Justice Collins in clear, precise tones set forth that in his opinion he did not think it was any part of the functions of a judge or jury to insist on going through prurient details when the prosecutor was prepared to acquiesce in a verdict of "Not guilty," but he went on:--

"As to the jury putting any limitation upon the verdict of justification, the justification is one which is justification of the charge, which is of "posing". If that is justified, it is justified; if it is not, it is not; and the verdict of the jury upon it must be "Guilty," or "Not guilty." I understand the prosecutor to assent to a verdict of "Not guilty."

A STORM OF APPLAUSE IN COURT.

He then directed the jury to return a verdict to this effect, which, in accordance with the usual formalities they proceeded to do, the foreman, however, adding that in their opinion the libel had been uttered for the public benefit. Then there arose such a storm of applause as has seldom been heard in a court of justice.

I am told on the best authority that the arrangement as to Mr. Wilde's withdrawal from the prosecution was arrived at between counsel late on Thursday night. Mr. Carson, however, insisted that he should be allowed to continue his address to the jury long enough to bring out such essential facts as he deemed necessary. Indeed the signal for Sir E. Clarke's rising was actually given by Mr. Carson himself, when he thought the proper moment had arrived.

Before Lord Queensberry and his counsel left the Court the following letter was written to the Hon. Hamilton Cuffe, Director of Public Prosecutions:-- 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.--Yours faithfully, Charles Russell.

And, then so far as Lord Queensberry was concerned, the case was ended. The rest lay with the Public Prosecutor.

"DONE MY DUTY.

"I think," said Lord Queensberry to me later in the afternoon when I found him at Carter's Hotel, Albemarle-street, his table littered with congratulatory telegrams which continued to arrive in batches at intervals, "I think I have done my duty, not only to my family and myself, but also to the community. It has cost me £1,200 and now if the law of England does not step in I must make my own law. I have sent a message to this creature Wilde that if he chooses to leave the country, I, for one, shall certainly not lift a finger to stay him, but he must distinctly understand that if he takes my son with him I shall follow him and shoot him like a dog. But I think he ought not to be allowed to leave the country; I think he ought to be placed where he can ruin no more-young men.

"For the part I have taken myself in this matter I can only say I acted absolutely and entirely from a sense of duty. Many of my friends have said, as many of these telegrams received also say, that I am to be commended for my pluck. I do not see that pluck had anything to do with it.

"I do not see that I could have acted otherwise than I have done and have preserved my self-respect I may tell you that the full measure of this man's baseness was not revealed to me until after my own arrest at his instance.

DEPTHS OF IMMORALITY.

"Then the evidence which accumulated and the voluntary confessions which were made to us showed us a depth of immorality which is almost incredible. But I have come to the conclusion that the man, if man you can call him, must be demented. No sane man could have adopted the tone he did on the witness stand ; no sane man could have made the ridiculous assertion you tell me he has concerning the reason of his counsel's withdrawal.

"Why he has not long since fled the country I cannot imagine, for he knew of our defence and our witnesses days ago, and must have anticipated the only result possible. I may tell you that our evidence was irrefutable, peculiarly so, indeed."

As I was talking to Lord Queensberry a serious conclave was in progress at Bow Street police court. When Mr. Russell's letter reached the Treasury the Hon. Hamilton Cuffe chanced to be there and at once went through the papers and communicated with the authorities at Scotland Yard.

They in turn applied to Sir J. Bridge, the presiding magistrate at Bow Street, who after personally examining two of the witnesses subpoenaed by Lord Queensberry's lawyers, signed at a quarter-past five a warrant of arrest for Mr. Wilde on the most serious charge short of a capital offence. This was taken by two detective-sergeants to the Cadogan Hotel, Sloane-street, where Wilde was known to be.

CLOSELY SHADOWED.

I may say here, by the way, that for the last six weeks he has been closely shadowed by the police authorities. At the hotel Mr. Wilde was found sitting in an armchair, smoking and chatting with the two Douglas boys.

When one of the detectives explained the nature of their visit, Mr. Wilde quietly said: "Oh ! May I ask what you are going to do with me?" He was told he would first be taken to Scotland Yard, and the warrant was read. "Shall I be kept in a cell all night?" he asked. "Yes," was the reply. "Can I be bailed out?" "That," said the detective, "is not a matter for me to decide."

Picking up and taking with him a number of the Yellow Book which lay on the table he then put on his coat and hat and accompanied the detectives in a cab to Scotland Yard. It then became evident that he had been drinking heavily. As he left the cab he nearly fell and reeled somewhat as he crossed the pavement.

At half-past eight he left Scotland Yard for Bow Street. On the way he asked various questions as to the treatment he might expect. Whether he might smoke in his cell, and so forth.

CONDUCTED TO A CELL.

Arrived at the station he was at once charged and while the warrant was read stood quietly and collectedly in the dock with his hands in his pockets. He said nothing in answer, save to ask that the date of the alleged offence, which was March 25, 1895, might be repeated. He was then searched, all valuables and papers taken from him and was immediately conducted to a cell.

Later a Mr. Rosse arrived with a bag containing Wilde's dressing-gown and so forth, but was not allowed to see him or to leave the bag, and later still Lord Alfred Douglas appeared with a substantial sum in his possession which he was prepared to offer as bail. It was, of course, refused. Wilde is treated as an ordinary prisoner, no indulgences of any sort being allowed to him.

I am told that the case had already been informally submitted to the Public Prosecutor, and so there was not the least delay in the action taken by that functionary.

I also heard that the detectives have been scouring the city in search of the man Taylor, for whom a warrant is already signed. He has been under police surveillance for some time, but unluckily was allowed to slip away early yesterday morning and has not been seen since. It is not expected that he has left the city.

I need not say that London yesterday afternoon and night was completely possessed of but one idea, and that idea concerned itself with the arrest of Mr. Wilde. Not only has he been for a very long time a prominent figure in literary and artistic circles, but for the last few years rumors and innuendoes which have caused Lord Queensberry to insist upon his son breaking off his intimacy with the dramatist have been prevalent, and have included the names not only of Wilde and his close intimates, but many well-known men of social as well as artistic distinction.

Things, indeed, have been fast reaching a point at which no man's name has been safe, and it is therefore felt by everyone that Lord Queensberry has rendered a positive service to the community. This at all events is the opinion I have heard expressed on every hand to-day.

Interest has of course attached to the course that would be taken by the managers of those theatres at which Mr. Wilde's plays are at present running. It was expected, indeed, by the majority of people that both would be immediately removed from the boards.

Neither Mr. Alexander nor Mr. Morrell, however, adopted this course. The author's name was omitted from the programme and the advertisements, and that was all. The attendance at both houses was, however, slight.

The prisoner will be brought before the magistrate at ten o'clock this morning.

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."