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The hearing of the libel action brought by Mr Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry was resumed yesterday at the Old Bailey.

Mr Carson, Q C, M P, cross-examined the plaintiff at length as to his acquaintance with several persons, to whom he admitted having given money and presents.

In re-examination Sir Edward Clarke read a strong letter of warning against Wilde, addressed by Lord Queensberry to his son, Lord A Douglas, to which Lord A Douglas replied by telegram, "Queensberry, what a funny little man you are."

The case for the plaintiff closed, and Mr. Carson, Q C, began his address for the defence.

The trial of the Marquis of Queensberry on a charge of criminally libelling Mr. Oscar Wilde was commenced to-day, and created a great sensation, the court being thronged by an immense crowd of people. Mr. Oscar Wilde declared that he had paid heavy blackmail to recover some "gushing" letters he had written to Lord Alfred Douglas, the son of the Marquis, and which letters had been found in Lord Alfred's old clothes when they were given away. The defence that the Marquis was justified in leaving the alleged libellous card with the hall porter at Mr. Wilde's club with a view to bringing matters to a head, and, as he stated, saving his son, was based on the revelations said to be contained in these letters.

Mr. Wilde, after giving his evidence, was subjected to a stringent cross-examination with a view to showing that his book, "The Picture of Dorian Gray," and certain articles published in the magazine "Chameleon," with which he was connected, were inspired by criminal practices. Mr. Wilde, however, insisted that they were merely an expression of the artistic faculty; and, further, that his letters to Lord Alfred Douglas were prose poems — of an extraordinary character, perhaps, but not justifying any immoral interpretation. He admitted that he gave one of the alleged blackmailers £21, and entertained him at lunch afterwards in a private room. He also admitted that he had been on terms of intimacy with two lads who were not his social equals, and he gave them considerable sums of money and expensive presents because he liked them.

Mr. Wilde's epigrams, paradoxes, and general extravagance of demeanour during the progress of the case caused much amusement in court.

The case was eventually adjourned, the Marquis of Queensberry being admitted to bail.

LONDON, April 4.

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 men 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.