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

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

The galleries and the body of the Court were again thronged by half-past nine o’clock, and until the re-appearance of the learned judge barristers and members of the public spent their time in perusing the reports in the morning papers of yesterday’s proceedings. From the floor of the building to the ceiling printed broadsheets were everywhere visible, the noisy rustling of the papers mingling with the incessant chatter going on as to the prospects of the case.

Lord Queensberry had this morning made a slight change in his attire. Entering the dock with a confident air, he threw off a great cost, disclosing an under-garment of a moss-green hue and a neat white silk necktie.

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

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

The Plaintiff, Wilde, had up to this point been absent.

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

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

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

Mr Carson—I do not know, my lord, that I have any right to interefere at this stage in any way except to submit that as far as Lord Queensberry is concerned if there is to be a verdict of not guilty it involves also a verdict of justification. If your lordship takes that view I am satisfied. We must succeed in that plea, and upon it depends whether the course suggested by my learned friend can be adopted.

Mr Justice Collins—As to the jury putting any limitation upon the verdict the charge contained in the words "posing as a ——" is either justified or it is not justified, the verdict of the jury must be guilty or not guilty, and I understand the prosecution assent to a verdict of not guilty. There can be no limitation, and if the jury assent to the course suggested they will return a verdict of not guilty and they will find that the justification set up was true in substance and in fact, and that it was published for the public benefit.

Verdict of Not Guilty.

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

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

The foreman—We do, and that it was published for the public benefit.

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

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

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

The charge of criminal libel brought by Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry, which resulted in the acquittal of the accused without a stain on his character, and the subsequent prosecution of Wilde, are fully detailed in the papers brought by the mail delivered to-day.

Sir E. Clarke, Q.C., M.P., with Mr C. Mathews and Mr Travers Humphrey, appeared for the prosecution; Mr Carson, Q.C., Mr C.F. Gill, Q.C., and Mr A. Gill defended; and Mr Besley, Q.C., with Mr Monckton, watched the case on behalf of Lord Douglas Hawick.

After some preliminary evidence had been given Mr Oscar Wilde was called and examined by Sir E. Clarke. He said — I am the prosecutor in this case, and am 39 years of age. My father was Sir William Wilde, surgeon, of Dublin, and chairman of the Census commission. He died when I was at Oxford. I was a student at Trinity College, Dublin, where I took a classical scholarship and the gold medal for Greek. I then went to Magdalen College, Oxford, where I took a classical scholarship, a first in "Mods" and a first in "Greats" of the Newdigate prize for English verse. I took my degree in 1878, and came down at once. From that time I have devoted myself to art and literature. In 1882 I published a volume of poems, and afterwards lectured in England and America. I have written many essays of different kinds, and during the last few years have devoted myself to dramatic literature. In 1884 I married Miss Lloyd, and from that date till now have lived with her in Tite street, Chelsea. I have two sons, the eldest of whom will be ten in June, and the second nine in November.

In 1891 did you make the acquaintance of Lord Alfred Douglas? — Yes, he was brought to my house by a mutual friend. Before then I had not been acquainted with Lady Queensberry, but since then I have, and have been a guest in her house many times. I also knew Lord Douglas, of Hawick, and the late Lord Drumlanrig. Lord Alfred had dined with me from time to time at my house, and at the Albemarle Club, of which my wife is a member, and has stayed with us at Cromer, Goring, Worthing, and Torquay. In November, 1892, I was lunching with him at the Cafe Royal, where we met Lord Queensberry, and on my suggestion Lord Alfred went to him and shook hands. I was aware that there had been some estrangement between the two. Lord Queensberry joined us, and remained chatting with me. From 3rd November, 1892, till March, 1894, I did not see the defendant, but in 1893 I heard that some letters that I had addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas had come into the hands of certain persons.

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION.

Cross-examined by Mr Carson: You stated that your age was 39, I think you are over 40. You were born on 16th October, 1854? — I had no wish to pose as being young.

That makes you more than 40? — Ah!

