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The Cork Examiner - Friday, April 5, 1895
London, Thursday. The hearing of the libel action brought by Mr Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed to-day at the Old Bailey.
The case for the plaintiff closed, and Mr Carson began his address for the defence.
The Brisbane Courier - Saturday, April 6, 1895
The hearing of the charge of criminal libel brought by Mr. Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed this morning.
Mr. Wilde, in further cross-examination, said he was acquainted with certain persons named Taylor, Parker, and Atkins. Taylor had introduced to him on separate occasions five young men, to whom he (witness) gave money. He was not aware that any of them were gentlemen's servants. He took pleasure in being in the company of bright and happy people, and he visited Taylor's room. He was aware that Taylor and Parker were once arrested, but he still continued on terms of friendship with them. Taylor introduced him to a youth named Ernest Scarp, who became acquainted with Lord Arthur Douglas during a voyage to Australia.
Mr. Wilde tendered to the Judge certain letters from the youths already mentioned, which were read, and showed that the writers were poverty-stricken, and implored him to give them assistance or employment.
Other letters were read in the court which showed that the Marquis of Queensberry had endeavoured to stop his son visiting Mr. Wilde, but his son (Lord Alfred Douglas) wired to the Marquis stating that "he (Wilde) was a funny little man." The Marquis then called at Mr. Wilde's house, and a furious scene ensued. Mr. Wilde denied the charge made against him, and showed the Marquis the door.
It transpired that the friendship between Mr. Wilde and Lady Queensberry (who last year obtained a decree of nullity of marriage) and her sons remains unbroken.
In the course of his cross-examination, Mr. Oscar Wilde admitted his close intimacy with young man introduced to him by Taylor. He said he was regardless of the social inferiority of those he associated with if they were amusing.
Lord Alfred Douglas's letters, read in court, showed that he threatened to shoot his father if the latter attempted to thrash him.
The Marquis of Queensberry's letters referred to several eminent statesmen, but the references were entirely of a political nature.
This closed Mr. Wilde's case.
Mr. Carson, Q.C., in opening the case for the defence, declared that Mr. Wilde's protégés were amongst the most immoral in London. He commented upon the fact that Taylor had not been called as a witness for the prosecution, and declared that Mr. Wilde's intimacies were absolutely irreconcilable with his claims to be an exponent of culture. Mr. Carson further contended that Mr. Wilde's literature alone justified the Marquis of Queensberry in the course he had taken. His witnesses, including Wood, the alleged chief blackmailer, would, Mr. Carson affirmed, prove his case up to the hilt.
The court then adjourned.
LONDON, April 5.
On the resumption of the case this morning Mr. Wilde's counsel withdrew from the case.
The jury brought in a verdict of "Not guilty," and stated that the charges made by the Marquis of Queensberry were made for the public benefit.
It is now expected that Mr. Oscar Wilde will be arrested.