In reply to further questions the prosecutor said: Lord Alfred Douglas is about 24, and was between 20 and 21 years of age when I first knew him. Down to the interview in Tite street Lord Queensberry had been friendly. I did not receive a letter on April 3 in which Lord Queensberry desired that my acquaintance with his son should cease. After the interview I had no doubt that such was Lord Queensberry's desire. Notwithstanding Lord Queensberry's protest my intimacy with Lord A. Douglas continues to the present moment.

You have stayed with him at many places? - Yes.

At Oxford, Brighton — on several occasions Worthing? — Yes.

You never took rooms for him? — No.

Were you at other places with him? — Cromer, Torquay.

And in various hotels in London? — Yes. One in Albemarle street, and in Dover street and at the Savoy.

Did you ever take rooms yourself in addition to your house in Tite street? — Yes, at 10 and 51, St. James's place. I kept the rooms from the month of October, 1893, to the end of March, 1894. Lord Douglas had stayed in those chambers, which were not far from Piccadilly. I had been abroad with him several times, and even lately to Monte Carlo. With reference to these books, it was not at Brighton in 20 King's road that I wrote my article in the "Chameleon." I observed that there were also contributions from Lord Alfred Douglas, but these were not written at Brighton. I had seen them. I thought them exceedingly beautiful poems. One was in "Praise of Shame," the other "Two Loves." One spoke of his love, and other boy's love as shame. Did you see in that any improper suggestion? — None whatever.

You read "The Priest and the Acolyte?" - Yes.

You have no doubt whatever that was an improper story? — From the literary point of view, it was highly improper.

May I take it that you think "The Priest and the Acolyte" was not immoral? — It was worse, it was badly written. (Laughter.)

Do you think the story blasphemous? — I think it violated every artistic cannon of beauty. I did not consider the story blasphemous.

A copy of "Lippincott's Magazine," in which the story of the "Dorian Gray" first appeared, was handed to its author.

Have you ever "madly adored" anybody many years younger than yourself? — I have reserved adoration for myself only.

Mr Carson then quoted an abstract from the Lippincott version of Dorian Gray, in which the artist tells Dorian of the scandals about him, and finally asks, "Why is your friendship so fatal to young men?"

Asked whether the passage in its ordinary meaning did not suggest a certain charge, witness stated that it described Dorian Gray as a man of very corrupt influence, though there was no statement as to the nature of his influence. "Nor do I think," he added, "that there is any bad influence in the world."

A man never corrupts a youth? — I think not.

Nothing he could do would corrupt him? — If you talk of separate ages.

Mr Carson: No, sir, I'm talking common sense.

Witness: I don't think that one person influences another.

You don't think that flattering a young man, making love to him, in fact, would be likely to corrupt him? — No.

Where was Lord Alfred Douglas staying when you wrote that letter to him? — At the Savoy, and I was at Torquay.

It was a letter in answer to something he had sent you? — Yes, a poem.

Was that an ordinary letter? - Certainly not.

"My own boy." Was that ordinary? — No. I have said it was not an ordinary letter.

Yes, but I wish to know in what it was extraordinary. Why should a man of your age address a boy nearly 20 years younger like that? — I was fond of him. I have always been fond of him.

Do you adore him? — No, but I have always liked him. I think it is a beautiful letter. It is a poem. You might as well cross-examine me as to whether "King Lear" or a sonnet of Shakapeare was proper.

Apart from art, Mr Wilde? — I cannot answer apart from art.

Suppose a man who was not an artist had written this letter, would you say it was a proper letter? — A man who was not an artist could not have written that letter. (Laughter).

Why? — Because nobody but an artist could write it. He certainly could not write the language unless he was a man of letters.

Have you often written letters in the same style as this? — I don't repeat myself in style.

Here is another letter which I believe you also wrote to Lord Alfred Douglas. Will you read it? — No, I decline; I don't see why I should.

Then I will: -

Savoy Hotel, Thames Embankment, W.C. — Dearest of all boys, — Your letter was delightful, red and yellow wine to me, but I am sad and out of sorts. Boysey, you must not make scenes with me. They kill me, they wreck the loveliness of life. I cannot see you, so Greek and gracious, distorted with passion. I cannot listen to your young lips saying hideous things to me. I would sooner -

Here a word is indecipherable, but I will ask the witness.

than have you bitter, unjust, hating, I must see you soon. You are the divine thing I want, the thing of grace, but I don't know how to do it. Shall I come to Salisbury? My bill here is L49 for a week. (Laughter.) Why is it you are not here, my dear, my wonderful boy I fear I must have no money, no credit. — Your own OSCAR.

Is that an ordinary letter? — Everything I write is extraordinary. I do not pose as being ordinary. (Laughter.)

Have you got his letter in reply? — I do not recollect what letter it was.

It was not a beautiful letter? — I do not remember the letter.

You describe it as "delightful red and yellow wine to you"? — Oh, of course, a beautiful letter, certainly.

What would you pay for that beautiful letter? — I could not get a copy.

How much would you give if you could get a copy? — Oh, I do not know.

Was this one of yours a beautiful letter? — Yes; it was a tender expression of my great admiration for Lord Alfred Douglas. It was not like the other — a prose poem.

Then Mr Wilde was asked several peculiar questions as to the manner in which Taylor's apartments were furnished. He would not say the appointments were luxurious, but much taste was displayed.

Were the rooms not always darkened? — No.

Did you see any other light to that afforded by candle or lamp? — I generally went there about tea-time, and I suppose it was dark then.

Were the windows covered by double curtains? — It is quite possible, but I can't tell you.

Were the rooms not always strongly perfumed? — Yes, a little perfume, I believe, was used.

Mr Wilde's memory was next taxed in regard to a youth named Mayor. This youth had not been seen of late, and the suggestion was that he had been spirited away, but this Mr Wilde denied.

Coming back again to the acquaintance with Taylor, Mr Carson asked whether that individual figured in female attire, but Mr Wilde was not aware of it.

Was Taylor a literary person, Mr Wilde? — He was a young man of great taste.

Did you discuss literary matters with him? — He used to listen, said Mr Wilde — and the court laughed.

There was another youth named "Fred," said Mr Carson. — There was, replied Mr Wilde. He used to visit at Taylor's place.

Had you ever any trouble over Fred? — None.

Do you know that the police at one time were watching you and Taylor? — No.

Do you know that Taylor and a man named Parker were arrested during a raid made last year at a house in Fitzroy-square? — Yes; I heard so.

Do you know Parker? — Yes.

And now do you that Taylor was notorious for introducing young men to older men? — No.

Has he introduced many to you? — Six or seven: no — about five.

All of whom you know by their Christian names? — Yes.

Have you given money to them? — Yes, all five, I suppose — money or presents.

Did Taylor introduce you to Charles Parker? — Yes.

Was he a gentleman's servant out of employment? — How do I know?

If he had not been a gentleman's servant out of employment you would not have become friendly with him? — I become friendly with anyone I take a liking to.

Was he an artist or a literary man? — Culture was not his strong point, replied Oscar, lightly.

What is he now? — I have not the remotest idea.

How much money have you given Parker? — Four or five pounds.

What for? — Because he was poor, and I liked him. What better reason?

Where did you first see Parker? — At a restaurant — Kettner's.

Was his brother with him? — Yes.

Did you become familiar with him? — They were my guests; they were at my table, so of course I did.

Did you not say that night of Charlie Parker, in the presence of others, "This is the boy for me; will you come with me?" — Most certainly not.

But he went with you afterwards to your rooms at the Savoy Hotel? — He did not.

You gave him money? — Yes. Four pounds or so. He said he was hard-up.

Then Mr Carson asked; Now, Mr Wilde, I ask you what was there in common between you and this young fellow? — I will tell you. I like the society of people who are younger than myself. I recognise no social distinctions of any kind. To me the mere fact of youth is so wonderful that I would sooner talk to a young man for half an hour than even be cross-examined by you in court.

Mr Wilde then went on to admit that he had taken Parker to the Crystal Palace and other places, but denied absolutely the suggestions made.